By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
The Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce will hold their sixth annual It’s Fall Y’all vendor and craft festival this Saturday, with a variety of events and entertainment throughout the day. While old favorites like the Punkin’ Chunkin’ contest and Bed Racing are back, event organizers Lisa Conley and Tammy Moore said this year there is an increased focus on local musical entertainment, as the event seeks to celebrate the life and legacy of singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall.
Hall, who passed away last year, was known for his story songs based on life in and around Olive Hill, so Conley and Moore said they wanted to spotlight other artists who were inspired by life in Carter County. Three of the young musicians – Roy Utley, Corey Hedge, and Tyler Stinson – are from the Olive Hill area, Conley explained. Keeley Overbee, the final performer of the day, is the only artist who isn’t local, hailing from Winchester.
Utley is the first up, at 11 a.m. He’s followed by Hedge at Noon, Stinson at 1, and Overbee at 2 p.m.
While the music is a draw in its own right, it also serves as the soundtrack to a variety of events and contests.
Pumpkin bowling, for children under 12, is available throughout the day with prizes awarded to all participants. Other events open to children include the Speed Tic Tac Toe contest, open to all ages and beginning at 11 a.m. and the Pool Noodle Toss, also open to all ages and starting at 11:30.
The popular Punkin’ Chunkin’ contest takes place at Noon, and while there aren’t any age restrictions, competitors are expected to toss a pumpkin as far as possible. Think a shot put toss, but with vegetables.
There are other contests for kids though. If pumpkins are too heavy, children 12 and under can participate in a bean bag toss at 1 p.m. and play Pumpkin Pong at 1:30 p.m.
The other big adult event after Punkin’ Chunkin’ is the Bed Races. Last year that event drew a number of community teams, with the team from Trail Town bringing home the win with the shortest time. But the race aspect is only half the fun. Last year Team Aches and Pains might have turned in the slowest time, but the personality projected in their performance made them a fan favorite despite the slow time.
The bed races are open to teams comprised of members age 13 and older, and begin at 2 p.m. on Tygart Street, between the Depot and the creek.
Vendor booth decoration contest results will be announced at 3:30, before the event wraps up at 4 p.m.
In addition to vendors, local organizations and community groups will also have booths set up at the event, which is free and open to everyone.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
[…] He’s a musician who, rightfully, continues to be celebrated. I found three separate occasions in the last couple of weeks honoring Tom T. Hall, which serve as a testament to the impact his work has had across many genres of music. Last weekend in Carter County, Kentucky, the Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce held its annual “It’s Fall, Y’all” festival, which featured music and activities honoring Hall. The Carter County Times explains: […]