By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
A new festival that celebrates an Appalachian favorite is coming to Olive Hill later this month. The Blackberry Ramble, a planned annual event, was put together by organizer Loretta Leadingham, a self-confessed lover of blackberries and of everything local people make with them. The festival will be held on June13, at the Depot in Olive Hill from 10 am until 8 pm, and Leadingham is certain it will be something no one wants to miss.
“The Blackberry Ramble came about through the love of a small community and my home,” Leadingham said.
The event is designed to bring people together and showcase everything that makes this region special, and of course enjoying the various blackberry treats that have been popular in Carter County for generations.
Leadingham said there are a lot of other things the Blackberry Ramble has to offer in addition to delicious blackberry food items. The daylong event is also packed with entertainment for people to enjoy while indulging their sweet tooth. There will be live performances by regional favorites and special guests. Attendees can enjoy performances by Seven Turn, a classic rock/country band from nearby Morehead, and comedian Cledus T. Judd. Terry Murphy and Kisha Rose will also be performing live at the festival.
“There will be a lot of homemade blackberry items,” Leadingham said. “And we will have fresh blackberries for people who want to take some home to make cakes and other things.”
In addition to the entertainment, Leadingham said there will also be a lot of other activities for all ages.
“There will be inflatables, face painting, a cotton candy station, and a surprise character appearance for children. We will be having the Blackberry Pageant at 11 am, but registration for that part of the event begins at 10:15. We are also going to be having a BlackBerry Idol singing competition,” Leadingham said. “And that will give participants a time to shine.”
“We want to show the world what talent we have here in Eastern Kentucky, and who knows, maybe they will find themselves on American Idol one day,” Leadingham said of the competition. “The great Tom T. Hall was born right here in Carter County Kentucky. It’s time for more talent to be revealed.”
Leadingham invites everyone to come out to the Blackberry Ramble and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Vendors from all over the area will be bringing handmade arts and crafts, there will be boutique items, and a wide selection of goods made in the Bluegrass State. Leadingham encourages everyone to browse through jams and jellies, dumplings, teas, and other treats that showcase the creativity Kentucky is known for producing. And of course, blackberry is king of the ramble, so if there is a particular blackberry dish you enjoy then you are sure to find it there.
Leadingham said the Blackberry Ramble is about celebrating local pride and sharing it with others. “Our hope for this event is to showcase the talent in Eastern Kentucky and show the world what an awesome small town and community Olive Hill is,” Leadingham said. “There is so much beauty in Carter County, and with continued support, this festival will grow and draw visitors from all over Kentucky and other states. That is our dream.”
The Blackberry Ramble is still open to sponsors and vendors who would like to take part in what is planned to become an annual event. Leadingham said for more information, those interested can visit the event’s Facebook Page or call her directly at 606-548-7686.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
