Kentucky's Official State Honey Festival is back in Clarkson on September 22-26, bringing with it, additional musical talent, an extended armband night for kids and many more contests and games.

The Clarkson Honeyfest brings in visitors from not only Kentucky, but also surrounding states, to enjoy three days of fun-filled events mostly free of charge.

Nationally-known Gospel group, The Primitive Quartet, will perform in front of Clarkson City Hall on Thursday night. Also playing on that night will be local acts McDonald Road and Family Ties. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m.

Kids will be especially excited this year with the welcomed addition of another armband night for rides. Wednesday night will be opening night for carnival rides, starting at 5 p.m. Kids can enjoy all the rides they want for a discounted rate.

The Honeyfest 5K Race and Walk has changed to Wednesday also. That activity begins at 6 p.m. beside the old Baptist Church in Clarkson. Last year there were close to 60 participants.

Other changes to this year's Honeyfest include new categories for the amateur pet show on Thursday (beginning at 4:45 p.m.), a bicycle ride for all ages on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. (children must be accompanied by an adult) and the installment of a new website, www.clarksonhoneyfest.com. The website gives a detailed description of all activities scheduled for 2009.

Honeyfest Committee Coordinator Vanda Ray said the group was looking forward to another big year.

"This is going to be our 15th year," Ray explained. "We try to do something extra special every five years for everybody."

Saturday continues to be the biggest day for spectators. The honey-themed parade starts at 9 p.m. A Tae Kwon Do martial arts demonstration will be held in the Bank of Clarkson parking lot, immediately following the parade.

A karaoke contest will be held at 1 p.m. on that same day. A pedal tractor pull will immediately follow, and the Bobby Joe Band will close out the night.

Ray said the parade continues to be one of her favorite festivities.

"Everybody wants to be here on Saturday for the parade," she urged. "It really is an awesome experience. This year we are going to start float judging at 7:45 a.m. instead of 8 a.m."

According to Ray, the main reason the Honeyfest continues to be so successful is because of keeping all priced events at a reasonable rate. All proceeds that are collected each year go towards helping out the community.

"We donate some of our proceeds collected to the Clarkson Elementary School," Ray explained. "That money is used for prizes for the hat contest and spelling bee. The remaining money goes for band fees (this year's total is over $5,000) and to help out with next year's Honeyfest."