More people are continuing to stay home to enjoy local events, according to attendance statistics from the Caneyville Fair and Homecoming.

The annual event, held the first week in October, closes out the fair season each year for Grayson County residents.

This year was especially important for Caneyville, because it was the 75th anniversary of the Caneyville Fair.

According to Caneyville Community Club President Deborah Lambert, attendance levels were at about 3,000 people a night.

Because of higher attendance numbers the club was able to raise over $800 for the Christmas for Kids program.

The money was collected during Saturday’s karaoke event, held inside the old Caneyville Elementary School gymnasium.

The club takes referrals from officials at the Caneyville Elementary School, the Grayson County Middle School, and the Grayson County High School for students who are in need.

The only stipulation was the students must be from the Caneyville area.

After the list is compiled, the parents are contacted to make sure the club can help them.

Community Club members meet at WalMart in Leitchfield and purchase needed items for the kids.

Each recipient receives one top, one bottom, gloves, a board game for their family, and a toy.

Last year the club was able to help over 70 families.

“The way the economy is we will probably have to help out more families this year,” said Lambert.

Lambert added there were a lot of firsts for the festivities this year.

“It was the first time in 14 years that teachers and students participated in the Caneyville parade on Friday.”

Four of the floats were completely constructed by students and teachers from Caneyville Elementary School.

Employees with Bel Brands in Leitchfield also participated in the parade for the first time this year.

“It was the biggest and best parade we have had in years,” explained Lambert. “The weather was fantastic.”

The parade started at the new Caneyville Elementary School, off of East Maple Street, and ended at the old elementary school.

“The karaoke competition was a big hit,” said Lambert excitedly. “There were 16 who participated in the adult category and eight who participated in the younger category. We charged a .75¢ admission. It was a packed house. We were very impressed with the turnout.”

Booth sales were up this year as well.

“We had 30 booths set up this year,” explained Lambert. “We were almost to capacity. There were some people who even came in from surrounding counties to set up.”

Lambert wants to thank all of the volunteers for their help during the weekend’s festivities.

She said it takes nine people per hour volunteering for the food booth alone, and two volunteers per hour volunteering for the bingo booth.

“It takes a lot of manpower to pull off this event,” added Lambert. “We were at the fairgrounds yesterday (October 6) until two p.m. The inmates were a huge help to us also. We would not have been able to do this without them. They came out a week before the fair and cleaned the streets for us. They also helped with fair clean up afterwards.”