By Theresa Armstrong

Reporter

tarmstrong@gcnewsgazette.com

With the Christmas season upon us, the Grayson County Tourism Commission has focused on a new attraction in the Leitchfield area.

What was previously known “Light up the Park” at Rough River State Park has moved to the city park in Leitchfield. 

The tourism commission has teamed up with the city of Leitchfield with “Light up Leitchfield” which will be held at the James D. Beville City Park.

The lighting of the displays will be on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. and will officially kick off the Christmas season.

The displayed will then light up Leitchfield from dusk until 10 p.m. during the holiday season.

“We are encouraging people to enter through Radford Way (the north entrance of Beville park),” said Director of the Grayson County Tourism Director Ilsa Johnson, “follow the signs around the park and exit on Bobby Bland Way.”

In addition to the lighting ceremony there will be guest speakers, live music by Lawler and Wilkey elementary school chorus’ with refreshments and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus with goody bags for the children.

With the limited electrical outlets available at the city park the tourism commission had 20 outlets installed and this year will have 20 light displays by the local government offices, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and a few previous supporters.

“We have enough electrical outlets for 20 displays this year and the goal is to add 20 more next year, so we can increase the local participation each year as electrical service is added,” Johnson.

Other events around the county will include the city of Caneyville’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Friday, December 6 p.m. at the Bank of Caneyville.

The ceremony will begin with a brief devotional and special music by the Caneyville Elementary School Chorus, followed by Santa arriving in town on the fire engine to give children the opportunity to share their wishes with him. Treat bags and refreshments will be provided by the City of Caneyville

The festivities will continue on Saturday morning with the annual 5K Run, 1-Mile Fun Walk & Kid’s Fun Run at Leitchfield City Park. This event is sponsored by Grayson County 4-H and Grayson County Diabetes Coalition.

Registration begins at 7:15 am with the race starting at 8 am CST.  The registration fee for the 5K is $15,  the Fun Walk fee is $10 and Kids Fun Run fee  is $7. 

Awards will be presented for the overall male and female and the top finisher in each age group.  All participants will receive a t-shirt. For more information call Kindra Ewin at(270) 259-3492.

Southern States Leitchfield Cooperative will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Country Ham Day, from 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

The Grayson County Historical Society will sponsor “An Uptown Yard Sale” at 8 a.m. The upscale event is to be held inside the Jack Thomas House.  Donations will be accepted prior to the event.  For more information call (270) 230-8989 or (270) 879-8910.

Rocky-K Log Homes will hold a Christmas crafts show and holiday open house from 9 am – 3 pm.

This event will allow the public to tour a spectacular log home all decked out for the holiday and begin holiday shopping with this annual favorite at an a new location.  Attendees will be given the chance to view and purchase work from talented local crafters and artists.

Refreshments will be provided and door prizes will be given away by each participating vendor. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Family Resource Centers of Grayson County for Christmas for families in need. Contact Sandy Kiper at (270) 259-5972 for more information.

The annual Hometown Christmas Parade sponsored by the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 6. The parade theme is travel “Right Down Santa Claus Lane”.

Line-up for the parade will begins at 9 a.m. at the Grayson County Fairgrounds with the parade route ending at to Southgate Mall. For more information or to pre-register, call the Chamber at 259-5587.

After the parade the Grayson County Health & Wellness Coalition will host its annual Health Fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the St. Joseph Parrish Center.

Several community partners will provide a variety of free services The services will include blood pressure, vision, weight and hearing checks, as well as information on massage and physical therapy, medical care for children and healthy lifestyles for everyone.  For more information call Kristy Hodges at 259-4011.

Saturday afternoon the Grayson County Public Library will sponsor “A Kiddie Christmas” from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. There will be activities galore for the young and young-at-heart, the activities will include crafts, face painting and more at the library. The youngsters will also be given the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Santa. Contact Laura Lindsey at 259-5455.

The holiday events will continue on Sunday, December 7, with “Christmas in Clarkson” at 4:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by City of Clarkson. The festivities will begin at Clarkson City Hall as the Clarkson community starts the holiday season with an afternoon of fun for all beginning with the special tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Santa. 

There will be music and caroling provided, and refreshments will be served.

 For more information call (270)-242-6997.