Annual Kentucky Apple Festival still going strong after 60 years in Johnson County
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
The City of Paintsville has kicked off its 60th Annual Kentucky Apple Festival this week with the yearly pageant that was held this past weekend and many more upcoming events this week.
Starting today, Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Thursday, Oct. 3 the carnival will open at 5 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. An opening ceremony is slated for 8:30 a.m., Friday with School Events following at 9 a.m. including Art, Penmanship, Math and Spelling competitions that will take place at the Courthouse Main Stage.
Immediately following school events will be the crowning of Jr. Miss/Miss Apple Blossom and Old Fashion Costume Contest.
Music on the Street will begin after the events at the Courthouse Main Stage with JCMS/JCHS Choirs at 12:30 p.m.; Ian Onkst at 4 p.m.; Troy Carlos Band at 4:45 p.m.; Chessie and Nathan at 5:45 p.m.; Mocking Jean at 6:45 p.m.; Guns for Hire at 7:45 p.m.; and 8:30 p.m., Jason Michael Carroll takes the stage.
Flea markets, merchant mart, food vendors and arts and crafts will be open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The carnival will begin at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday the highlighted events will be the Kentucky Apple Festival Car, Truck and Bike Show at the Citizens Bank of Kentucky starting at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Judging starts at 10 a.m. Trophies and awards will be given at 1 p.m. Entry fee for the car, truck and bike show is $20.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. with a total of $1,450 in prize money given across three categories of originality, most work involved and neatness.
The theme for the parade is “Seed to Celebration: 60 Years of the Kentucky Apple Festival”
First place winner will receive The Golden Delicious Award of $700, second place the McIntosh Award $500 and third place The Rome Beauty Award $250.
There will be a 5K Run at 5 p.m., registration will be at the Health Department. Everyone is welcome to the Run, Walk or Sleep event. Anyone can support Main Street Players without even getting out of bed with the $25 sleep-in option.
Again, music on the stage will be going on all day Saturday, beginning with Paintsville Choir at 10 a.m.; Adelyn Ramey at 11 a.m.; Idle Time at 12:15 p.m.; Long Shot at 1:15; Travis Caudill at 4:30; Terry Miller at 5:30; County Line Revival at 6:30; Eddie Jenkins & 606 Sound at 7:30; and Ricochet takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.