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The History of McCrearyFest
The McCrearyFest began as a community event in November 1980, and moved to October in 1981, where it has remained, earning October 2008 the privilege to mark the 29th Annual McCrearyFest parade and festivities, a combination of Southern charm, regional music, a lively street concert, and colorful people. Sometimes called “Homecoming” or “October Fest” by locals, McCrearyFest is the oldest continually held festival in McCreary County, and consequently one of the oldest in the commonwealth of Kentucky. It is held the first weekend of each October.
The host to the popular event is Whitley City, the seat of McCreary County, an area sometimes called the “Heart of the Upper South,” or, for its many natural wonders and resources, “Kentucky’s Outdoor Playground.“ For those who take part in McCrearyFest, included in the prize package is world famous Cumberland Falls (the site of the only moonbow in the western hemisphere, and called the Niagara of the South), sky high Yahoo Falls (at 120 feet, the tallest waterfall in Kentucky), the breathtaking beauty of Eagle Falls, miles and miles of hiking trails, gorges, overlooks, campgrounds, and natural archways. Keeping in pace with Kentucky’s thriving horse industry, McCreary County offers many events for the equine enthusiast, while water lovers can chase rapids down the Cumberland River. Yet, McCreary County is no stranger to history either, and opens its doors to history lovers everywhere. Perched just inside Kentucky’s Eastern Coalfields, the Blue Heron and Barthel Mining Camps have been recreated, bringing the early days of mountain living and the days of the Great Depression alive. Both camps are open to visitors, who can tour them by train on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Just minutes from Whitley City, Historic Stearns and the McCreary County Museum provide haven for those interested in McCreary County’s past. American Indian lovers will be thrilled by the legend of the Cherokee’s Princess Cornblossom and Big Jake Troxell. And Civil War lovers cannot be forgotten. McCreary County was site to many skirmishes between the blue and the gray, and sits an hour from Mill Springs Battlefield. But that’s not all.
Established in 1912 as the youngest of Kentucky’s 120 counties, McCreary County was named in honor of two-term Kentucky governor and Confederate War Hero, James Bennett McCreary (Lt. Colonel, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA). McCreary had ridden with General John Hunt Morgan, and was captured
by Union forces in 1863 near the Ohio River. Though a prisoner, Colonel McCreary had concealed $100 in gold in the seams of his clothing. With part of this, he had induced a Union soldier to sell him a long knife. It was agreed that, with the knife, McCreary should grapple the guard, overpower him, then escape to Confederate sympathizers in Canada. But before the plan could come to fruition, the knife was discovered in McCreary‘s mattress. As a result, McCreary was placed in a dungeon, where he flatly refused to cooperate with his captives. His condition only worsened. From there, he was sent east to Ft. Delaware before being sent to Morris Island, South Carolina, where he was held with other Confederate soldiers as "human shields" in front of Union artillery emplacements that were shelling the city of Charleston. These men became known as the “600 Immortals.“ Surviving, McCreary addressed crowds at the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and went on to serve as a U.S. Senator and twice as Kentucky’s Governor (1875-79, 1912-16).
History, though, is not all that comes alive in the hills and hollows surrounding McCrearyFest. While in the past, each annual event had its own theme, in 2006, the McCreary Fest Board of Directors voted to make McCrearyFest an event catered to regional enthusiasts, ushering in dozens of regional artists, musicians, and crafters. The festival includes live regional music that will liven the soul, a parade to thrill the eyes, flavourful arts and crafts by local and regional artists, alluring aromas to excite the taste buds in the food court, a classic car cruise, exciting children's activities, and an art show to display the talent in the hills. Don’t miss participating in the poker run, the crowning of a queen at the annual Miss McCreary Fest pageant, a hotly contested mystery search challenge, an essay contest, a talent show, and a street concert all in the days and weeks leading up to a festival that's been called "better than the World's Fair!"
For a taste of what we have to offer, Y'all Come!
If you have ideas to improve McCrearyFest, or you're interested in volunteering with McCrearyFest or potentially filling a vacated board seat for 2008, please email us here: mccrearyfest@hotmail.com
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