Catlettsburg Tradition Continues Labor Day Weekend
Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
For over 50 years, area residents have gathered each Labor Day weekend in Catlettsburg for an end-of-summer celebration. Indeed, it has become a tradition for many families, especially for the parade on Labor Day morning and the country music concert that evening.
This year will be no different. The weekend will be packed full of fun things to do. September 2 – 5 will find the streets of Catlettsburg crowded with vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and of course the great citizens of the area.
The events actually start before the weekend on Thursday, August 31 with the Gate City 5K Walk and Run. The starting point for the 5K will be at the Boyd County Extension Office, 2420 Center Street, at 7 p.m. It is sponsored by the Ashland Breakfast Club.
Most everyone enjoys fireworks. Catlettsburg has a special fireworks show planned for Friday night, September 1. The show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. at 26th Street and the Riverfront.
Saturday afternoon will bring a Community Walk from 1 – 3 p.m. beginning at Catlettsburg Harvest Church of God, 105 36th Street and ending at 26th Street and the Riverfront. Also, at the Riverfront at 4 p.m. is a fun event called the Kenducky Derby. Moving to the Little League Field, 3739 Park Street, is Bash in the Burg sponsored by Giovanni’s of Catlettsburg. Food trucks will be open at 6 p.m. and FTC Pro Wrestling will begin at 7 p.m.
The Thomas R. Brown/CHS Class Reunion will be at Catlettsburg Elementary School on Sunday at 3 p.m. with dinner being served at 5 p.m. The Jay Humphreys Trio will be in concert on the Courthouse lawn at 4:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the great music. In case of rain, the concert will be held at England Hill Free Will Baptist Church.
Labor Day Monday brings the events that everyone waits for! Lineup for the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. at Oakland Avenue Baptist Church. The parade starts through downtown Catlettsburg at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “A Salute to the Volunteer” and the Grand Marshall is Natasha Gussler Kinnan. The Announcer will be Andrew Greene with the Invocation to be given by Rev. Bruce Lee from the Catlettsburg Community Church. Mike Wurts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Aaron Bowling, Choir Director at Boyd County High School, will sing the National Anthem and My Old Kentucky Home.
The craft and merchandise vendors who line the streets beginning at 8 a.m. are always good for those who enjoy shopping. You can often find unique items that make great gifts. Of course, the kids will enjoy the carnival rides and arcades, and everyone loves the food trucks! Can’t you just taste that delicious funnel cake and ice-cold lemonade?
The lineup of entertainment for Monday afternoon at the courthouse is stellar! She and I Band will start things off at 11 a.m., followed by Rachel Messer & Conner Dale at noon. Area favorite Shelby Lore performs at 1 p.m. with Mattox Hale closing out the afternoon at 2 p.m.
A little later that evening, you won’t want to miss the main concert event at the main stage on 26th Street and George Jones Way! Singer/Songwriter David Wills starts the evening off at 6:30. Popular duo, Dailey & Vincent, follows at 7:30 with a unique blend of country, bluegrass, and gospel music. Lonestar takes the stage at 9:15 with their award-winning country music. This free concert is sponsored by the City of Catlettsburg and Kindred Communications and promises to be a great close-out to the weekend events.
Don’t miss the fun in Catlettsburg, Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 4. Check out the Catlettsburg Labor Day Facebook page for more information!