For the past 11 years, the last weekend in September is when everyone gets out in the country, shops local, visits local farms, businesses, churches and spends the weekend enjoying the annual Heritage Harvest Tour. The Lawrence County ANR Extension Agent collaborated with local farmers, business owners and churches to plan a self guided tour through Eastern Appalachia. The tour takes you back into time and shows you how life was many years ago. Tour goers see antique farm equipment, a spinning wheel in action,  and they get home cooked country meals all while shopping for their fall decorations. Agri-tourism in Lawrence County is growing more and more every year. The Heritage Harvest Tour brings individuals from all over Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio into the small community to show support and interest in what the Lawrence County community has to offer. The tour was advertised heavily in the local newspapers and social media. With COVID numbers spiking, the tour stops were very concerned that the turnout would not be successful but, only positive feedback was received. The tour was thankful for loyal tour goers and their continued support. One of the ladies who originally helped organize the tour and has been involved since the beginning said the harvest tour has made a huge impact in Lawrence County. "The Harvest Tour gives people the opportunity to connect with the agricultural community on a personal level. And in turn, gives the farmers and small rural businesses the chance to showcase their products, that might not have otherwise been seen. It’s a win-win for consumer and producer.”  8 locations were scattered along the Route 3 and Route 23 tour. The tour-stops during the 2021 tour estimated a total profit of $60,000.00. This was not an increase or a decrease in profit for the tour but, due to COVID-19 the ANR Extension Agent and the Harvest Tour committee saw it as a success. 

The Heritage Harvest Tour gave individuals in our community something to look forward to while also being safe. Most all of the tour stops were outdoors where it was easy to social distance. Tour goers made comments to the ANR Extension Agent that they were so excited that we had the tour this year and it gave them something to look forward to. Events like the Heritage Harvest Tour are not only great for economic growth they are also beneficial to the communities overall pride and happiness.