Discover Greenup and Kite Day

The Greenup County Tourism Commission (GCTC) has undergone drastic changes over the past year. Because the former director left abruptly, leaving behind some complication, there was a need for someone to take the helm and establish procedures for communication, recordkeeping, grants, programming, marketing, and ethical practices of community development. As an Extension Agent working in the area of community arts and development, I was asked to take on the role of Chairperson of the Greenup County Tourism Commission. Extension is known for education, professionalism, and community support. I am honored to represent my county in this way as an Agent. 

In the first year, GCTC has established two programs that have changed the reputation of local Tourism in a positive way. 

Discover Greenup is a local push for Tourism within the county that is motivated by elevating community pride and awareness of the destinations, restaurants, shopping, and other opportunities for the people who live in Greenup County. GCTC believes that greater Tourism efforts will be reached when the local community pride and involvement of the community is at a higher level. Each city in Greenup County, including new and established businesses, are taking part in this program. 

Kite Day was the first Tourism sponsored event in Greenup County. It took place in the least populated community in Greenup County which is also the North-most part of the county. The goal was to reach out to the most underserved population with a large, free, highly marketed family friendly event to bring attention to that area of the county. It was a huge success! 

With attendance of over 500 (even on a secondary day due to inclement weather), all prepared give-aways of kites, books, publications, craft activities, snow cones, and games were exhausted. The guest kite club sold out of kites, the food truck sold out of food, the balloon artist didn’t stop all day, and everyone left in agreement that Kite Day will become a recurring event in South Shore, Kentucky on the second Saturday in April each year.   

Event partners were: Greenup County Tourism Commission, Greenup County Extension, Greenup County Schools, Greenup County Library, and New Age Kite Club.