Greenup County has 8 unique cities, 3 downtowns, and a state resort park. There is a large geographic distance between populated areas. Some of the cities/downtowns have organized volunteer groups with established holiday traditions such as events and parades while other cities do not. The Greenup Arts program works to support Tourism by collaborating with local volunteers to provide leadership, organizational management guidance, emergency management best practices for events, and specialized programming support. 

In 2024, Greenup Arts was invited to assist with Holiday Open House at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and Christmas on the Square in downtown Greenup which is the county seat. Partners at Greenbo were the Greenup County Homemakers Association, Greenup County Quilt Guild, Greenup Performing Arts Roster, and Ashland Area Music Teachers Association. Partners in downtown Greenup were the Greenup Beautification Committee, Greenup County Tourism, Greenup Old Fashion Days Parade Committee, members of the Greenup Business Association including Helping Hands, and two downtown churches. 

Partnering groups provided their expertise to each event and the leadership teams worked together to coordinate services, schedules, advertising, budget, volunteers, safety management, communication between partners, venue needs, and evaluation. Events included handmade decorations, vendors, live music performances, give-aways/prizes, local service information for families, free activities including photo opportunities with Santa and crafts, and a large parade with fire departments and elected officials. Local business benefited from the high traffic and volunteers were thanked and recognized for their time and talents. Communities benefitted from the holiday atmosphere that boosts community pride and engagement.    

Target audience was local families as well as tourists who may visit from outside the county. The state park event reported 300 guests and the downtown event reported 700. All attendees received Extension materials, including SNAP recipes, and were encouraged to get involved in other Extension program activities. Follow up meetings reported outcomes of community pride, family friendly physical and creative activity, economic development and support for small business, leadership development, placemaking, and continued partnerships.