Success StoryRiver Festivus



River Festivus

Author: Elijah Wilson

Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES

Major Program: Economic Development

Plan of Work: Sustainable Economic Development

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Cumberland County continues to reap the benefits of a project that first began 6 years ago as a youth service project. The project convened a group of dedicated community leaders that resulted in a partnership among, local businesses, Cumberland County Extension, and the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce that is focused on community beautification and revitalization. 

In 2018, the group called Partners with Pride created and sponsored a new festival focused on promoting local tourism. The River Festivus was held the 3rd weekend in August in Burkesville. The 3-day event featured, kayak, paddle board, and canoe races. The festival also featured a 5K race, car show, fishing tournament, and a concert from a national performing band. Promotional videos about the event were viewed by 42,374 people on Facebook and all hotels and resorts were at full capacity during the festival. Plans are now underway for the 2nd annual River Festivus. 

Since its inception, Partners with Pride has raised over $108,000 in private funds that has been used for multiple community development projects. The group is also working to help the City of Burkesville become a certified Kentucky Trail Town. As a result of the partnership the City of Burkesville was awarded a TAP(Transportation Alternative Program ) grant for $178,536 in April 2019 to improve sidewalks from the town square to the ramp at the Cumberland River. It will facilitate the pedestrian flow from between the town square, senior citizen center, park, and river.






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