In 2013, the Hatfield & McCoy Arts Council was founded with help from the Pike County Cooperative Extension for Fine Arts Program. This new council was born from the desire of the people of the Phelps, McCarr, and Blackberry communities to have more arts and tourism activities and events in their area of Pike County.
At the time, The History Channel’s miniseries, Hatfields & McCoys had just aired, sparking a renewed interest in the Hatfield and McCoy feud that took place in that area. The newly formed Hatfield & McCoy Arts Council, with help from the Pike County Cooperative Extension for Fine Arts Program and Artists Collaborative Theatre, commissioned a playwright who produced a beautifully written script through consultation with passionate feud historians in the area. The play is called Blood Song: The Story of the Hatfields and the McCoys.
This summer will mark the sixth year of performances in the renovated Hatfield McCoy Park Outdoor Theatre at McCarr, where the play is held. Each year, over 1,000 people come to see the play, providing an influx of tourism to the area.
Last year, the Hatfield & McCoy Arts Council teamed up with the officials of the nearby city of Prestonsburg to bring the story and performances to new audiences! Working with the City of Prestonsburg, Prestonsburg Tourism, and the venues - The Mountain Arts Center and Jenny Wiley Amphitheatre - two performances of Blood Song were performed in front of all new faces. The partnership was so successful that it was renewed this year, but instead of two performances, there will be five performances! The regular season will follow in August at McCarr.