Greenup Old Fashion Days

Greenup Old Fashion Days, now in its 54^th year, is one of the longest-running community festival events in Kentucky.  This event incorporates local cultural heritage, artisan and crafter vendors, food vendors, entertainment, and family activities. The longevity and success of Old Fashion Days (OFD) requires the partnership of multiple organizations who provide volunteers, leadership, and funding collaborations between the public and private business sector.  Over the past six years, Anne Stephens, Greenup Extension Arts Agent, has been working to strengthen the OFD Committee and its organizational practices. The most recent event showed significant success in the areas of teamwork, communication, and collaboration between Greenup Fiscal Court, City of Greenup, and Greenup County Tourism.

In the months prior to the event, the planning committee assigned subcommittees who reported to the large group at regular meetings. All meetings were led by the chairperson and decisions were made unanimously. The group approved the schedule and program before it was published online and in print. Marketing efforts were increased and partnerships were secured.

Every school district in the county participated in student music group performances, the finals of the County Spelling Bee, and the OFD Parade. Attendees reported that the 2019 OFD was the best well-organized, most diverse, community festival that they had witnessed in many years.

Jason Carter, touring musician with the Grammy-winning Travelin’ McCourys came home to Greenup County with his band as the headlining act for OFD. Jason and his family were honored at the event which had never been done before at the festival. The crowd for the anchor concert was the largest that Greenup had ever seen. It was a proud time in downtown Greenup and we are looking forward to 2020!  

Quotes: 

“This has been the best year for Old Fashion Days since I was a kid.”

“I saw more crafters this year than last year. I bought gifts and things for myself!” 

“The experience my children had on stage with Grammy-winning artist Jason Carter will inspire them for the rest of their lives.” 

“We heard music that makes us proud of our hometown. Great job Old Fashion Days!”