Events
Heritage Council Hosting Your Town Workshop
The ECAHC will host its second Your Town Workshop on December 1-2, 2011. The workshop will explore development opportunities around two Elkhorn City attractions: the Russell Fork river and the Artists Collaborative Theatre. The goal is to produce an action plan to encourage economic opportunity and development in downtown Elkhorn City.
The workshop is a follow-up to the 2005 Your Town Workshop that brought together individuals from the Russell Fork corridor of Kentucky and Virginia. It resulted in a design and planning document, "The Russell Fork Connection: A conceptual plan for an interstate trail and open space network", which has been instrumental in the development of several projects including the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, the Russell Fork whitewater park, and Artists Collaborative Theatre.
Elkhorn to Host USACK Wildwater Trials
Trials for the US National Wildwater Team highlight the 2011 October season. The team will compete in the 2012 World Whitewater Championships. Competitors from across the country will gather October 14-16 for the two day competition. USA Canoe/Kayak, the national governing body for paddlesports competition, is sponsoring the competition with assistance from the Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council and Kentucky Sports Authority.
Two timed events, the sprint and downriver race will determine team members. The events will center around the Ratliff Hole river access, with the downriver race finishing in Elkhorn City.
Memorial Day Weekend brings Bushwhacking on the Russell Fork
Our fifth annual Bushwhacking on the Russell Fork celebrates the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The encampment opens Friday morning for tours and an opportunity to speak with reenactors and historical figures. A full slate of events through the weekend include the opening parade, demonstrations, tea and dance, and two battles. For more information about this incredible event that is both entertaining AND educational, go to www.bushwhackingontherussellfork.com
Whitewater Clinics Coming in May
Interested in learning whitewater basics or just want to pick up some new skills? The two largest whitewater clubs in the state--The Bluegrass Wildwater Association and the Viking Canoe Club--will hold a joint beginner clinic May 13-15 at the Russell Fork in Elkhorn City. The clinic is a great opportunity to learn beginner/intermediate whitewater skills, meet fellow boaters from around the state, and paddle the lower Russell Fork from Ratliff Hole to Elkhorn City.
Instruction will be provided by several ACA certified instructors and a handful of local paddling experts. The cost for the clinic is $50-85 (depending on package). You can register either with the BWA or the Vikings. Participants will need to provide their own boats and gear. A limited amount of paddling gear is available on a first come, first served basis.
Primitive camping will be provided on Carson Island and dinners are provided.
Home Grown Talent Impresses Governor
The Honky Tonk Angels from Artists Collaborative Theatre sing the Star Spangled Banner at the US 460 Highway dedication ceremony. That's Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear who is obviously impressed with what he's hearing. The Honky Tonk Angels are Lauren Stewart, Sara Vazquez, and Ashley Fleming.
Excuse the early head blockage...it moves quickly.
Governor Beshear Comes to EC
Governor Steve Beshear led a rostrum of heavy hitters, including the Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, a state senator, state representative, and county judge, in dedicating the new US 460 highway project that will bring 4 lane access to Elkhorn City. The dedication was held at the Artists Collaborative Theatre on Patty Loveless BLVD.
Every speaker pointed out Elkhorn City's potential as a major tourism destination and the positive impact the road project will have. The 16 mile section, on the drawing board over 50 years, will run from Sookie's Creek on US 23, just south of Pikeville, to the KY/VA border next to Elkhorn. Eventually, the road will provide a more direct link to US Interstate 81.
The section will be completed in 2016.
Russell Fork Free for All Kicks off Whitewater Season
The RF Free for All is a float for nearly anybody. The mass start "anything that floats" race covers 2.5 river miles from the Ratliff Hole river access to the Elkhorn Beach. The course is mostly class 2, with a couple of more class 3 rapids to make it interesting. The Ledges (Meatgrinder) has an easy sneak or portage. We'll have safety and guides set there. The course is great for small rafts, duckies, kayaks, canoes, very large innertubes...
Worthless prizes will be awarded in several categories, including first, last, most likely to sink, best costume, most impressive watercraft, and whatever else we can think of.
Come Share Your Ideas
The public is invited to a comprehensive planning meeting sponsored by the Big Sandy Area Development District at the Elkhorn City Public Library, Wednesday, July 22. The meeting will start at 5pm.
Fourth on the Fork 3
Elkhorn City knows how to throw an Independence celebration, so don't miss out on the Fourth on the Fork 3, Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4 brought to you by the Elkhorn City Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy good food, wrestling, live music, rides and fireworks at the EC ballpark both days. Good clean fun for the whole family, so don't miss it!
Bushwhacking Time is Here!
Memorial Day weekend brings many folks home to be with families and friends. Why not add a llittle historical performance art to the mix? Bushwhacking on the Russell Fork brings hundreds of reenactors and Civil War enthusiasts to Elkhorn City for camping on the banks of the beautiful Russell Fork river and two days of battling over historic Polley Island downtown.
