McCreary Tourism

06/16/2025

Celebrate Independence Weekend in McCreary County! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Motors on Main – Friday, July 4th | 6–10 PM
📍 Main Street, Whitley City, KY

Kick off the holiday weekend with horsepower and hometown pride! From classic cars and custom bikes to music, food vendors, and family fun—Motors on Main is the place to be Friday night! Bring a lawn chair, cruise in style, or just come enjoy the vibe.

Fireworks in Stearns – Saturday, July 5th | 9:45 PM
📍 Downtown Stearns, KY

The celebration continues Saturday night with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky over Stearns! Grab your friends and family and find your favorite spot to watch the magic.

06/15/2025

We have some amazing talent in MC!

06/15/2025

The McCreary Fest Parade is Getting Even More Exciting! McCreary Fest Parade is bringing more fun, more flair, and more surprises to this beloved annual tradition!

Mark your calendars for the first Saturday in October — you won’t want to miss a moment!

NEW at McCrearyFest 2025! Join us Saturday, October 4th from 10am-4pm for BIG laughs, friendly competition, and messy fun — we’re turning up the excitement with all-new crowd favorites you won’t want to miss!

🦛🧺 HUMAN HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS
You’ve seen the game… now be the game! Teams will race, scoop, and slide in this hilarious life-sized version of the classic. It’s fast, it’s funny, and it’s absolutely unforgettable!

🫧✨ BUBBLE STATION
Bring the kids (or just your inner child) for giant bubbles, bubble wands, and hands-on bubble fun. A bubbly good time for all ages!

🌭🏆 HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
Who will be crowned the Top Dog of McCrearyFest 2025? Join us on Saturday, October 4th on Main Street in Whitley City for this fan-favorite showdown—featuring prizes, crowd cheers, and a one-of-a-kind hot dog trophy for the winner!

And of course—the McCrearyFest parade, vendors, live entertainment, magic show, balloon artist, petting zoo, food, and fun all day long.

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family—McCrearyFest 2025 is going to be one for the books!

06/14/2025

Come out and support these amazing vendors and businesses!

06/13/2025

The McCreary County Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9AM–1PM at 229 Wilburn K. Ross Hwy, Stearns, KY!

Come out and support your local farmers, makers, and bakers—fresh produce, homemade goodies, handmade crafts, and more!

🛒 Let’s keep it local. Let’s keep it Kentucky Proud.
See you at the market!

06/12/2025

06/12/2025

Media contact:
McCreary County Tourist Commission
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 606-376-3008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025

Tourism Holds Strong as a Key Economic Driver in McCreary County

Whitley City, KY — The McCreary County Tourist Commission is proud to share the 2024 tourism economic impact report, highlighting tourism’s continued role as a steady and vital contributor to the local economy. According to the Kentucky Department of Tourism, McCreary County saw $15.5 million in total economic impact in 2024. In addition, tourism supported:
• 145 local jobs
• $3.0 million in labor income
• $1.2 million in state and local tax revenue

“These numbers reinforce what we already know—tourism matters in McCreary County,” said Michelle Perry, Executive Director of the McCreary County Tourist Commission. “We’ve worked hard to create meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting our local businesses, and the consistency in our impact proves that effort is working.”

Tourism remains one of the county’s most reliable and sustainable sources of economic activity. The steady support for local jobs and revenue demonstrates the value of ongoing investment in McCreary’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and growing slate of visitor experiences.

The McCreary County Tourist Commission promotes tourism and economic development by supporting local events, businesses, and attractions. Nestled between the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, McCreary County is a scenic destination known for outdoor adventure, Appalachian culture, and Southern hospitality.

06/11/2025

Come gather 'round for tales rooted in Appalachia!

Join us at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky on Saturday, June 14th, for a special guest performance by a skilled local storyteller—Beth Ann Kilburn! She'll be sharing stories at both 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM ET, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Come be a part of a tradition passed down through generations on the Cumberland Plateau!

Beth Ann Kilburn is proud to have grown up in the hills of McCreary County, Kentucky. She has been sharing stories with others for more than 15 years and is an avid participant in the annual Ghost Mine event at Blue Heron. Her love of stories began as a young girl as she sat on the front porch, listening to her Granny and PaDaddy share memories. Taking from the folklore of the area, she brings alive the dialect and history of the Appalachian Region that she calls home. Through the art of storytelling, she hopes to take you back to a place where once again your imagination can wonder. This might be through laughter, a little scare or a story that may even leave a tear on your cheek.

Beth Ann is retired from the U. S. Postal Service. She is an avid crocheter, loves sewing and quilting. She is a volunteer for the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and the Polar Express. You will also find her at the Artisan Shop located in Stearns, KY.

For more information, please contact the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area at 423-286-7275 or go to https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E741C141-F15A-2110-1B7EE599602A928F

Photo credit: NPS

06/11/2025

Step outside and look up—tonight’s full moon is the Strawberry Moon, and it’s lighting up the sky with its soft, golden glow.

Despite the name, it won’t be pink or red—but it does mark the beginning of strawberry season for many, which is how it got its sweet name from Native American and European traditions.

Fun fact: June’s full moon is also the lowest-hanging full moon of the year, meaning it may appear extra large as it rises just above the horizon.

Whether you’re watching from your porch, your backyard, or on a late-night stroll, take a moment to soak in this beautiful summer sky.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with us—let’s see who gets the best view!

06/09/2025

Here’s the official band lineup for June 12–14, 2025 — three nights of incredible live music you won’t want to miss! Blazin Bluegrass Music Festival in the Big South Fork

06/08/2025

What a great McCreary Fest Parade fundraiser!

06/05/2025

Looking for the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature? Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at Blue Heron!

After your scenic train ride with BSFSRY, unwind at this historic coal camp nestled along the Big South Fork River. With picnic tables, peaceful surroundings, and the sound of the river nearby, it’s a quiet moment you won’t forget🌿

Bring your favorite snacks, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in the beauty (and history!) all around you.

🚂 Book your ride at https://bsfsry.com/