This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the September 9, 2010 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

            At the time of this writing, the 32^nd Annual Magoffin County Founders Days are underway and all the activities are going well.  We anticipate a wonderful week of family events and look forward to seeing many of you here. 

            We want to thank the Magoffin County Sesquicentennial Committee and the Salyersville Independent for helping us get the word out to the public about Founders Days activities.  Having the schedule of events printed in the newspaper and on the newspaper’s website was much appreciated.  Sharon Nutt, webmaster, also posted the schedule on our website https://sites.rootsweb.com/~kymhs/

            The opening ceremony at the Pioneer Village was very enjoyable.  Bob Whittaker of South Carolina was on hand once again to ring the bell in the Pioneer Village courtyard, proclaiming the number of years we have had a Founders Days celebration.  The pastor of the Prater Memorial Methodist Church Jamie Slone gave the invocation.  Haskel Sizemore and his Boy Scout troop were there to raise the flag and lead the group in the Pledge to the Flag.  We were impressed with Haskel’s message concerning the purpose of the Boy Scouts and telling of his own family heritage and his feelings for this great country of ours. 

Nicole Culbertson did a wonderful job of singing the National Anthem.  The Magoffin County Muzzleloaders gave a twenty-one gun salute.  

We were honored by having Magoffin County Judge Executive Charles Hardin issue a proclamation for our 2010 Founders Day celebration during this Sesquicentennial year for our county.

Betty Lykins had prepared a skit about the founding of Magoffin County, a sort of preview of the full length drama we have been working on for later in the week.  Grayson Smith couldn’t be here so Dr. Hardin filled in for him by reading his part of the play.  The historical marker telling of the early history of our county was unveiled by Dennis Prater, Jimmie Allen, Randall Risner, Jack Sizemore, Dr. Hardin and myself. 

The choir from the Prater Memorial church provided the music.  It has been a continuous tradition throughout our 32 years to have this choir participate in our opening ceremony and we thank them for all they have done.

The sound system and music before and after the Opening Ceremony was provided by J. C. and Nila Minix who had just arrived after a six-hour journey to Magoffin County.             

A tremendous crowd was on hand for the Baby Pageant.  The children were wonderful to see and the program was much enjoyed by all those in attendance

 Our Labor Day events this year centers on the 150^th birthday of Magoffin County and is the latest of the many gatherings and activities planned by the Sesquicentennial Committee.  Look for several others during the last third of this year.  Our year is quickly coming to a close and we want to remind those of you who planned to write something for the Sesquicentennial book to delay no more.  Send in your material now so that we may get this publication into its final stages. 

            The trail ride the last weekend in August was a great success and has brought much needed attention and increased our knowledge of the Civil War trails of the Civil War era, especially the Puncheon/Half Mountain areas.

            For this trail ride, everyone gathered on the beautiful grounds of the David School in Floyd County for a watermelon feast provided by the Friends of Middle Creek re-enactors group, topped off with gospel singing and a timely and touching gospel message brought by Rev. James Puckett.

            Afterwards a caravan of buggies, wagons and other vehicles, along with about thirty horses began the trek down Route 404 toward the Middle Creek Battle site area.  We were escorted by two deputy sheriffs and we thank them very much for their aid.

            Those who live along Rt. 404 came out to the roadside to see the caravan.  It was pleasant to see all the friendly faces.  Our purpose is to get the message out about there being a need for a battlefield park at the Puncheon/Half Mountain site in Magoffin County.

            It took us over two hours to reach the Middle Creek Battlefield.  South Magoffin Community activists with Berta K. Salyer and Brenda Wireman at the helm had set up a food booth there and served their famous “Bologna Burgers” to a hungry crowd.  A big thank you to Bruce and Nava Jo Austin for setting up their tent.

            The hot sun drove us down into the shade and there we were entertained by the Black Powder Express Band as they played their Blue Grass music. It was a pleasure to also have the Magoffin County Muzzleloader’s there. 

            James Puckett and sons along with Danny Whitaker, his son Scott and a friend brought their buggies for the trail ride and everyone enjoyed them being there.

            I personally want to thank everyone who took part in these activities.  We had a memorable day and hopefully one that will bring forth more good things for our people and area.