Another Labor Day celebration here in Magoffin County, sponsored by the City of Salyersville, is now history and we believe everyone had a very enjoyable time. We know we here at the Magoffin County Historical Society did as several people came in for a visit that we had not seen for a while.

The Historical Society Pioneer Village grounds were used for the majority of the events of the September 2-6^th event. The Opening Ceremony was held on the front lawn at the location of our Early Founder’s marker, reminding us of our rich heritage and our ancestors who first settled this area.

Having Magoffin County’s DAV Chapter 15 members and the Magoffin County Muzzleloader’s organization present added a majestic touch to the ceremony. Everyone was appreciative to have them conduct the Flag Raising. Tanika McFarlan’s rendition of the National Anthem added much to the patriotic feelings of the evening.

We were pleased to have Salyersville Mayor James M. "Pete" Shepherd and Magoffin Judge Executive Dr. Charles Hardin taking part. They, along with Todd Preston, presented the plaques to this year’s Grand Marshals.

Our county has many good honorable citizens who have contributed much in their lives toward making Magoffin County a better place in which to live and to raise our children. A few of them were recognized for their efforts during this ceremony and they were A. B. Conley, Ben Gardner, Carlotta Rowe Howard, Henry Joseph, Betty Jo Arnett Lykins, Burnis and Barbara (Reed) Patrick, Randall Risner, Henry Clay Sizemore and Jack Sizemore. All participated in Saturday’s parade with Betty Jo doing an amazing job of announcing the parade for the enjoyment of those gathered to watch as well as our local radio and TV audiences.

The Magoffin County Library staff held the much-awaited Book Signing with Kentucky Authors on Friday from 10 until 2 o’clock. Our county was honored to have Al Cornett, Tim Callahan, Vivian Ward Crump, Rebecca Molhollon, Donald Curtis, Larry Fraley and Ann Gabhart join our own local author Patty Auxier to meet all those who stopped by to visit. We hope our young people will be inspired to begin writing of their experiences and developing their own creative abilities.

Once again our historical society was proud to sponsor the county school events with directors Charlotte Gillum and Theresa Miller, assisted by Jaynie Poe and Krista Rowe. Joining them were several of our county teachers, Breann Patrick, Baillie Arnett, Jessica Howard, Adrienne Howard and Amy Fletcher. Our elementary students participated in contests in Art, Spelling and Math and demonstrated their fine skills in each of these subjects. Magoffin County schools are to be commended for developing our students academically as well as helping them to form their poise and conduct.

A memorial plaque was presented in honor of the late Ralph Mullins to his family at the beginning of the school events. Haskell Sizemore presented the plaque to Ralph’s wife, Debbie, and his daughter Carolyn Collins who has taken on the leadership of Scout Troop 867. Haskell worked with Ralph many years as a Boy Scout Leader and they were always willing to answer our call to participate in our activities at Founders Days and memorial marker dedications. Representing their troop were Boy Scouts Aaron Watson, Cody Bailey and Gage Bailey.

The Sunday church services at the Pioneer Village church house were extremely well attended. The service was held in memory of the late Buster Blanton who served the State Road United Baptist Church many years and always came to conduct the church services for past Founders Days activities. He is greatly missed by all of us.

Many more activities were held for this 2^nd Annual Heritage Days Festival under the direction of the City of Salyersville which will be reported elsewhere.

We want to mention a few of the visitors to the historical library during Heritage Days. William and Shirley Lunsford of Sadieville, KY with their daughter and two great-grandsons came for the day. Mr. Lunsford was born in Magoffin County; his family once lived in the Dixie Addition.

Patty (Ray) McMurrer with a brother, sister and brother-in-law William Kelly of Maryland, one of our members, visited. Carrie Sexton of Lackey, KY came to research the Dixon family. Melody and Bob Rumpke of Berea, KY were here to visit the Dr. G. W. Wheeler Cemetery which is located on Parkway Drive near the Magoffin County Funeral Home.

Our newest publication, a Rowe family book by Lennie Carter, drew attention from several of our visitors. Diana Rowe McCoin and her husband of North Judson, IN came in with Herley and Margie’s son, Adam Manns and his wife Amy. Jesse and Barb Rowe of Pleasant Lake, MI came with a daughter and grandson to visit cemeteries here and in Breathitt County.

Our friends Willie and Nellie Montgomery were on hand to enjoy all the festivities. They visited with old friends and made a lot of new ones! We were pleased to see Charles and Barb Arnett of Michigan with their son Chuck Arnett and wife Arlinda. Jaynie and Eddie Poe who live here in Magoffin County came in with them.

At long last Jim and Emma Day Turley of South Point, OH made a return trip to Magoffin County to attend the Sunday church services here at the Pioneer Village. Emma Day brought some of her famous apple pies which were enjoyed tremendously!!