Small Town News

Hartford festival to benefit Habitat for Humanity

---

In the tradition of fund-raising for a special cause started about 30 years ago by The Ohio County Times-News, the restructured fall festival (formerly October-fest) will again be staged this weekend in downtown Hartford.

And instead of putting coats on the backs of deserving youngsters, the festival again will work toward putting a roof over somebody's head.

Now sponsored by Habitat For Humanity, the festival kicks off Friday morning and will carry through Saturday.

There will be some new events added, according to Cindy McEnroe, chairperson, and at least one old event missing.

"It will be another very good festival and we're hoping there will be something of interest for young and old alike," McEnroe said.

Part of the tradition tarted by The Times-News was a big helping of barbecued chicken, but that no longer will be a part of the event.

"We won't be having barbecued chicken, but we will have grilled pork sandwiches," the chairperson said. "Hopefully that will meet with the approval of most appetites." Amusement rides missing from last year's festival will be back and set up on the street between the Ohio County Community Center and the Hartford Baptist Church.

Entertainment will include JamCo, set to perform on the parking lot on the southwest corner of Main and Washington Streets Friday evening, and a bluegrass music band sponsored by Cathy Allen, owner of Images in Hartford, following the 10 a.m. parade Saturday. The Cedar Grove Baptist Church will provide clowns for the parade.

The Baby Contest will be staged at 6 p.m. Friday in the Community Center.

Also new to the festival will be a Saturday corn-hole toss sponsored by the Hartford Fire Department. That event also will be held on the parking lot.

For the first time since the festival began, booth space on Main Street will be free of charge.

"It's getting harder and harder to get anybody to volunteer for anything," McEnroe said. "We're just thankful we have the support of the City of Hartford and its fine employees."

Antique cars will again be lined up on Center Street Saturday and a cake walk will be held at 3 p.m. on that day.

"Other than the pork sandwiches, we will have a variety of food items from various vendors," McEnroe said. "All we have to hope for now is good weather and lots of people in town."



Copyright 2009 The Ohio County Times-News, Hartford, Kentucky. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 The Ohio County Times-News Hartford, Kentucky. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from The Ohio County Times-News