Friday evening, September 22, 2023, saw the northern side of the Elkton Square transformed into a scene that would make any Hallmark movie enthusiast smile gleefully. The event, “A Farm to Fork Dinner” sponsored by the City of Elkton and benefiting the Historic 1835 Todd County Courthouse, culminated in an evening described as “fabulous” by one in attendance. Mrs. Vicki Hall Kennedy, a native of Elkton and the daughter of the late Billy Vick and Harriet Holland Hall posted, “It thrilled my soul to join in the blessing with the wonderful people of Todd County. Our small town is the very heart of America.” Another former Todd Countian, Renee Brizendine Gill, added, “Over 200 friends gathered in front of the 1835 Old Courthouse for a delicious meal honoring agriculture, showcasing Todd County history, and raising funds for our iconic town center.”
The event itself, a first for the City of Elkton, saw attendees enjoying an evening under the stars with music provided by the Cumberland Winds Jazz Trio. The meal itself consisted of homemade rolls provided by Schlabach’s Bakery and Michelle Johns and Carolyn Meadows; a summer salad prepared by Billy Goat Hill; baked chicken with a cream sauce via Little Creek Farm & Better Future Farmette; local brisket and potato medley from Billy Goat Hill; locally grown corn from Double P Farms, and a selection of desserts and ice cream from Boley’s Catering and L & R Soda Bar. Appetizers were also available prior to the dinner via Boley’s Catering. Alcoholic beverages were also on-site for sale prior to the event. A thank you is also extended to members of the TCCHS Beta Club for their willingness to serve the meal to the gathering of almost 225 attendees.
Highlights of the evening included a welcome by Arthur Green, Mayor of Elkton. In his comments, Mr. Green shared, “The promise of our past is the promise of our future.” Explaining the future of our county hinges on our heritage and its being carried on by our current citizens and youth, he expressed his delight in this event showcasing the city and county we love dearly. Glenn Slack, a director of Historic Todd County, Inc. and immediate past president of HTC added his grateful appreciation to the City of Elkton, its employees and council members, Laura Brock and her staff, Mayor Green, and the talents of Cloie Rager, event organizer, who all worked diligently to provide an event so memorable in the history of Elkton and Todd County.
Auction items were available in the Courthouse, and HTC expressed thanks to the many individuals and businesses who provided items for the auction. Those included B & B Farm of Elkton, Chad Fuller of Fuller Perspective Photography, Gary and Jo Violette, David Watkins and Back Country Builders, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Linda Stokes Fritz, Darlene Groves and “Something Special,” Billy Bryant, Randall Powell, and the Todd County Fiscal Court. Those donated items had minimum bids, and items not bid upon Friday night were held over for bidding at HarvestFest. One item not sold included the Bicentennial Sign donated by the Todd County Fiscal Court. It has been placed online for Facebook bidding with a minimum bid of $200. Bidding for that sign ends Tuesday, September 26, at 4:00 p.m.
Obviously, with bills to be paid, the exact total of monies the City of Elkton will donate to HTC for the Courthouse rehabilitation project will not be available for several days. Auction items from Friday night and Saturday, however, created a total of almost $2900.00 from the two days’ bidding to add to the coffers of HTC. HTC also expresses its gratitude to a couple who made a sizable monetary donation for that project. Currently, HTC is awaiting the completion of two new exterior doors being crafted by Gary Cottrell of Guthrie. The doors, which will be made of African mahogany, will replace the existing doors to the building. The door on the south side of the Courthouse will be the first one to be completed with its installation hopefully to occur soon. Anyone interested in contributing to the rehabilitation effort of HTC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, can send a donation to HTC, P.O. Box 101, Elkton, KY 42220. Yearly memberships are likewise available for $10 and can be mailed to that address. Additional info about HTC can be found here.
Article by Carolyn Wells/Photos from Facebook
