Town bustles during annual community event

CELINA-Town was bustling here over the weekend, as the 2024 Clay County Museum Festival drew crowds from all over with a multitude of events staged around the downtown area Saturday.

A massive car show was held on the campus of the Old Celina High School to kick off the day, while food and craft vendors surrounded the Historic Clay County Courthouse throughout and live music ruled the night.

Local stock car racer Jackson McLerran, who recently made his ARCA Menards Series debut, was also on hand to meet and greet fans.

Other feature events included a Mighty Duck Race, a marble tournament, a Cow Patty Contest, a cakewalk, and more—and proceeds went to benefit the Clay County Museum of History.

“Thank you Clay County for your continued support!” museum officials said.  “It takes a village and we have the best in Clay County!”

The Kentucky Headhunters King of Marbles Tournament was held at The Yard at the Clay County Fairgrounds, where a total of eight teams competed for bragging rights and cash prizes.

The competition for the title came down to an epic finish between father-and-son team Josh and J.J. Strong and the eventual champion team made up of Monticello, Kentucky’s Jeffrey Walden and local Rolley Hole National Champion Jack Tinsley.

Jennifer Herrera was the lucky winner of $500 in the Cow Patty Contest sponsored by Clay County 4-H and the Clay County Cattleman’s Association, and the car show was deemed “the best ever” by festival organizers.

“Best car show ever,” they said.  “Thank you Johnny Brown for your continued work on the car show and making our museum special day so special for the community!”

See a future HORIZON for more from the event, including the duck race winner and other information from the weekend festival as it is made available.