Country Music Highway

A prominent Letcher County businessman William Donald "Don" Childers has passed away June 29 at his home.
Don was the founder of Childers Oil, and also the Double Kwik chain of east Kentucky convenience stores based in Whitesburg.
A celebration of life and his 92 years was held July 8 at the First Baptist Church in Whitesburg.
His daughter, Melissa "Missy" Matthews serves as director of the Letcher County Tourism Commission.
Don was born on November 7, 1931 in Aunt Cordy's house in Pikeville with the involvement of Dr. Kaminski.
His parents Johnie "Bear" Childers and Ruby "Bear" Childers lived in Hellier and Don's grandfather, William "Doc" Bartley, drove the couple to Pikeville to be close to the doctor for the birth.
Don's early life was spent in a shotgun house in Hellier down the road from Johnie Bear's barber shop, which also included a pool room and restaurant.
Ruby ran the small restaurant and sold hamburgers for a dime and Pepsi for a nickel.
While attending Hellier High School, Don was a member of the Hellier High School basketball team and a proud "Hellcat".
Don spoke frequently of his days as a teenager hauling coal for his dad in the 1940's. His dad eventually let him have the old KB-6 International truck but he had to learn to fix transmission and differential problems and changing the oil. This became Don's first business venture. At the end of high school when it came time for college, the coal truck was traded for a car.
A 1950 baby blue Studebaker transported Don to Pikeville College for two years while he earned an Associate Degree and then on to the University of Kentucky where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in Business and Commerce.
Following college, Don was inducted into the US Army taking him from basic training at Ft. Knox to later being stationed in West Germany. He reached the rank of corporal, Specialist 3 in the 65* Field Artillery Battalion, an administration specialist in the area of finance.
Once back home, Don had a brief stint teaching and coaching at his alma mater, Hellier High School, before interviewing for a job with Gulf Oil Corporation in Toledo, Ohio.
In 1956, Gulf Oil hired Don and gave him the title of sales representative in Whitesburg.
As a Gulf sales rep, his job consisted of selling to what the industry refers to as service station dealers. He sold tires, batteries, antifreeze and gas as well as trained the dealer on Gulf standards and image. Clean bathrooms, cleaning parking lots, good customer service and good Gulf gasoline were at the top of the list. The dealers would earn a commission, but all of the locations were owned by Gulf Oil Corporation.
His sales job with Gulf totaled 10 years of service and found him in three different regions with his young family in tow. The moves took them from Whitesburg to Corbin and on to Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville experience proved successful and provided a strong professional resume for his next move.
His next promotion with Gulf would require him to move his family to Atlanta, Georgia. Before making the move to Atlanta, Don was given one final assignment. Gulf needed help finding a buyer for the Whitesburg distributorship that the company no longer wished to own. Since Don knew the area well, they asked him to help find a buyer.
After much prayer and discussion with Peggy, a decision was made. On July 2, 1966, Don made Gulf an offer for the Whitesburg based business and gave them his resignation. He became an independent businessman with the start of Childers Oil Company. This would bring him back to his beloved eastern Kentucky mountains.
Over the next 50 years with Don's vision, passion and grit and Peggy working by his side, the family business has grown to 40 plus convenience stores, a hometown restaurant, a tire store and numerous other business ventures.
Throughout his life, Don valued the fact he ended up in a position to help others. He constantly made himself available to people from all walks of life as they endeavored to improve their quality of life or learn a new skill.
It was never just about the job. Investing in people became Don’s passion. He was especially interested in sharing his testimony of faith with his work family and often invited them to Sunday School or church. He felt these words of encouragement or personal interest in their lives was an investment in their future and a personal relationship with Jesus. He remembered who was sick, their children's names, their papaw’s surgery or a health concern of a wife. His genuine love was shining through, and it was more important to others than Don realized. Don stood steadfastly on his convictions. God, family, work, community in his daily path.
A natural born storyteller and historian, he would pride himself in remembering names, places and events in detail.
As a servant leader and willing participant, Don became a member of the Pikeville College Board of Directors and Kentucky Petroleum Board as well as Letcher County Planning Commission and the Letcher County Airport Board, serving both for over 18 years. As a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Whitesburg for over 40 years, he made a quiet commitment to addressing any needs or repairs around the church property be it large or small.
Don was not a tool of mediocrity. If things needed to be done, he would make sure to do them right whether volunteering his time, talents and materials or development of a new project. He always had a list, actually several lists. His motto often reflected his goal of pray, prepare and have a plan. If you do the 90 percent, God will always come through with the 10 percent. The difference was Don also followed up personally on projects, contacts or challenges that were his or those of an employee, including the occasional 'marriage counseling'.
Don truly enjoyed investing in someone's growth, getting back to work or seeking a better quality of life.
If you knew Don at all, then you probably have your favorite Don quote – “All new brooms sweep clean”, “You can only expect what you inspect”, “Nothing very very bad or very very good lasts for very very long”, “You are and literally become what you think about”, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”, “Always expect the best but prepare for the worst”, “Never never assume”, “If money or power will change a man, then it won’t take much”, and “Always follow up”. This list is endless and could go on and on.
As a loving husband, father and grandfather, Don cared deeply for his family and the time he devoted to them. He was preceded in death by his son, William Douglas Childers. He is survived
by his wife and soulmate, Peggy Jo of 71 years, two daughters, Donna Jo Childers of Nicholasville, Ina Michelle (Missy) Matthews and husband Charles Matthews Jr, their children Eli Matthews and Isaac Matthews also of Whitesburg. Granddaughter Carlie Childers Cornett and grandson Jordan Childers and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate charitable gifts be made to the First Baptist Church of Whitesburg or our double kwik Fueling the Future Foundation providing scholarships in the counties we serve.

Hillbilly Days Will Feature Jennings

The 2024 Pikeville Hillbilly Days festival will be Thursday, April 18 thru Saturday, April 20 in downtown.
The musical headliner will be Struggle Jennings with special guest Lakeview Music.
The courthouse stage will be hosted for the 39th year by the Kevin Prater Band.
The Hillbilly Pageant will be held April 13 at the Pike Central High School.
One of the state’s largest festivals, specifically created to benefit the Shriners Hospital in Lexington, visitors can enjoy food booths, arts and crafts , live music, a parade, and get in touch with Pike County’s rich history.

ASHLAND HAS AN ARRAY OF BEAUTIFUL
HISTORIC HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Ashland, Ky. in northern Boyd County is dotted with beautiful historic homes and landscapes, as well as many eye-catching historic commercial properties.
For a complete rundown, visit www.visitaky.com.
The town also features a beautiful riverfront array of unique sculptures by a world-renowned artist.

HILLBILLY TRAILS IS BRAND NEW, WITH
80 MILES OF OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT

The ribbon cutting for the trail, was October 2 near the Flatwoods North Trail Head in Dorton. Now, the first phase of a remarkable designed to connect ATV trails throughout the region.
Stretching over an impressive 80 miles and rolling through a sprawling 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Hillbilly Trails offers riders a diverse range of terrains and challenging riding conditions. This extensive network of trails promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Jerry Adkins, Director of Trail Development commented, “This is the biggest opportunity to bring adventure tourism in Pike County that we’ve ever seen” (Source:WYMT).
With its stunning natural landscapes and exhilarating trails, Hillbilly Trails is expected to become a major draw for adventure enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to oversee patrols of the new trail to assure maximum safety.

EAST KY. TOURISM BOOTH EARNS TOP HONORS AT STATE FAIR

This year’s Eastern Kentucky Booth at the Kentucky State Fair was the work of the tourism offices in seven counties across the region. Letcher, Pike, Floyd, Johnson, Boyd, Carter, and Montgomery Counties oversaw this year’s effort. It has been announced that the Kentucky State Fair officials have recognized the Eastern Kentucky Booth as the best exhibit for the “Pride of the Counties” section of the 2023 Kentucky State Fair.
The booth featured a historic and rustic front porch stage upon which daily live entertainment by regional musicians was presented throughout the two-week event. Local artisans put their works on display, offering coal jewelry-making workshops, painting tutorials, and chainsaw art displays.
This award highlights the collaborative efforts of tourism offices along the 120 miles of the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway, from Letcher County to Greenup County.
Judi Conway Patton, Chair of the Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB, underscored the significance of this achievement: "Our local talent is our greatest asset, driving tourism and economic growth in Eastern Kentucky. This achievement celebrates our collective success."
Tony K. Tackett, Executive Director of Pikeville-Pike CountyTourism CVB, commented, "We are blessed to have such amazing partners within our Eastern Kentucky region. They get it. They understand that we all are in this together to make a brighter future for the region. Winning the Best Exhibit Award emphasizes our combined potential."
“Letcher County Tourism was honored to be a part of the Eastern Kentucky Tourism Booth at the Kentucky State Fair,” said Missy Matthews, Chairwoman of the Letcher County Tourism Commission. “Our booth perfectly showcased the beauty our region has to offer while highlighting our local talented musicians and skilled crafters. We are proud to be a part of the 2023 Kentucky State Fair Pride of the Counties Best Exhibit award-winning team. The booth allowed people from all over the state to see what our region has to offer. Thank you to Tony Tackett for his vision and to each tourism commission and volunteer who made our exhibition possible.”
“The Kentucky State Fair has always been a huge opportunity to show more than 500,000 people all the great attractions, outdoor adventure, and music that Eastern Kentucky has to offer,” said Andrew Steele, Executive Director of Boyd County Tourism and Convention Bureau. “Working together as a region gave us the opportunity to staff a large 20x60 booth, which greatly expanded our exposure and allowed us to have numerous interactions with people looking for new destinations and unique itineraries. Nothing makes me happier than getting to show people what Eastern Kentucky truly looks like and break down stereotypes people have about our region! This expansive booth at the Kentucky State Fair captivated visitors, reflecting the richness of our tourism offerings. We wanted to showcase the variety of things that one can enjoy within our region, highlighting that we are more than just natural beauty. We offer live entertainment, a budding art scene, outdoor adventure, history, culture, and much more.”
“It is such an honor to highlight these talented Eastern Kentucky individuals,” said Kayla Osborne Caldwell, Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB board member. “We have the opportunity to showcase the talent and beauty of our region and all it has to offer.”
Visitors numbers to the Eastern Kentucky booth soared and reflected a remarkable increase in engagement compared to previous years. The booth's allure resonated strongly, drawing in larger crowds, and sparking heightened interest in the region. Notably, this year's presentation included the inaugural showcase of Pike County’s Hillbilly Trails system, as well as Boyd County’s Rush Off-Road Trail System.

Maysville Has Numerous Summer Tourist Attractions

Maysville, Ky. Is one of the oldest towns in Kentucky, and sponsors many tourist events in the summer of 2023. The Mason County seat has also been voted the Best Southern Small Town by USA Today for 2023.
An 11-mile canoe and kayak journey down the Ohio River on Saturday, July 29 is known as the M2M Paddlefest. Participants will launch in Manchester, Ohio, east of Maysville and ends at Limestone Landing in Maysville.
Two events in August are rooted in the German heritage shared by a large segment of Maysville citizenry.
The Old Reliable Germantown Fair runs from Saturday, July 29 thru August 5, and will feature rides, events, animals, and family fun.
Oktoberfest comes up Aug. 11 and 12 with Bavarian polka bands, Bavarian beer trucks, sauerkraut and bratwurst, wiener dog races, and polka dancers on every intersection.

Sandy's Racing and Gaming
will open in fall of 2023

A 74,000 square foot sportsbook betting and gaming lounge is under construction in the Boyd County city of Ashland.
Chairman Larry Lucas touted the multi-million dollar project expected to bring new jobs, great gaming and entertainment, quarter horse racing, a sportsbook and dining to the Boyd County community.
Plans are for an opening date in the fall.

Raceland Hosts Huge Concert
Event Saturday, July 29

On Saturday, July 29 at the Raceland City Park, a free concert will be available to music fans starting at 12:45 p.m. and running until 10 p.m.
Dubbed as the Christmas In July Concert, this event is made possible by the Raceland-Russel Lions and Leos Club.
On the playbill is eleven different bands. Concessions will be available.
Performances begin at 12:45 with Sounds From The Gospel. Next will be Tim and Rachael Richmond and Family , beginning at 1 p.m.
These are the remaining bands that will perform at 45-minute set: Brady Ross, Andrea and Isabella, Lucy Russell, Trina Miller and Regina Ward, Simply Sounds, The Willis Twins, Marty Helms, Alexis Jiles and the Badmen, and Brady Ross and Route 23.

Double Kwik, SOAR, and Tourism Groups To Present A
Country Music Highway Tribute Concert Series

A trio of venues will host three separate music shows designed to accentuate the ongoing influence of the Country Music Highway talent pool, with the first show in downtown Paintsville on Saturday, July 29.
The Paintsville show will be downtown near the intersection of Main and College streets. Admission will be free and there will be arts and crafts, food, and shuttle service.
The next show will also be a free admission show set for Saturday, August 12 in downtown Whitesburg at the Mountain Heritage Park.
The final show will be a paid admission event from Prestonsburg's Mountain Arts Center Saturday. August 19. Proceeds from this show will be applied to support of area arts and tourism. A handpicked group of performers will grace each stage, and the shows will be equipped with excellent sound and lighting.
The Paintsville performers include the Johnson Central High School Choir at 2 p.m., Ava O’Bryan, 2:20 p. m.; Aaron Mykal, 3:10 p.m.; The Chuck Robertson Project, 4 p.m.; Adalyn Ramey, 5 p.m.’ Solid Ground with special guest Don Rigsby, 6 p.m; Luke Trimble, 7 p.m.’ Eddie Jenkins and the 606 Sound, 8 p. m.; and the final show at 9 p.m. will feature Connor Dale and Rachel Messer.
At the Whitesburg concert, fans can enjoy the following performers/groups: Ben Fugate and the Burnin’ Trash Band, Cory Harris, Coaltown Dixie with Kris Preston, Pure and Simple Band with Mike Wright, and Solid Ground with special guest Don Rigsby.
The finale of the Tribute Show will be a paid admission presentation from the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
The lineup includes: Devin Hale, Laurah Louisa, Dempsey and Hall, Corey Harris, Bek and the Starlight R***e, and Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry.

Take our 2023 East Kentucky and Country Music Highway Spring and Summer Travel Magazine with you. It's a wonderful guide. Been around 20 years, and available at numerous locations, hotels, tourism headquarters, convenience stores, libraries, etc.

We were poor but we had love 💔💔

The world lost a legend. We lost a sister.
Love you Loretta❤️. Loretta Lynn

In Loving Memory
Loretta Lynn
April 14, 1932 - October 4, 2022

Loretta Lynn contributed enormously to the world of Country Music. All of us adored and loved her. 💜

The first time I met Loretta Lynn was at the Grand Ole Opry at the beginning of my career. I was chatting in the corner with another artist and someone walked behind me and smacked me on the rear end! I turned around and there she was…in a big sparkly dress…laughing as she continued to walk down the hall at what she had just done…
This is one of my most favorite stories to tell. I think it sums up her personality pretty well. She was a cantankerous little pistol…friendly and sweet…never afraid to be herself and speak her mind.
Over the years, I have had the honor of singing for her…and also with her…in some of the most special moments of my career.
She is irreplaceable. She will be incredibly missed…but her legacy lives on in those of us whom she has influenced.
I am truly grateful to have known such an amazing woman and artist.
Thank you, Loretta, for showing us how it’s done. May you Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus and add your heavenly voice to the angel choir.
Love you!

LORETTA LYNN DIES AT HOME IN TENNESEE ON OCTOBER 4

Loretta Lynn, a legend and respected singer, songwriter, author, and beloved entertainer from Johnson County's coal town of Van Lear has died Tuesday, October 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She was 90.
Her 1970 hit, Coal Miner's Daughter, was one of the top charting songs in her long country music career, and resulted in a popular movie about her life in 1980.
She gathered numerous awards throughout her life, often called the Queen of Country Music, and was very involved and beloved by her family, friends, and industry peers.
Here in the Country Music Highway region, it was her star that was among the first to rise and showcase the rich collection of talent that has since emanated from the East Kentucky region.
Her first hit, "H***y Tonk Girl" led to her signing with Decca records in 1960. Her first number one was "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' With Lovin' on Your Mind" happened in 1966.
Country Duets became popular by the mid-60s, with acts like Porter and Dolly, and Loretta and Conway. She and Conway scored many smash hits on into the 70s.
Loretta was the County Music Entertainer of the Year in 1972.
She and Conway were awarded a Grammy for their 1970 song "After the Fire is Gone".
Her granddaughter, Tayla, is also actively engaged in the music business, and has had hits of her own in addition to a successful partnership with Conway Twitty's grandson Tre. The couple presents a blend of their own material and reprise the hits made famous by their talented grandparents.
She was able to perform and produce albums throughout her career ending with her final album release in 2018.
She was first named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1967.
In the 70s, after many wins in the Best Female Vocalist category she was honored as Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 1979.|
She was honored by President Obama in 2013 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous other Grammys, Grammy nominations and industry honors.

Sixth Annual "It's Fall Y'all" Festival
Arrives on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Olive Hill

The Olive Hill Depot will host a full complement of vendors showing arts and crafts along with games and prizes on Saturday, October 8 starting at 10 a. m.
Unique games will include pumpkin bowling, punkin' chunkin', and pumpkin pong.
The parking lot will be overflowing with various vendors and live music will also be available all day.

FALL TRAIL RIDE WILL TARGET FLOOD RECOVERY IN 2022, EVENT IS OCT. 7-9

With the lingering effects of severe summer flooding in Knott County , Knott County Tourism will structure this fall's trail ride on October 7 thru 9, as a way to further raise funds to help their fellow citizens.
Noah Thompson of Louisa, this year's American Idol TV sensation, has been booked to be the musical headliner.
Admission will be $25, and children under 12 are free.
The ride is located just off Highway 80 about six miles north of Hindman, just follow the signs

FALL TRAIL RIDE WILL PROVIDE FLOOD RECOVERY ASSISTANCE; OCT. 7-9

Knott County was affected by major flood devastation earlier this summer, and the upcoming Knott County Trail Ride (October 7 thru 9) hopes to provide additional assistance to the numerous victims still trying to rebuild and recover.

FEUDING FAMILIES ARE CENTERPIECE OF SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL

Hatfield McCoy Heritage Day is an annual event hosted by Pike County Tourism CVB and the descendants of the legendary Hatfield and McCoys Feud.
This event highlights the transition to friendlier terms between the Hatfield and McCoy families that was forged years ago,
The annual Hatfield McCoy Heritage Day Reunion is a 3-day celebration that includes live music, heritage tours, and educational presentations, that culminates in a memorial service at the McCoy Well in Hardy, Kentucky (the site of the infamous New Years’ Eve Massacre).
For complete event schedule. please look on tourpikecounty.com.

MORE TALENT IS RECOGNIZED FROM COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY

At the end of the 20th season of the TV series American Idol, and eastern Kentuckian claimed the top prize in a competition he was entered in by a friend months ago, mostly against his wishes.
Thompson, age 20, was working at a construction job while raising his one-year-old son.
The finale was a competition between the top three performers from Season 20, HunterGirl, Leah Marlene and Thompson.
Thompson sang I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen and his single “One Day Tonight” during the final Idol show on Sunday, May 22.
As for Thompson, another Country Music Highway resident (Louisa) is making a big splash in the music industry. He has represented the area extremely well, and we congratulate him in all his efforts and expect major success in the future for Noah Thompson.

Interest in the 2022 US 23 Yard Sale has been strong, with many inquiries to our page and our countrymusichighway.com website.
The likelihood of a return to the annual event this year is quite high.
The unusual thing is this event has never had a central authority to ask if it is for sure this year. It has just been a group of likeminded buyers and sellers that have jumped into action on Memorial Day Weekend in the past.
That being said, this site does expect there to be a US 23 Yard Sale this year during Memorial Day Weekend, after a two-year COVID-related haitus.

Tayla Lynn poses in front of her "Memaw's" home place in Van Lear Saturday, April 9 with a new monument as a backdrop.
The monument was jointly funded through Johnson Co., Pike County Tourism, and a Prestonsburg contribution.
Loretta becomes 90 years of age on Thursday, April 14.

CHRIS SCORES BIG AGAIN AT C. M. A's

At the 55th Annual CMA Awards on the evening of March 7, Chris Stapleton captured honors as the Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year with “Starting Over”. This same song was also recognized as Song of the Year, and Single of the Year.
Stapleton also performed twice during the televised country music event.
His All American Road Show tour will make a stop at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field on April 23. The concert will be a first for Kroger Field, with proceeds going to Chis’ Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund benefitting Kentucky projects.
Tickets are on sale now at ChrisStapleton.com

At Pike County’s Murder Mystery Dinner, You
Can Test Your Murder Mystery Solving Skills

The Appalachian Center for the Arts presents Murder & Merriment: The Deadly Valentine, February 11, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Overlook Events Center in Pikeville, Kentucky. Tickets are available at theapparts.org.

Roses are Red, and Now You’re Dead! Here’s the Setup…

Country Western singing star, Blake Kirby, has been found strangled to death in his hotel room the morning after winning the Grammy Award for his hit song “My Valentine to You!” His success had deadly consequences.

FOR A STIMULATING TEST OF YOUR INVESTIGATIVE PRIORITIES, MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!