Department of Tourism
Fleming County to Host Covered Bridge Festival

          The Fleming County Tourism Committee plans to hold its 9^th Annual Covered Bridge Festival on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fleming Mason Energy Grounds on KY. 32 west of Flemingsburg.  The festival includes all three covered bridges in Fleming County but starts at the festival grounds in Flemingsburg.  A 5K Race will be held at the Goddard Covered Bridge, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the race beginning at 8:30 a.m.  The registration fee is $12 before Aug. 15 and then $15 until day of race.

            Two very special events in connection with the Covered Bridge Festival this year are a “sneak preview” of the Covered Bridge Museum in Flemingsburg and the reopening of the newly renovated Goddard Covered Bridge.

Last year’s festival attracted nearly 5,000 people.  In addition to the fascinating covered bridges those attending are able to visit quality craft booths, enjoy the food booths, watch heritage demonstrations such as loom weaving, broom making, grist mills, spinning, blacksmith, carpentry and artists in action.  Various music groups will perform all day, including some at the covered bridges.  Headlining the entertainment will be Willow Creek Band featuring Marvin Carroll.

A Civil War encampment will take place on the festival site in Flemingsburg.  Members of the 5^th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry will be camped out at the festival site on KY. 32 just west of the KY. 11/32 By Pass in Flemingsburg.  The 5^th Kentucky is a Confederate unit that fought and died during the War Between the States.  The group is dedicated to preserving the historic deeds and legacy of the brave, ill equipped Kentucky Confederate.  Another new attraction at the festival will be an Antique Appraisal booth conducted by the Museum Society.

            Guided tours to the Goddard, Ringos Mills and Grange City Covered Bridges as well as the Covered Bridge Museum will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on air-conditioned buses from the Flemingsburg site for $8.00.  Maps will be available for those wanting to take their own tour of the bridges.  In addition, talks will be given by qualified persons on the newly renovated Goddard Covered Bridge. Those who attend will be allowed to walk through the covered bridges and view the remarkable workmanship, which has kept these bridges standing over 140 years.  Mark your calendar now for a day in the country to step back in time and enjoy reminders of a different era at the Fleming County Covered Bridge Festival on Aug. 26.  For additional information contact the Fleming County Chamber of Commerce at 606-845-1223 or e-mail at director@flemingkychamber.com

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