Paducah has Barbecue on the River, Murray has Freedom Fest, Trigg County has the Ham Festival, so Marshall County is holding its inaugural signature event: The South's Great Lake Fish Festival, on September 19. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Elena Blevins, Marketing Director of the Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau about partnering with FLW for this day of food, fishing and family fun, and more about the community branding campaign.
The Fish Festival is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 19 in Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. Partnering with FLW, they'll have a multi species fishing tournament ($10 per category). Weighing will be available all day with an award ceremony at 2 p.m. Food vendors, arts and crafts, kid zone (with FLW simulators, casting pond, inflatables), games, live entertainment will all be part of the festival. Kentucky Opry will host a "liars contest" where liars and fibbers can tell stories.
Blevins says they are seeking food vendors and local artisans, especially those with an angle on fish. Nonprofit groups like Relay for Life teams and high school booster clubs can set up for fundraising events, too. There's a $50 booth fee, $100 for food vendors. Call the office for details at 270-527-3128. Liars can contact Clay Campbell at the Kentucky Opry at 270-527-3869.
The branding effort process started over a year ago. Marshall County leaders decided it was time to help the community market themselves in a more unified way. They invested in a study that looked at why people come to the county and what people think of the county. One of the findings was that Kentucky Lake was one of the biggest assets. So they decided it was time to lay claim to the lake and from that "The South's Great Lake" tagline was born. A nonprofit membership organization formed asking individuals and businesses to get involved by becoming members. Its purpose is to promote the brand and educate residents and the region about who they are and what they have to offer. The Fish Festival is the first big community building event through this campaign. Blevins says they wanted something fun for families to partake in. They're also working on a Burger and Barbecue Trail with local restaurants.
"The South's Great Lake" website
