McCreary Tourism

12/11/2025

Stay weather aware….

12/10/2025

The countdown is on! 🎄 Only two weeks left to experience the Polar Express this holiday season. Don’t miss your chance to share hot cocoa, cookies, and holiday magic with your family❤️
🎟️ Reserve your seats before it’s too late: https://stearnsthepolarexpressride.com/

12/07/2025

If you haven’t driven through the Christmas Lights at McCreary Park yet… you are truly missing something magical. ✨

This is a brand-new event for McCreary County, and wow — it does NOT disappoint. The displays are beautiful, the colors are bright, and the whole park feels like a little drive-through winter wonderland.

Best part? It’s completely FREE to drive through. Lights turn on each evening and will shine all the way through New Year’s Day.

Load up the family, grab some hot chocolate, turn up the Christmas music, and enjoy a cozy holiday drive through McCreary Park.

Come see the magic for yourself — it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season right here at home.

📍 County Park Rd., Whitley City, KY 42653

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

🎄✨ What a Magical Night at the WinterFest Parade & Tree Lighting 2025!

Last night reminded us why we love this community so deeply. The streets were glowing, the floats were stunning, and the crowd brought a warmth that truly made the evening unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who bundled up, came out, participated, cheered, and helped us bring Christmas to life in the heart of McCreary County. ❤️

This event would not have been possible without an amazing team of people who gave their time, energy, and heart to help us-

McCrearyFest Board & Barry Perry — Thank you for making the parade lineup run smoothly as possible and keeping everything organized. Your teamwork makes these events possible.

Mika Reed, Kadyn Perry, Nathaniel Gowin, Robert Hatfield, Lonnie Hatfield & Sophia Reed — You were everywhere we needed help, doing anything that needed done. Your willingness to jump in at a moment’s notice means the world to us.

Fred Patrick — Thank you for handling the stage setup and breakdown and for driving Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade. You always show up when we need you, and we appreciate you more than you know.

North McCreary Fire Department — Thank you for directing traffic, managing road closures, and keeping everyone safe. You are an essential part of making this event run seamlessly.

Brian McKee — Thank you for bringing Santa to life and sharing the magic of Christmas with every child along the route.

Our Parade Judges — We appreciate the time you gave and the tough decisions you had to make. Every float was incredible, making your job anything but easy.

Ashley Rowe Slaven — Your joy and energy as our emcee set the tone for the night. Thank you for lending your voice and excitement to the parade.

To everyone who built a float, drove through or walked in the parade: Thank you!!! Your creativity, hard work, and Christmas spirit were on full display. Last night’s parade was absolutely beautiful because of YOU. There would not be a parade without your efforts!!!

🎉 Float Winners:
🏆 1st Place: Genoe’s Towing and Recovery
🥈 2nd Place: Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
🥉 3rd Place: Hope City Church

But truly — every single float last night was wonderful. It was one of the hardest parades to be judged.

Thank you, McCreary County, for supporting this event, for showing up in love and excitement, and for continuing to make WinterFest a tradition worth celebrating. Here’s to the magic of the season, the strength of community, and the memories we created together last night. ❤️🎄✨

(We were so busy we didn’t get any pictures, so please share yours in the comments!)

12/05/2025

🎄✨ WinterFest Parade and Tree Lighting Is TOMORROW at 6 PM! ✨🎄
McCreary County, get ready — the floats are ready, the lights are shining, and the excitement is building! We have a huge turnout of float entries this year, and it’s shaping up to be one of our biggest, brightest parades yet. 🚂🎅🎁

Our WinterFest Parade trophies are ready and waiting for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners — and trust us, the competition is going to be tough! 👀🏆

📍 Main Street, Whitley City
🕕 Tomorrow — Saturday, December 6th at 6 PM
🎨 Theme: Candy Cane Lane

Bundle up, grab the family, and come out to enjoy:
✨ Christmas lights
✨ Beautiful floats
✨ Holiday music
✨ Community spirit at its best

Let’s make Main Street shine tomorrow night! ❤️🎄
We can’t wait to see everyone there — you won’t want to miss this magical evening!

12/05/2025

Join our public forum next Tuesday, December 9th beginning at 6pm at the Whitley City Senior Citizens & Community Center.

Hosted by Darlene Price, this community discussion will focus on the proposed Roberta II Super Dump and the serious risks it poses to McCreary County’s drinking water, health, and future.

Come learn, ask questions and stand with your community!

12/04/2025

A BRAND-NEW Holiday Event in McCreary County!

For the first time ever, McCreary County is lighting up McCreary Park with a stunning drive-thru Christmas light experience — and it’s something you won’t want to miss!

🎄 Park Lighting Debut:
Saturday, December 6th
Right after the WinterFest Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍 County Park Rd., Whitley City, Ky 42653

Take a festive drive through McCreary Park, filled with lots of beautiful light displays, glowing decorations, and cheerful holiday scenes the whole family will love. And the best part? It’s completely FREE!

✨ Drive-Thru Lights Open Nightly:
From December 6th through January 1st

Make this new tradition part of your holiday season and come enjoy the magic, sparkle, and community spirit of McCreary County! 🌟🎅

12/02/2025

Looking for the perfect family holiday tradition?🎄 The Polar Express Train Ride is all about shared laughter, warm drinks, and the joy of seeing Santa. Gather your loved ones and step into the magic of the season!

🎟️ Tickets are going fast—don’t miss out: https://stearnsthepolarexpressride.com/

12/02/2025

🎄WinterFest Parade: Saturday, Dec 6 at 6:00 PM 🎅

Bundle up and bring the whole family to downtown Whitley City for a magical night of lights, music, and holiday cheer! The WinterFest Parade rolls down Main Street starting at 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 6. Come early for a good spot, hot cocoa, and all the festive fun.

Want to be in the parade? Click the link below ⬇️

Save the date, invite your friends, and let’s light up McCreary County together! ✨

Event Timing: Saturday, December 6, 2025 Event Address: Whitley City, KY Contact us at (606) 376-3008 or [email protected] Theme: Candy Cane Lane Parade Lineup starts at 4pm. Parade starts at 6pm.

11/30/2025

WinterFest Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 6th at 6 PM
Main Street, Whitley City

The magic of WinterFest is almost here, and we can’t wait to kick off one of the sweetest nights of the year! Join us along Main Street for glowing lights, festive floats, cheerful music, and the full Candy Cane Lane holiday spirit. ❤️🤍

The Tree Lighting Ceremony – Immediately After the Parade… Stay with us after the parade for a truly magical moment as Santa himself lights up the Christmas tree to officially kick off the holiday season in McCreary County! 🎅✨

Stop by the McCreary County Tourism table near the Public Library! We’ll be handing out free hot chocolate to help keep everyone warm throughout the parade and tree lighting — while supplies last.

Bundle up, bring the family, and make a night of Christmas memories with us. Let’s celebrate the season together, McCreary County!

11/28/2025

Princess Falls is the perfect escape for anyone who loves quiet beauty, easy hikes, and breathtaking scenery.

This Hidden Waterfall Hike In Kentucky Leads To A Magical Pool August 6, 2025 Credit: Shannon Morgan/Google Local Set in the heart of Kentucky’s Big South Fork region, Princess Falls offers a rare and memorable natural experience: the opportunity to walk behind a waterfall. This scenic gem combine...