To the Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the tremendous success of Old Fashioned Trading Days. We had the largest crowd ever attending on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I especially want to recognize the entertainers, vendors, craftsmen and volunteers for without them there would be no Old Fashioned Trading Days. The city maintenance and Whitley County maintenance did an exceptional job of keeping the area clean and cleaning up each night. People who came through town Sunday morning couldn’t believe there was an event in town of this magnitude the night before.
The following people deserve special recognition for their contributions:
The corporate sponsors — Community Trust Bank, Firestone, Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Forcht Bank. Mayor Roddy Harrison gave unbelievable support of not only himself but his staff; Whitley County Judge Executive, Pat White for the use of the courthouse property, their restrooms and the support from his staff: the Library Board for the use of their restroom facilities. Thank you Immanuel Baptist Church for assisting in setting up and breaking down the stages, that was a big help. Croley Funeral Home and Ellison Funeral Home for providing the tents for the vendors; Junior Peace and son Chris for organizing the car show which brought over 60 cars, well done Junior; Rob Powers and staff for providing the sound.
I especially would like to recognize the Williamsburg Tourism Commission for sponsoring the event and The Old Fashioned Trading Days Committee Chairperson Joyce Byrd who spends months coordinating this huge event. Joyce spends days and many sleepless nights making sure everything goes right.
Last but not least I want to thank the downtown merchants for their patience and understanding during this event. This shows through working together as a community toward a common goal that anything can be accomplish. This year Old Fashioned Trading Days was selected Kentucky Travel Industry Association “Top 10 Fan Festivals in the State of Kentucky.”
Alvin Sharpe,
Director of Tourism
City of Williamsburg
