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Labor Day is regularly celebrated in Clark County. 

Thanks to the efforts of numerous citizens and organizations, it will be once again. 

From August 30th to September 2nd, people of Winchester will have plenty to keep themselves occupied with the Winchester Labor Day Parade and its accompanying festivities, celebrating its 120th anniversary after first occurring in 2004. 

“It’s very special to me. I’ve been doing this for 32 years,” said Flora Shelby, the Winchester Labor Day Festival committee director. “We work as a group.” 

“We really couldn’t do this at all without the help of the city,” said public relations coordinator Sherry Hampton, who also praised Whiskey and Wiles Photography for their contributions.  “We’re just blessed that they have been able to support us the last 120 years.” 

For 2024, the country-western themed celebration encourages others to “Giddy ip with family and friends.” 

Traditionally taking place at Heritage Park, vendors and food trucks will begin setting up throughout the day of Friday, August 30th – with W. Washington Street blocked off. 

All are welcome, with DJ in the Park providing music and entertainment from 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. 

The event continues on Saturday, August 31st. 

While vendors and food truck set up continues at 10:00 a.m., numerous opportunities for additional fun will begin setting up at 12:00 p.m. 

From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., kids activities such as inflatables, pony rides, and more are welcome, with kids especially encouraged to wear cowboy and cowgirl gear. 

Attendees can enjoy free pizza, popcorn, and more sponsored by Ale 8. 

From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Elite 7 Band from Lexington featuring Carl Campbell will be performing, as will DJ Giddy Up Holden from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the Here By Design Band from Louisville from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

DJ in the Park will perform during the after party. 

To open the month on Sunday, September 1st, vendor set-up continues at 10:00 a.m. 

To showcase athleticism, The Hidden Treasure Kickball League Team Rize AllStars will participate in the Jones League Classic beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Gospel in the Park with Pastor Kenny Clay will occur from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at Heritage Park, along with a live gospel band. 

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., line dancing with Ra’londa Miller will be held, with individuals also able to ride an electronic bull from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and the Positive Vibe Band of Cincinnati, OH, performing from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Hampton spoke positively about the exciting opportunity to ride an electronic bull. 

“Anybody who’s ready for the challenge [can] come down,” she said. 

A contest for both the best dressed adult and best dressed youth will also occur Sunday night. 

Once more, DJ in the Park will perform during the after party.

Certainly not least, the event wraps up on Monday, September 2nd. 

Along with vendors and food trucks, there will be Gospel Singing on Main at the Clark County Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. 

An event many have been waiting for – the Labor Day Parade – takes place at 12:00 p.m. 

“This year, we’ll have Simmons College out of Louisville, Kentucky [performing], we’ll have our own George Rogers Clark [High School] band, and we’ll have Kentucky State Universit,”  Shelby added. 

Hampton acknowledged that – as late as Wednesday afternoon – she was still excitedly getting phone calls from others showing an eagerness to participate. 

“[One of] The biggest things about the parade are the bands”, Hampton said. 

The Tim Talbert Band will round out an exciting holiday weekend when they perform from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on West Washington Street.