This Sweet Kentucky Festival is Home to the Biggest Parade in the State

When we went to the Kentucky State Fair this year, one of my favorite things was seeing all of the honey that was submitted for judging. There was even an exhibit with honeycomb and live bees "working." We also got to meet Tiffany from the Grayson County Tourism Commission who told us about the annual Clarkson Honeyfest.

Growing up, I spent time with my Aunt "B" and Uncle Larry McClure in Leitchfield, KY.  I have such good memories of fishing, riding the gator around, calling the cows home, and picking vegetables from the garden. Basically all of the "country" things I didn't really do back in Owensboro. My favorite thing by far was stealing honey from the bees. I remember one time I actually got to put the white suit on and help. I was so scared I would get stung, but they must have liked me because I proudly took a container of that golden goodness home, comb, and all.

One year, we hopped over to Clarkson, KY to attend what I now know was their annual Honeyfest.  It has grown tremendously since then and in 2006, it became the state of Kentucky's official Honey Festival.  From September 27th through September 30th this year, Clarkson will once again celebrate the area's rich honey heritage. The whole town comes together decorating their houses and businesses to welcome the thousands of people who swarm Clarkson for a fun-filled weekend.

Over 100 craft booths, delicious food trucks, carnival rides, a 5k race/walk, live music and so much more in the jam-packed schedule of events. Of course, there will be tons of honey and bee products to sample and shop. Their local honey puts the bear you can buy at the grocery to shame! They also play host to a KARAOKE CONTEST. Oh yeah, sign me UP! Here is a picture of the kiddos competing in the Honeyfest Hat Contest. How precious is that?

Did you know the Clarkson Honeyfest is also home to the biggest parade in Kentucky? Grayson County does not mess around when it comes to parades! Schools, Businesses, Churches, and Community groups all join in and decorate elaborate floats with lots of sunflowers and honeybees. They always judge for the best in categories like Most Original Bee Theme, Best Fall Theme, Best Antique Car, Truck or Antique Tractor, and Best Decorated Horse and Rider. 

For more information and a full schedule of the fall fun planned at the 2023 Clarkson Honeyfest, visit the Clarkson Honeyfest Facebook page or website.