Edmonson County Becomes Official State Trail Town

2019 Trail Town Day & Annual Cookout

Volunteers and Representatives during the 2019 Trail Town Day pose with two awards presented to Edmonson County.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Edmonson County was officially awarded "Trail Town" status from the Department of KY Tourism at the annual Trail Town and community cookout in downtown Brownsville on Saturday, September 28th.

​Outdoor activities included a morning canoe paddle, followed by inflatables for kids, music, games, and pony rides that were provided by the Edmonson County 4H Pony Express Club. The Girl Scouts assisted  with outdoor activities and the Job Corp students helped throughout the day to include clean up at the end of the event. 

At noon, a presentation from several speakers commenced in the Brownsville Community Center.

Shaska Hines, Tourism chairperson, spoke about the importance of Tourism in Edmonson County and introduced two Kentucky representatives that presented certificates to the County.

Seth Wheat of the Department of Kentucky Tourism, presented the official Kentucky Trail Town Certification and congratulated the county for its hard work and dedication to enhance tourism. According to Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons, the process of earning the certificate took 2 ½ years to complete because of the detailed workbook that was submitted to the state. The 14 inch-thick workbook was filled with all that Edmonson County has to offer for tourism, which included rivers, horseback riding, hiking, and biking.

“We are very proud to receive this certificate from the state, and to have submitted the largest and most thorough application the state has ever received,” said Clemmons.

​The County also received the Economic Engine Award from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association as a result of Edmonson County tourism creating more than 130 tourism jobs and generating $15.48 million in annual economic impact. The award was presented by Hank Phillips, CEO and President of Kentucky Travel Industry Association. 

Edmonson County Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons and Hank Phillips, the CEO and President of Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

​Jeff Houchins of the Edmonson Historical Society thanked Mammoth Cave and Superintendent Barclay Trimble for donating a historical sign recognizing the Edmonson County resident, John D. Houchin who discovered Mammoth Cave. The sign is now displayed on the court house lawn.  
 
Another guest speaker during the presentation was Judge JB Hines, spokesperson of Preserving Edmonson Pride. Preserving Edmonson Pride (PEP), an organization formed about a year ago, is dedicated to beautifying the County.

“PEP believes Edmonson County has history and heritage worth preserving. We want people to stay here and be proud to call it home,” stated Judge Hines. 

The Edmonson County State Fair booth won best Best Booth at the State Fair.

State Fair Volunteers Vickie Walker, Rhonda Clemmons and Jim Childress.

Edmonson County was also recognized for winning the best booth at the State Fair.

 “I would like to give a special thank you to all the volunteers that helped make the 2019 Trail Town Day a success, stated Rhonda.