By TIM PRESTON — The Independent
FLATWOODS — Even though it rained on the planned parade, Saturday was a great day for a combination of a hometown homecoming and Halloween in Flatwoods.
Norma Kay-Justice, a member of the Flatwoods Parks & recreation board, said Saturday’s rain did put a damper on many plans, although the decision to have the city’s homecoming on the same day as the city’s official trick-or-treat night met with universal approval.
“In previous years we had the homecoming in August or September. Last year it was 115 degrees out here and someone came up with the idea of combining with Halloween and it wouldn’t be so hot,” she said, adding the area’s many festivals and celebrations in August and September also made it difficult to set a good day for the citywide homecoming. The haunted house constructed annually by the city’s fire department was also a well-established success, she added, making the combination plan an excellent idea.
Scanning the clouds overhead and puddles on the ground shortly after the planned parade was canceled, Kay-Justice remembered Thursday’s warm, sunny day, shrugged and said, “It would have been great if it had been yesterday.”
At least one family from California plans their annual vacation to coincide with the city’s homecoming, she said, and this year’s gathering was known to have attracted visitors from Lexington and Ohio. Even without a parade, she said the city was ready to be an outstanding host for the Halloween aspects of the weekend.
“The city has two giant wheelbarrows overflowing with candy right now,” she said with a big grin, adding local merchants would have booths ready for the evening’s trick-or treat guests. “And, the haunted house is supposed to be amazing this year. All of the Flatwoods firefighters themselves seem all excited about it this year,” she said, admitting her personal curiosity about the surprises hidden within the fire department’s nearby spooky structure.
As part of the homecoming, the city of Flatwoods honors one of its own with a special recognition. For the 2009 homecoming and Halloween festivities, author Mark Justice was applauded by the city. “Yes, he is my husband and I promise you I had nothing to do with that,” Kay-Justice said, raising her right hand as if she were preparing to testify in court. Her husband was selected for the city’s honor due to his writing skills, she explained, including his work in the horror and pulp genres as well as co-writing two novels, and publication of about 50 short stories. While accepting the city’s recognition, Kay-Justice said her husband spoke about Halloween memories and the educational value of horror movies.
Saturday evening’s entertainment at the city park in Flatwoods was provided by DJ Ernie Anderson, as well as musical performances by Larry Pancake and Phil Osborne, including original compositions and Halloween themed selections. Bassist Keith Garvin, fiddler Michael Garvin, guitarist Philip Litteral and banjo player George Litteral of the traditional old-time music band Kentucky Memories played for the early afternoon crowd. In a nearby cabin, Troy Gillespie, Charlie Childers, Jason Clagg, Shawn Braden, Kathy Braden, Savannah and Shawna Braden, all members of Levisa Artillery, discussed an exhibit including Civil War style firearms and implements relevant to Kentucky history.
Considering the event in Flatwoods seemed to be the area’s final chance for kids to fill their Halloween bags with goodies, Kay-Justice anticipated a park full of families. “We had I guess 1,500 people last year,” she said. “I just have a feeling we’re going to get swamped tonight.”
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
