When we ponder fall approaching, most of us also start to ponder the joy of imagination that will soon be scattered across Todd County as folks put on their thinking caps and create a variety of entries for the 10th Todd County Hay Bale Trail, an event that has been such a popular one for the past nine years.
Sponsored by the Todd County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event will begin at sunrise on Saturday, September 23, 2023 and end at sundown on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Forms for the event must be submitted by Tuesday, September 12, 2023. That entry form can be completed online via a link at https://www.facebook.com/toddcountychamberofcommerce. Tiffany Groves, Todd County Chamber Director, messaged, “We are always ecstatic to see the many designs Todd Countians create as they take hay bales and provide such wonderful displays for not only Todd Countians to enjoy but the many visitors who travel here as well to see the entries.”
Mrs. Groves also explained a few changes have been made this year with three entry categories being offered for participants. The first entry is a “small” entry made of loose or sculpted hay of any size smaller than one intact round bale. This category includes scarecrows. The second entry, a “large” entry, consists of one or two intact round bales of hay or a display of similar size to the one or two hay bales. The third entry, a “mega” entry, consists of three or more intact round bales of hay or a display of similar size. Having the three categories will allow folks participating to expand their creations to be more visible. Offering three types of entries will also lead to three prizes in the “Most Creative Category.” Those prizes will include $500 Cash for the “mega” entry, $250 Cash for the “large” entry, and $150 Cash for the “small” entry. Participants are reminded no fees are required to be a part of the “Hay Bale Trail.”
“Fan Favorites” will continue to be determined by the number of “Likes” on the Todd County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook Page from October 1 through October 22. Those awards will include the 1st Place winner receiving $300 in Chamber Bucks, the 2nd Place Winner receiving $200 in Chamber Bucks, and the 3rd Place Winner receiving $100 in Chamber Bucks. Mrs. Groves explained awarding Chamber Bucks serves to support the many locally owned businesses that depend upon the public, thus cementing even more the philosophy of ‘shopping locally’ to stimulate our local economy. As true of the past nine years, “Sunnydale Farm, Inc.,” which has been in existence since 1834, is a sponsor for this beloved event.
Mrs. Groves also pointed out several dates are important to remember –
Tues, Sept 12: Entry forms must be received.
Fri, Sept 22: Display signs will be available for pick up at the Todd County Welcome Center on the Square in Elkton.
Sat, Sept 23: The Bale Trail officially begins at sunrise. Entries should be completed and on display by that time. On or near this date, a panel of judges will tour the county and choose winners for the “Most Creative” awards.
Wed, Sept 27: Photos for the “Fan Favorite” vote must be received.
Oct 1-22: Fan Favorite voting via Facebook.
Sun, Oct 22: The Bale Trail officially ends at sundown. We ask that bales remain on display until then.
Anyone with questions can email info@toddchamber.com for more details or clarifications regarding this year’s event. As many may recall, the Todd County Chamber of Commerce has received both the 2022 and 2021 Events Excellence Award from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for its efforts with and sponsorship of the Todd Bale Trail Event.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
September 3, 2023
