Kentucky’s official state Honey Festival kicks off this week, as the 30th annual Clarkson Honeyfest begins on Wednesday.
Named for the Walter T. Kelley Company (aka Kelley Beekeeping), the Clarkson Honeyfest in 2006 was officially declared by the General Assembly as “Kentucky’s Official State Honey Festival,” as the event draws thousands of attendees every year from around the commonwealth and bee-yond.
Lineup of events
Wednesday
- The house/business Decorating Contest will be judged at 2:00 (click for more information on the Decorating Contest).
- The Cooking Contest ($5 entry fee, no dish limit) begins at 5:00 at Clarkson City Hall and Community Center. The public will be able to taste Cooking Contest entries at 6:30 ($4 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under.)
Thursday
- Carnival rides and food booths open at 5:00.
- An Amateur Pet Show will take place at 5:00 adjacent to the Bank of Clarkson.
- At 6:00, the Honeyfest 5K Race and Walk begins at Clarkson City Park.
- Gospel Singing starts at 6:30 in the Bank of Clarkson parking lot. The event will feature McDonald Road and Clarkson’s own, Lost in the Backwoods.
Friday
- Carnival rides and food booths open at 5:00
- The Honeyfest Hat Contest (must be bee-themed) for ages 12 and younger starts at 6:30 in the parking lot of the Bank of Clarkson
- Live music, featuring Taylorsville native JD Shelburn, begins at 7:00 in the parking lot of the Bank of Clarkson
Saturday
- The Honeyfest 15 to 30 Mile Bike Ride begins at 6:45 a.m. at Clarkson Elementary School. This year’s Bike Ride is dedicated to the memory of Pat Heffley, who passed away on June 29, 2025 — “He was a passionate cyclist, a valued friend and a frequent participant in the Clarkson Honeyfest Bike Ride,” event organizers said.
- Craft booths open at 8:00 a.m.
- The Honeyfest Parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Immediately following the Honeyfest Parade, an Antique Tractor Pull will take place at the corner of Millerstown Road (Hwy 224) and 1st Street.
- Food and Craft booths as well as Carnival rides open at 10:30 a.m.
- The Karaoke Contest begins at noon (entry fee is $15). For more detailed information on the Karaoke Contest, click here.
- The Pedal Tractor Pull contest (for both children and adults) begins at 2:00 in the parking lot of the Bank of Clarkson.
- At 7:00, live music featuring EXIT 105 starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Bank of Clarkson parking lot.
**There will be nightly hayrides by the Clarkson Fire Department on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
(Photo courtesy of the Clarkson Honeyfest)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
