A Mountain Town Has Gone to the Ducks

The Makers Market that opened in August. This has attracted over 1,000 people downtown to view and buy the products of area artists, crafters, and food producers.

You could say the small Southeastern Kentucky downtown of Middlesboro, Kentucky has quite literally gone to the ducks. Ever since more than eight inches of rain fell within 36 hours in June 2011, the more than 10,000 residents of this mountain town have proven their resilience. After the flood an event was quickly held to raise money for flood victims. The Ducky Dash that year brought in several thousands of dollars to assist with the cleanup. Community leaders have go on to hold the event every year since.

Taking a look at the Yellow Creek that runs through town and potential for restoration.

Since then the turnaround of the downtown has been nothing short of impressive. Dozens of buildings have been renovated and new businesses placed in them. Public space improvements have brought new life and vitality to the streets downtown. A Markers Market that was launched in April now features nearly two dozen artists and has attracted over 1,000 people to the downtown. In May 2014 Downtown Middlesboro was one of two communities nationally named "Ones to Watch" by the National Main Street Center for their innovative approach to downtown revitalization. As impressive as these gains are, far more work remains to be done.

In 2013 a strategic plan was completed for the downtown. It calls for creating 1,000 jobs in the next five years. Building blocks to help achieve that plan include a renewed emphasis on historic preservation, restoring the Canal and Yellow Creek, and building a trail system that connects Middlesboro to other areas regionally and nationally. These are just a few of the highlights. The full plan can be read on the DDM website.

Executive Director Isaac Kremer with Bobbie Bryant and Tad Long from the Kentucky League of Cities.

Another area that the community hopes to move ahead in is developing the Bell County Endowed Fund. A grant from the Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropic Initiative allowed facilitators from the Kentucky League of Cities to come in and help prepare a strategic fundraising plan. While the efforts to develop this fund are still a work in progress, when successful organizers hope to attract $5 million that will help to grow the local economy and improve the quality of life for Middlesboro and the surrounding area for decades to come.

That brings us to the Ducky Dash. This event has been held once a year since 2011. The next event will be this Saturday, August 2, 2014, with the race starting at 6pm. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at Mikel's Pharmacy, the Makers Market, and Home Federal Bank. A ticket buys you a chance at cash and prizes if your duck is the first to cross over the finish line. For more information, please RSVP on Facebook or call (606) 248-6155.