Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

During a recent meeting of the Evarts City Council a resolution of support for Evarts becoming a Kentucky Trail Town was approved. In the resolution it states the city supports adventure tourism and supports the Trail Town Project.

Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority ATV Representative Preston McLain said the Kentucky Trail Town designation is an official tourism development designation available through application to the Office for Adventure Tourism.

“There are so many benefits from becoming a Kentucky Trail Town,” said McLain. “You will be eligible for marketing dollars for matching funds through the Department of Travel. The city will be designated on state maps, visitor guides, websites and state tourism marketing. There will be highway signage designating the city as a Kentucky Trail Town that will be identifiable to visitors as a location that caters to hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, ATV enthusiasts or paddlers. The city will be promoted in state adventure guides for adventure activities, along with receiving a proclamation from the governor designating Evarts as an official Kentucky Trail Town. There will also be a public ceremony with state officials and local officials to unveil the signage designation.”

McLain said the city of Cumberland is trying to secure this designation also.

“If Evarts and Cumberland both get this designation, wouldn’t that be great,” said McLain. “Talk about pushing people this way, and it’s all free marketing for all of us. Imagine having two cities in one county having this designation. Doesn’t matter who goes first — what an honor.”

Mayor Eddie Manning said should Evarts be designated as the first Trail Town in the state of Kentucky, it would be an honor to the city and southeastern Kentucky.

“It will be something no one could ever take away from us,” said Manning. “We’d always have that designation. It will be such an honor.”

McLain noted Kentucky Adventure Tourism Executive Director Elaine Wilson will be in Evarts on June 26 to meet with local officials.

In other council action:

*Had the first reading of the city’s 2012-2013 budget. The second reading and approval will be on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at a special called meeting of the council.

*Manning said tile will be replaced at city hall due to a defect. This will occur at no cost to the city because of a warranty being in place.

*Manning noted shelter and picnic tables donated by BB&T Bank will be in place in the next few days at the city’s new walking park. A ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned for the park.

*Announced Evarts Tourist and Convention Commission will host their annual Fourth of July Parade on July 3 beginning with a line-up at 6:30 p.m behind the old Evarts High School, and the parade starting at 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Salute to America.” A fireworks display will follow the parade.

*Council went into executive session per KRS 61.810 (b) and returned with no action taken.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com