Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Remembering their Harlan County roots, the Morgan-Whitfield family will host the 40th annual Poor Man’s Harlan County Derby Eve Party beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at 805 North Broadway in Lexington. Bill Morgan, owner of B&B Morgan Tires, said everyone is invited to attend.

“Food will be available at 6 p.m. and music will start at 7 p.m.,” said Morgan. “The evening is sponsored by Friends of Coal and will include special guests Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron, musicians Dr. T.D. Young, Dr. Dan Jackson and Dr. Ray Smith, who will all be playing my mother’s, the late Amme Morgan, favorite tunes. We’ll also have mountain banjo player Dr. Jim Olive, the ‘Hearts of Fire’ fire dancers, the Kentucky Squirrel Band, Scandalous and Atomic Solace providing entertainment.”

Admission is $15, with a cash bar available. Morgan said additionally, “Willie’s Locally Known” will be offering a buffet, which will include their world-famous hog roast and other food items at a cost of $10.

“The Poor Man’s Harlan County Derby Eve Replay Party is a community-oriented event benefiting several non-profit and charitable organizations,” said Morgan. “Those organizations include God’s Pantry, Catholic Newman Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, UK Children’s Hospital, Foster Care Council, Bluegrass Conservancy, Hospice of the Bluegrass, Hope Center, Riding for Hope, Officer Bryan Durman’s family, American Red Cross and Old Friends. Please bring a check payable to one of these fantastic organizations. Any amount will be appreciated.”

During the event, Morgan said two silent auctions will be held benefiting Foster Care Council, Old Friends and Calcutta on basketball for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

“It’s our 40th birthday party and we’d like to invite all our friends and customers, along with new friends and guests to mark this evening on their calendar to attend,” said Morgan. “The Morgan-Whitfield family has been generous to many local, state and national charities and hopes to continue that tradition for years to come. Join us in having a great time and participating in helping others.”

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