Russell County, Kentucky-the small, plain little spot on the map, just one county north of the Tennessee line. Most people, especially tourists, view Russell County as the “Gateway to lake Cumberland”, whereas more of the locals to the area view this place to be the “sorriest place in all of Kentucky”, as one of my disgruntled friends had frankly put it. Even though my hometown does have its share of highs and lows, just like any other place would, there are some good points to it, too.
1. Jamestown Lakefest
Every 4th of July, Jamestown, the second small town in Russell County, hosts an Independence Day celebration on the town square, complete with baby shows and beauty pageants, fireworks, and even a free community concert given by some bands that are pretty well known throughout the county, state, and sometimes even the country. The festival lasts about three days, and a lot of planning and advertising by many individuals help make it possible for the people of the county to enjoy. It’s a small thing, but it gives Russell County’s local people a chance to come together and enjoy themselves.
2. Park on the Square
On weekends in the summertime, the place that I know of as being ‘the park on the square’ (I want to say the official name for it is Beck Park, but I’m not totally for sure), hosts free concerts and have recently began hosting “movie nights” for the families of Russell County, on Saturday nights. And when there’s absolutely nothing going on, it's always a nice place to sit and relax in the shade and watch the cars drive by on Main Street.3. The Star Theater
On Main Street in Russell Springs, the first small town and also the county seat of Russell County, there is a community theater that I myself love with a deep, deep love. The Star Theater, having been around for more than 20 years as a live theater, and even longer as a standing building on Main Street, has been home to productions to everything from musicals to concerts to even story-tellings from local authors. It’s a fun place to go see a play, or to even become an actress-everyone loves live theater!4. Main Street’s Fall Festival
Also on Russell Springs’ Main Street, every Autumn hosts a special festival for our county to welcome in the chilly fall weather. Much like Jamestown’s Lakefest, the fall festival hosts a free concert, baby shows and pageants, as well as talent shows and a concert for the locals in the county. It's also a small thing, but it also gives us locals a chance to come together and enjoy ourselves.
Russell County, even though it has its rough patches, is home to a lot of small-town charm and peacefulness. What I’ve talked about is certainly not all there is to do in RC, but it’s a good selection of things to do besides ‘go on the lake’. I would recommend Russell County, Kentucky, to anyone; whether as a vacation spot or a permanent home. It’s charm, history, and friendliness will get you every time.
