A Dream Come True

Cade Potter’s Banjo Birthday

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

There is nothing like walking into a room full of warm smiles from the people you love, and there is nothing that will ever compare to the absolute surprise and joy of Cade Potter and his friends and family when he walked into Giovanni’s this Thursday to a bluegrass band fulfilling his birthday wish—to hear someone play the banjo. 

This Thursday was Cade Potter’s 24th birthday, and it was a moment that spoke volumes about the family and love our area is built upon. Cade Potter was diagnosed with Down syndrome at a young age but has never let this get in the way of him making lifelong connections and friends.

“I'd met Cade’s parents and him even before his dad started playing here–just as customers. I always took a liking to him not because he was special or that he was different, but because he's just the sweetest kid in the world.” expressed Jesse Hunt, owner of Summit Giovanni’s and close friend of the Potters.

The whole idea was concocted by Hunt after Cade invited him to his birthday party.

“He invited me to come to his birthday party, and I said, ‘Of course. I would drop my prom date for you!’ I was joking with him. I said, ‘I'll tell you what, I'll come if you'll tell me what you want for your birthday.’ He said, ‘All I want for my birthday is for somebody to play the banjo,’” described Hunt.

After making a few calls, Hunt was able to organize an exciting event for the young man. The party featured the Frog Pond Bluegrass Band, including one genuine banjo player. A table was set up for Cade’s family and friends up front to provide the perfect view of the band. 

“He plans his birthday a year in advance,” explained Rick Potter, Cade’s father. “He picks out a theme that he wants. And actually, his birthday party at the library is a race car theme this year, but he really enjoys bluegrass music.”

Hunt has known the Potter family for many, many years, first as customers and then as musicians who often took the stage at Giovanni’s. After retiring from AK Steel, Rick Potter and his band have played several times, and he and his family have grown close to Hunt.

“It's just awesome what Jesse did. It’s incredible. Things are not the best economically right now, and for a guy to go and do that just for somebody in the community…that means the world that somebody would do that,” explained Potter.

It meant the world for the family and the community to have such a wonderful evening all for Cade—especially when Cade was given the chance to hold the banjo himself. Never in my life have I seen a smile as true and beautiful as that.

“Jesse is doing it right; he is very caring, thoughtful and efficient. He wants to get them in there. He wants people in the community to see the talent that is around here,” commented Potter about the party.

Hunt was very moved when Cade first walked into the party and embraced him as Cade realized what Hunt had done for him. The band played Happy Birthday as he walked in—and every person in the place was grinning from ear to ear.

“We opened the new location in December, and it's been well received by the community. We've been blessed to be able to change some lives by doing it–including Cade’s. I think this is something he’ll never forget,” commented Hunt.

The party was certainly something Cade will never forget, as well as an event that truly showcased the compassion, kindness, and camaraderie of our area.

Sandy’s Racing Brings Big City Energy with Small Town Hospitality to The Tri-State

 Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

          Rebirth, according to the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, is defined as a renewed existence, activity, or growth. There is no greater physical manifestation of the word rebirth than that of the uncapped growth we witness daily happening right here in Boyd County.  New businesses, new job opportunities, and new recreation to occupy our time are being introduced to us almost daily. One such business is about to change the face of Boyd County forever. Thanks in part to Revolutionary Racing, Boyd County is on the brink of opening its doors to one of the most unique entertainment experiences that this area has ever witnessed.

              Construction has been in full swing with crews working day end and day out to bring you an entertainment experience not only driven by historic racing machines but also serving as the nation’s newest quarter horse racetrack. Sandy’s Racing and Gaming promises to be a world-class facility that will bring with it memorable races, rodeos, livestock shows, family festivals, and other special events. This state-of-the-art facility will be the Tri-State’s newest and most exciting entertainment destination the state of Kentucky has ever seen.

     With this massive 74,000 square foot build underway, Sandy’s Racing invited media and special guests out to take a first look at the progress that has been made.  A total of 40,000 square foot has been dedicated to gaming space. Within that gaming space, Sandy’s Racing will start out with a total of 672 HHR machines, which stands for Historic Horse Racing Machines, with plans to expand that number to 750 within the first three months of opening. With so many HHR machines, there is sure to be a game that everyone will enjoy. Among those will be fan favorites such as Waken Bacon, Wheel of Fortune, and Buffalo Gold just to name a few.

Sandy’s Racing will feature both smoking and non-smoking areas to game. The non-smoking area will consist of 190 HHR machines and has its own dedicated HVAC unit to ensure that no smoke can get within the confines of the non-smoking area.  These historic horse racing machines will bring with it a new age of producing races and entertainment to our area. Sandy’s Racing will also house three cinema-sized screens, which will be used to watch the horse races and other sports.  In addition, two stages will be used for live entertainment.

Located at 10699 U.S. 60 Ashland, Ky 41102, in the old Sears building of what is now known as Camp Landing-The Entertainment District, Sandy’s Racing will redefine the face of horseracing and gaming as we know it.  “We march to our own beat. We’re a gaming parlor where the horses dash; the games, cash, and drinks splash. We’re the place where locals can escape the everyday and tri-staters feel at home. The place where the bourbon flows, toes tap in unison to live music, and hands high five in the sports book when the Wildcats are covering. And when it’s post time… WATCH OUT.  Our OTB gets wild when the horses hit the stretch. Sandy’s has big city energy with small time hospitality. Adrenaline is often served next to a good burger and fries. So, grab your adventurous spirit and head on over.” claimed Sandy’s Racing website.

Sara Ann Marlow, Sandy’s Racing Player Services Manager, led small groups of media and special guest on a tour throughout the facility.  Marlow stated, “We (Sandy’s Racing) are really excited to be able to bring so much to this area in terms of entertainment and jobs. It makes us happy to be able to not only bring jobs to the area but to also support local businesses.” One such business will be local cigar shop, Fat Ash Cigars. Fat Ash Cigars is proud to be able to partner up with Sandy’s Racing to bring the area’s best cigars to this area’s biggest and most iconic entertainment destination yet.

Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and former Democratic floor leader in the state House of Representatives, was also present for this first look tour. Adkins believes that this 60-million-dollar investment has now turned into a 75-million dollar investment.  Sandy’s Racing is just the beginning, and this 60-million-dollar investment is the  tip of the iceberg.  The sky is the limit on what this area can bring in terms of other industries and businesses. “This is going to be a very enjoyable destination. It is a place that will undoubtedly be ran in a first-class way and will bring with it a real uplifting energy. To be able to see real progress taking place here right before our eyes is going to create a real momentum for this area. The only reason anyone should ever leave this area is because they want to and not because they feel that they have to.” Adkins explained.

With the addition of over 200 permanent jobs brought to this area, the economic impact alone is astronomical. It is estimated that Sandy’s Racing will generate $11 million in state tax revenue and will put Boyd County on the map. The sheer volume of patrons who will come from near and far to enjoy the entertainment that Sandy’s Racing provides will not only generate revenue for the Sandy’s Racing but for all surrounding restaurant businesses. As tourists come in to play, they will need to stay in our hotels, dine and shop at our stores. All of this puts money back into our economy and makes this area thrive and prosper.

Sandy’s Racing is set to have its soft opening sometime in October. Shortly after that, construction on phase two will begin. Sandy Ridge will be Kentucky’s first quarter horse racetrack and equestrian center and is set to be built on 182 acres adjacent to the gaming facility.  Sandy Ridge hopes to host its first quarter horse race in the Spring of 2025.

Wasting Away in Margaritaville

Hope's Place Riverboat Fundraiser is July 29

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

“Wasting away again in Margaritaville, searching for my long-lost shaker of salt.”- Jimmy Buffet

         Do you find yourself like Mr. Buffet and just can’t seem to find that long-lost shaker of salt? Well… look no further… here is your chance to not only embrace your inner Jimmy Buffet, but you can support a great cause while doing so. Set sail and drift away with Hopes Place Children’s Advocacy Center, as they gear up for their annual riverboat cruise.

         Every year since 2018, Hopes Place has put on this highly anticipated event that has yielded great results. Dawn your best island-themed attire as you party the night away aboard the Belle of Cincinnati. This beautiful riverboat awaits you at the port of Ashland to take you to “Margaritaville,” where you can hopefully find your long-lost shaker of salt and enjoy an open bar, cheeseburger buffet, dancing, raffle tickets, and some great entertainment put on by the infamous Mark Cole. This event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The boat leaves the port of Ashland at promptly 6:30 p.m. and is set to return to port at 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Hopes Place website at www.hopesplace.org or by emailing Hopes Place Administrator, Cassie Murphy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also call 606.325.4737.

         Single Tickets are $150, couples’ tickets can be purchased for $275, and sponsorship tables are available for purchase starting at $500 and up. Thanks to ticket sales, generous donations, and sponsorships, Hopes Place has been able to raise close to $100,000 since 2018. Hopes Place Executive Director, Lisa Phelps, noted, “The River Boat Cruise is one of two major fundraisers we do each year to provide additional funding for our center, in addition to grants and other donations, so we can continue providing all services including trauma counseling, advocacy, specialized medical exams, forensic interview exams, education and referral services free of charge to all clients. Children and families NEVER receive a bill for any of our services.”

Phelps went on to add, “All proceeds from this event go directly to providing trauma counseling, advocacy, specialized medical exams, forensic interview exams, education, and referral services free of charge to all clients. Children and families NEVER receive a bill for any of our services. Proceeds have been used to provide free trauma treatment services to over 4,000 children and families over the last few years!”

Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center has three locations and exists to serve children and families impacted by child sexual and physical abuse and severe child trauma. They provide a safe environment where victims can find help, hope, and healing. “We bring together a multi-disciplinary team of child protective professionals, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical and psychological personnel who work to bring investigations of child abuse and child trauma to successful conclusions. We provide free trauma treatment services to children and families in the FIVCO region from our Ashland office in Kentucky. We partner with Gateway Child Advocacy Center to provide services to the rural FIVCO counties and Gateway Region of Kentucky from our Elliot County office, and our Ohio office located in Jackson, Ohio, serves Lawrence, Jackson, Vinton, and Gallia counties in Ohio,” emphasized Phelps.

 “This year marks our 25^th year serving children and families in 2023! We are so grateful for the community members who founded our center and for all the people, team members, board members, funders and everyone who has supported our mission for the past quarter century. We look forward to serving Tri-State children and families for decades to come! We are looking forward to enjoying cheeseburgers in paradise with you in July!” Phelps excitingly expressed.

Greenup Farm to Table

Dinner to be Held July 15

Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

                The popular Greenup County Farm to Table Dinner continues to grow, according to Jodie Hannah, president of the board of directors of the Heritage Arts and Science Center at the historic McConnell House.

                “We had about 300 attend the first one,” she pointed out. “The first one was held in 2019, then 2021 and 2022. We missed 2020 due to Covid 19. It grew each year, and last year we had 750 attend. This year we expect 800-1000 people. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and now it’s one of the biggest ones in the state.

                The flyer for this year’s event notes that Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles attended the 2022 event, and said that it was the biggest Farm to Table Dinner in the state.

                This year’s Farm to Table Dinner will be held Saturday, July 15, at Imel’s Greenhouse at 5 p.m. Hannah said Bud Matheny and Kenny Imel came up with the idea for the first Farm to Table event as a fundraiser and to bring attention to food grown and raised by Greenup County farmers. Matheny is a past president of the Heritage Arts and Science Center board and Imel represents Imel’s Greenhouse.

                “We want to use as many locally sourced products as we can,” she said. The menu of “Kentucky Proud” food this year includes such delicious items as pulled pork, chicken breast, vegetable medley, green beans, cowboy beans, cucumber salad and rolls. Desserts include peach cobbler and ice cream provided by the Greenup Tractor Club.

                The evening will include music, an auction, and will end with a fireworks display.

                Funds raised from the dinner support several historic and agricultural endeavors in the county, including 4-H camp, 4-H scholarship programs, FFA (Future Farmers of America) agriculture programs, and restoration and preservation of the McConnell House. “Last year we were able to paint the exterior of the McConnell House for the first time in 30 years.”

                It’s not too late for businesses, families or individuals to provide sponsorships for the event. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $2000 dollars. Sponsors will be highlighted in publicity leading up to the event, and includes free tickets, depending the level donated, and other notations.

                Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for kids age three to ten, and free for kids two and under. To purchase tickets, call Bud Matheny at 606. 585.1585, Kenny Imel at 606. 831.1208, or Presley Grubb at the Greenup Extension office, 606.836.0201.

                “We hope this year’s Farm to Table Dinner is the best one yet,” Hannah declared.