Wrestling Up Some Fun Craft Show to Benefit Boyd County Wrestling Program

Wrestling Up Some Fun

Craft Show to Benefit Boyd

County Wrestling Program

Grace Phillips

The Ashland Beacon

The Boyd County High School gym will be buzzing with excitement and community spirit on Saturday, November 8th, when the Boyd County Wrestling Team hosts its Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Vendor Show. The event promises to be a lively gathering filled with creativity, talent, and local pride. With more than 50 vendors participating, visitors can expect to find a wide variety of handmade goods, seasonal décor, art pieces, jewelry, woodcrafts, and many other creative treasures. In addition to the handmade items, the show will feature several of your favorite direct market products, making it a perfect destination for early holiday shopping. No matter your interests, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Coach Clayton McClelland, head of the Boyd County Wrestling program, expressed his excitement about the opportunity for the team to sponsor and host this year’s event. The craft show has a rich local history that dates all the way back to the early 1980s. Originally started by former choir director Debbie Caudill at Boyd County Middle School, the event was later managed by the school’s band department to help support their program. This year, the wrestling team is proudly taking up the mantle, continuing a long-standing community tradition. “We are excited to continue the tradition of the show and all that the event has to offer this year,” said Coach McClelland. “It’s a great way to bring people together while supporting our student-athletes.”

The Boyd County Wrestling program currently serves around 180 young athletes, ranging from kindergarten through high school, and the numbers continue to grow—especially with the addition of a new girls’ wrestling division. The program welcomes any student in Boyd County who wishes to participate, and registration for this season will conclude at the end of the week. McClelland noted that running an athletic program of this size involves many expenses, including travel costs to regional and state tournaments, equipment purchases, uniforms, and facility upkeep. Proceeds from the craft show will help offset these costs and ensure that every student has the opportunity to compete and grow in the sport. “The funds raised through this event directly support our athletes,” McClelland explained. “It helps them succeed not only in wrestling, but also in developing teamwork, discipline, and confidence.”

Organizing an event of this size is no small task, and one person who has been instrumental in making it happen is Ashley Conley. “She pretty much volunteered to help with the event and take over getting everything going,” said Coach McClelland, expressing gratitude for her leadership. Conley shared that the response from the crafting community has been fantastic, with an impressive variety of vendors signed up to participate. “We do still have a few spots available for the show,” she added. “Anyone interested in being a vendor can give me a call at 517.902.2767 for more information.”

While browsing through the aisles of local artistry, shoppers can enjoy a delicious assortment of concessions provided by the wrestling team, along with a selection of treats from local food trucks parked outside. Admission to the craft and vendor show is free, and the event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. at Boyd County High School, located at 14357 Lions Lane, Ashland, KY 41102.

So, grab your shopping bags, bring your friends and family, and spend a fun-filled Saturday discovering unique finds while supporting a great cause. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect holiday gift or just looking to enjoy a festive community event, the Boyd County Wrestling Team’s Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Vendor Show is the place to be. Come out and help “wrestle up” some fun while cheering on our young athletes as they continue to grow, compete, and represent Boyd County with pride.