Oak Grove prepares for 50th year anniversary celebration

After officially being recognized as a city in 1974, residents in Oak Grove are gearing up to celebrate the town’s 50th year anniversary in September.

Oak Grove, was officially incorporated as a city by the Kentucky Legislature in September of 1974. On September 21 and 22, Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver shared that the city will be hosting a celebration to recognize the important milestone.

Oliver, says she was excited when she found out that she would be mayor during the anniversary and knew she wanted to plan a big celebration. Oliver says the celebration will recognize Oak Grove’s history as well as the town’s growth.

For the celebration, Oak Grove’s eight past mayors are set to be in attendance and so will some former city council members.

Oak Grove Community Center Director, Melissa Lynch serves as the Chair of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, and she says Oak Grove’s former elected officials will be treated to a dinner and will receive a bus tour led by a local historian that will be spotlight areas of growth and historical significance throughout the town.

To further recognize the city’s history, an exhibit spotlighting Oak Grove’s past will be on display from September 16 to September 22 at the Oak Grove Community Center. Lynch says they have called on community members to share their pieces of local history such as old pictures, maps, blueprints and souvenirs.

Those who may have historic Oak Grove artifacts and want them to be included in the exhibit can contact the community center at 270-640-7575. Lynch says everyone who submits an artifact will receive it back following the display.

On the second day of the celebration, Lynch says they will be hosting a 1970s themed city-wide picnic at Valor Hall, which will include, food, music and games. Then the celebration will continue at the Community Center where they will bury a time capsule.

Lynch says the community is invited to bring small items to be buried in the capsule.

Oliver says the anniversary celebration is a chance for some community fun as well as a chance to reflect on how Oak Grove has grown over the past 50 years. Oliver says a part of the celebration she looks forward to is being able to connect with the city’s first mayor, Jack Elliott.

Oak Grove’s 50th year anniversary is set for September 21 and 22. As the celebration grows closer more details will be announced on the Oak Grove Steering Committee’s Facebook page and on oakgroveky.org. For the anniversary Oak Grove merchandise such as t-shirts, cups, socks and much more are on sale at the Community Center.