A new tourism initiative will soon be seen in the region. The Elliott County Rooster Run is organized by the Elliott County Heritage Arts Network, Tourism Council, Historical Society, and the Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center.
Four feet tall concrete roosters will take roost at different locations throughout the county. They’re set to be planted this spring and will come with a QR code that tells the story of the people and area. Vanessa Maggard, a member of the Elliott County Historical Society, said there was a special reason they chose the rooster.
“We thought that might be a good idea, basically because of Minnie Adkins, who is a resident of Elliott County and world-renowned folk artist,” said Maggard. “And so, we thought kind of as a tribute to her, as well, that roosters would be the perfect little critter to put out in Elliott County.”
Maggard said Adkins’ blue rooster carving is one of her most recognizable works.
Officials said they aim to have 10 to 20 roosters planted, and those who buy one are responsible for painting them.
Maggard said, participants will earn a sticker and be entered into a T-shirt lottery after visiting all the roosters on the Elliott County Rooster Run and taking picture.
“To encourage people to come to Elliott County and encourage Elliott countians to be able to tell their story. Of either their business or maybe their farm, or the location,” said Maggard. “We’ve had people that are interested in areas that used to be like post offices and that type of thing, little communities that, now, are basically all gone.”
After completing the Rooster Run, participants can collect their rewards at the Little Sandy Lodge or the Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center. The spring planting order deadline is March 15th, but there will be another planting in the fall. An unveiling of the statues will take place this summer on Minnie Adkins Day.
More information can be found on the Elliott County Tourism Facebook page.