'Market on the Square' yard sale kicks off new season in Barbourville

For many Knox Countians, “The Square” is a staple of Barbourville activities and events throughout the year. From the annual Daniel Boone Festival, to car shows, to regular holiday events, it's no wonder so many locals flood the streets during these events.

It’s a phenomenal way for people to meet, to provide children with mental stimulation and a place to burn energy (every parent’s favorite thing), and keep everyone physically active while they roam around the Square and experience the many interesting things it is home to. It also provides an excellent location for local businesses to stretch their horizons and make their presence known among the community.

Saturday, April 5 was no different. It marked the first Market on the Square Community Yard Sale of the year! It ran from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The road leading into Court Square was blocked off with a barrier, and directly on the other side of it was a swath of people, either roaming and perusing various wares, or settled under tents with tables displaying their items for sale. 

Among the many vendors was a lovely kitty named Mocha, who was up for adoption from Kerigan’s Little Cat Rescue. Mocha is a 1-year-old, fully-vaccinated, spayed cat with an incredibly calm personality, and is looking for her forever home. As Kerigan of Kerigan’s Little Cat Rescue described Mocha, “She loves to cuddle, she’ll sleep in bed with you at night, she gets along with dogs and cats…” You can find more information about Mocha on their Facebook page by the same name. 

Kerigan began the cat rescue when she was only 12 years old, back in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was home, I was out of school, so I didn’t have anything to do, and a pregnant cat showed up on my porch, so I took her in and I got her fixed and we let her have the babies, and we found the babies all homes, so we started it with her and then, I just never quit.” she shared, following it with a definitive, “Once you’re in it, you’re in it,” spoken like a true animal lover.
Kerigan’s Little Cat Rescue was present at Saturday’s Market on the Square event thanks to Tri-County Mystery Meets, which is sponsoring a fundraiser event at 7 p.m. on May 17 at Union Commonwealth University’s Rector Little Theatre with a show called “The Most Human: A Tail of Humanity.” Proceeds from the night will go to Kerigan and her humanitarian efforts. A show on Sunday, May 18 will also benefit Furever Friends in Corbin. That show will take place at 3 p.m. at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant #3. To purchase tickets for either or both events to support these worthy causes, visit the links shared by TCMM on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NSXCNKouS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

There were food truck vendors set up around the Square as well, including but not limited to The Grub Hut and Aunt B’s Food Truck. 

The Market on the Square Community Yard Sale occurs every first Saturday of each month, starting in April, and welcomes any individuals who have items they’d like to sell to come set up and display the items, just like you would if you were holding your own Yard Sale on your property. The setup space is free, and you’re welcome to sell from under a tent, on a table, or even from the bed of a truck. Some people were even selling items that they laid atop their car’s hood and windshield!

The next yard sale will be May 3 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and again, setup is free.