“Fun in the Sun” returns with family-friendly activities in Boyd County

ASHLAND, Ky. — Families across the region are invited to enjoy an evening of outdoor fun, food, and entertainment at the third annual summer celebration—now rebranded as “Fun in the Sun”—set for Friday, July 17, 2026, at the old Boyd County High School football field (12307 Midland Trail Rd, Ashland, KY 41102).

The free community event will kick off at 6 p.m., offering a variety of activities for children and families, including inflatables, a foam party, crafts, yard games, and more. The evening will conclude with a showing of “Finding Nemo” at 9:00 p.m.

“This event started as ‘The Longest Day of Play’ which is a nationwide effort to get kiddos to be outside and enjoy playing,” said Kacy Abrams, Community Development Director at Boyd County Fiscal Court. “Since the longest day of the year fell on Father's Day this year, we decided to push it back a few weeks and do it in July. Our goal is to provide the community with a fun-filled evening and give them a space to have lots of fun.”

She added, “This is the third year we have done this event, but the first year calling it ‘Fun in the Sun’. While the name has changed, our goal and mission of the event has not.”

The event is designed primarily for young children through preteens, but Abrams emphasizes that all families are welcome. 

Attendees can expect mostly free-play activities, along with special features like a kids yoga session, vendor-hosted games, and appearances by Peanut the Clown, who will create balloon animals, and Face Painting by Faith, offering temporary tattoos.

Food will also be provided at no cost to attendees.

“We will be serving free hotdog meals and nachos. Kona Ice will also be there and we're covering the bill,” Abrams said.

As night falls, families are encouraged to settle in for the movie portion of the evening. Guests should bring their own seating, such as blankets, chairs, or towels, as the film will be shown on a large screen set up on the track with viewing available on the field.

Beyond entertainment, Abrams says the event serves a deeper purpose for the community.

“Fun in the Sun provides a free fun evening for everyone in our community. It encourages families to spend time together and encourages outdoor play,” she said.

For Abrams, the event is especially meaningful.

“I wanted to create a fun event that allowed a safe space for families and kids to enjoy their summer and I feel like we have been able to do that with this event!” she said. “This is personally my favorite event that we plan and host. It takes a lot of people to make it happen and I love seeing our community and volunteers come together for a fun evening.”

Abrams says the event is made possible through collaboration among local organizations and sponsors, including Boyd County government, Boyd County Schools FRYSC, Marathon, UK King’s Daughters, Member’s Choice Credit Union, Davis Equipment, River Valley Church, Ashland Community & Technical College, Kentucky Power, Advantage Plus Realty, Ramey Estep/Regroup, and The Write Touch Studio.

“Myself, along with the FRYSC team get together several times a year for planning sessions for this event. We also appreciate Boyd County Schools for allowing us to use their facilities,” Abrams added.

Ultimately, Abrams says she hopes families leave with lasting memories and a desire to return.

“I hope families take away that we want children to have fun spending time with one another and enjoying the outdoors. If families leave smiling and talking about coming back next year, we've accomplished our goal,” she said.

In the event of inclement weather, attendees are encouraged to follow Boyd County Community & Economic Development on Facebook for updates, as no official rain date has been scheduled.

For additional information and event updates, follow the “Fun in the Sun” event on Facebook.