Labor Day weekend event to honor James Ellis Carver and support vocational education
A new Labor Day tradition is set to begin in Lewis County as Trace Creek Construction, in partnership with 1806 Adventure Park and Briery Creek RV Park, hosts the inaugural “Trails for the Trades” Benefit Ride on Saturday.
The off-road ride and family event will take place at 1806 Adventure Park, located at 1979 Briery Creek Road in southern Lewis County. All proceeds will fund scholarships for students pursuing vocational and technical education.
This year’s ride is being held in memory of James Ellis Carver, whose mother, Becky Esham, hosted a similar benefit in his honor for several years, raising money for scholarships. Trace Creek will now lead the event and continue the tradition as an annual Labor Day fundraiser.
The “Trails for the Trades” Scholarship Fund will award financial support to graduating seniors from Lewis, Greenup, Boyd, Carter, and Owsley County High Schools. Eligibility requires that students have participated in a vocational program and that they continue their education at a Kentucky state university, a Kentucky Community and Technical College System school, or a technical/trade program.
Sam Howard, CEO of Trace Creek Construction, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“We are specifically earmarking whatever money is raised for trades education. It will be for kids that have had hands-on learning inside the high school and they want to continue their education at the college level, whether it be a university setting or a technical college or trade school. We believe this can be the first step into stopping the drain we’ve had in the trades for many years.”
Trace Creek has long supported education, awarding 25 scholarships in 2025 alone through its established $1,000 scholarship program for seniors in districts where the company provides construction management or design services. The new benefit ride scholarships will be in addition to Trace Creek’s existing program.
Event Details
The entry fee is $40, which includes food truck access starting at noon, dinner, and a commemorative T-shirt.
• A silent auction will run all day, with a live auction beginning at 6:00 p.m.
• The band Seventurn will perform live at 7:00 p.m.
• Other attractions include food trucks, a poker run, and prize drawings.
A highlight of the evening will be the giveaway of a four-wheeler donated by Big Blue Outdoors of Flemingsburg. Additional area businesses have provided sponsorships and donations to support both the auctions and the scholarships.
Voices of Support
The initiative has drawn praise from educators across the region.
• Jeremy L. Ruckel, Principal, Lewis County CTC:
“Lewis County Career and Technical Center is an investment in our students and our entire county. It opens doors that will allow young men and women to break cycles of poverty in Eastern Kentucky. It gives them confidence to dream bigger, the tools to succeed, and the courage to lead change.”
• Gary Cornett, Superintendent of Owsley County Schools:
“The Owsley County School District is excited for our students to be eligible for vocational scholarships that are provided by ‘Trails for the Trades.’ Many of our students go on to trade schools and have successful careers. These scholarships will allow them to further their education and ease the financial burden that is associated with higher education.”
• Courtney Bartley, Principal, Boyd County CTC:
“This vocational center is instrumental to our workforce and to students as individuals. We teach academic, employability, and technical skills so that all students can leave enrolled, enlisted, or employed. From mechanics and welders to nurses, doctors, and engineers, CTE can be the start.”
• Traysea Moresea, Superintendent, Greenup County Schools:
“Scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary programs in Career and Technical Education are an investment in our students’ futures, their families’ stability, and the strength of our community workforce. We are beyond grateful for the support we receive from our community partner Trace Creek Construction.”
• Kelly Moore, Principal, Carter County CTC:
“A scholarship for any student can be life changing. Scholarships for tech students are important because they legitimize our work in technical and vocational education and give students an alternative to attending four-year colleges.”
Community Backing
“Trails for the Trades” is supported by numerous gold, silver, and bronze sponsors including Ribolt Fabrication, PrimaryPlus, WillScot, Advance Wall Systems, Big Blue Outdoors, Briery Creek RV Park, Dixie Roofing, Atlas Metal Products, and many other businesses and individuals.
The event will serve as both a tribute to James Ellis Carver and a rallying point for the future of vocational education in Eastern Kentucky.
“Grab your helmet and join us Labor Day Weekend at 1806 Adventure Park for ‘Trails for the Trades.’ Together we can build futures and strengthen the trades workforce of tomorrow,” Howard adds.
Event at a Glance
• Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
• Location: 1806 Adventure Park, 1979 Briery Creek Road, Vanceburg, KY
• Entry Fee: $40 (includes dinner, T-shirt, food truck access)
• Activities: Food trucks, dinner, poker run, silent & live auctions, live band, four-wheeler giveaway
• Proceeds: Scholarships for vocational/technical students in five counties
Contact cswearingen@tracecreek.net for more information.
About Trace Creek Construction Inc.
Trace Creek Construction, Inc. is a Kentucky-based Contractor that performs construction-related services from its office in Vanceburg, Lewis County, Kentucky. With over 30 years of experience, Trace Creek specializes in construction management, design build and general contracting. Trace Creek’s operating philosophy of “your job is our reputation” influences all aspects of their work, and their innovative construction approach is based upon careful planning and execution of projects that perfectly meet their client’s needs and budgets.
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