Friday, Sept. 25

10 a.m. — Registration, Lobby

10 a.m. — Meet the Authors Book Signing, Lobby

JSF Authors include James M. Gifford, Pamela Hall, John W. McCauley, Wayne Onkst, David Palmore, Cathy Roberts among others.

Noon — Lunch on your own at the Jesse Stuart Lodge, Angler’s Cove Restaurant

1:30 p.m. — A Hike on the Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve

Join Zach Taylor for a trip to the Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve (JSNP). The preserve consists of 714 acres, which were originally part of Stuart’s farm. Zach will lead a hike to Seaton Ridge, a part of JSNP inaccessible by car. There you’ll explore Stuart’s world and visit such sites as “Old Opp’s Cabin,” made famous in Stuart’s The Good Sprit of Laurel Ridge. Meet Zach in the Lobby at 1:30 p.m. Wear shoes suitable for hiking.

1:30 p.m. — Boat Cruise on Greenbo Lake

For those looking for a less strenuous activity, enjoy a peaceful afternoon boat ride on beautiful Greenbo Lake. Meet John W. McCauley in the Lobby at 1:15 pm. Space is limited so please sign up at the JSW registration table in the Lobby. Wear boat-safe shoes and sunscreen.

5 p.m. — Dinner on your own at the Jesse Stuart Lodge, Angler’s Cove Restaurant

7 p.m. — Announcements & Awards

JSF Board Chair Wayne Onkst will make important announcements.

7:30 p.m. — John W. McCauley discusses the life of Jesse Stuart

In this informative session, JSF Board Member John W. McCauley will talk about Stuart’s life and writing while leading an open discussion.  He will share some of Stuart’s original work, including an unpublished manuscript never seen by the public.  McCauley compiled and edited the award-winning Kentucky is My Home: A Journey Into the Life of Jesse Hilton Stuart (2025); and Harvest of Life (2026), featuring unpublished essays by Stuart.

8:30 p.m. — Reception hosted by Greenbo Lake State Resort State Park

Book Evaluations ~ JSF Board Member and America’s foremost expert on Stuart collectible books and memorabilia, will be available throughout the Jesse Stuart Weekend to evaluate your Stuart First Editions, etc.

Saturday, September 26

9 a.m. — Tours

W-Hollow: JSF Board Member Terry Diamond will guide an informative and fun bus tour of the land that inspired Stuart’s literary creations.  Meet Terry in the Lobby at 8:45 a.m.  Bus seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  JSW attendees have priority for seating.

Fern Valley Trail: For those not going on the bus tour, Mason Campbell, of the GLSRP staff, will lead an interpretive hike on this one-mile trail.  Wear shoes suitable for hiking.

Noon — Lunch on your own at the Jesse Stuart Lodge, Angler’s Cove Restaurant

2 p.m. — Bus Trip through Greenup County

Zach Taylor will guide a tour through Greenup County highlighting its associations with Jesse Stuart.  We’ll see the home place of Naomi Deane, the site of Greenup County High School where Jesse was a student and became principal; Leslie’s Drug Store, the site of Colombian Hotel, Courthouse Square, and we’ll visit the Greenup County Library to view the book collection that includes Jesse’s first editions.  Meet Zach in the Lobby at 1:50 p.m.   Bus seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  JSW attendees have priority for seating.

2 p.m. — Trip to JSF Bookstore

Those wanting to get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping or browse Stuart collectibles in the Jesse Stuart Room can meet in the Lobby at 1:45 p.m. for a trip to the JSF Bookstore in Ashland.  Van seating is limited so please sign up at the JSW registration table in the Lobby.  JSW attendees will receive a 10% discount in the JSF Bookstore.

5:30 p.m. — Dinner on your own at the Jesse Stuart Lodge, Angler’s Cove Resaurant

7 p.m. — Kentucky Chautauqua Performance, Lisa Woods as Loretta Lynn ~ Mem’ries of a Coal Miner’s Daughter

The “Queen of Country Music” blazed a difficult trail through poverty, heartbreak, and resilience.  Loretta’s deeply personal songs gave voice to working-class woman and their everyday struggles.  Her groundbreaking hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter” remains a defining anthem – not just of her life story, but of country music’s capacity to tell real stories that matter.