History

In 1996 more than a hundred citizens gathered for a local meeting to gauge what might be done to offset the economic decline Clay County had been experiencing and to attract businesses to our area. Downtown beautification activities began in 1997, and by December 1998 a revitalization group was incorporated with the help of HandMade in America.

Early projects included a collaboration with local students to create colorful murals and construct a board-walk at the high school's outdoor classroom facility. In 1999 the first annual 'Lies & Pies Jamboree' was held as a fund-raiser, bringing the county townships together in a fun competition with food, music, and entertainment

As the organization grew, it took on increasingly more ambitious endeavors, chief of which was the major restoration of the county's historic 1888 Courthouse and significant enhancements to the Town Square area.

Further entertainment gatherings were added to help bring the county closer together-and such fun annual events as the Car-B-Que, the Chili Cook-Off: and Lies and Pies have now become a popular fixture in the life of Clay County.

Another well-received presentation, Tales of Clay County, was created to highlight the rich legacy of living history among the county's old-timers.

Since its beginning, CCCRA has raised more than $500,000 in grants to enhance the county's physical beauty as well as enriching its cultural life, and membership has grown to almost 200.

CCCRA welcomes your participation --- isn’t it time for you to become a vital part of such living history and help make a quality difference in the future of Clay County?