COMING HOME
BALE TRAIL EDITION 2024
MAYFIELD DIRECTORY
GUIDE
A DIFFERENT
KIND OF
LENDER
NMLS # 482994
BALES OF FUN: THE MAYFIELD BALE TRAIL GUIDE +
BALE TRAIL TIPS
BALE TRAIL MAP
CHA BEHIND-THE-SCENES: SHEA WEAKS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PUBLISHER & PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR
www.cominghomemayfield.com
11
18
Laura Doughty
Mel Doughty
www.mayfielddirectory.com
COMING HOME
Hay there!
Welcome to our special issue of the Mayfield Bale Trail Guide!
The annual River Valley AgCredit Bale Trail has returned to Mayfield this October,
bringing with it an extra dose of creativity, community spirit, and friendly competition.
Celebrating 77 local businesses and individuals who have stepped up to transform 140
hay bales into extraordinary seasonal displays that are fun, spooky, and incredibly
unique. This annual event has quickly become a favorite Fall tradition, greeting both
locals and visitors as they enter our town. From intricate, artistic designs to fun, quirky
characters, the bales reflect the heart of Mayfield: our pride, creativity, and strong
sense of community.
In this issue, you’ll find a guide to some of the decorated hay bales and the creative
teams behind them, along with the Top 3 winners, as voted by you! This year’s
participation has taken the Bale Trail to new heights, inviting everyone to get out,
explore, and capture memorable moments with friends and family. The Bale Trail is
more than just an event; it’s a testament to Mayfield’s resilience and spirit, with our
businesses coming together to create something beautiful and engaging for all.
We hope this guide brings you joy and that you’ll join us in celebrating the incredible
community of Mayfield. Happy Bale Trailing, and don't forget to snap a selfie or two!
Happy Holidays,
Mel Doughty
Publisher
"In Mayfield, we’re reminded that even
"In Mayfield, we’re reminded that even
the simplest hay bales, with a little
the simplest hay bales, with a little
creativity and community spirit, can
creativity and community spirit, can
become something truly extraordinary."
become something truly extraordinary."
OUR
ADVERTISERS
15
GREAT AMBITIONS
Making dreams come true
13
THE GRAND HOME
Go back in time and create memories.
WILMA’S KOUNYTRY KITCHEN
old fashioned country cooking.
20
SGILLIAM THOMPSON FURNITURE
Shop their huge selection
RIVER VALLEY AGCREDIT
invested in you!
BALES
OF FUN:
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COMING HOME AGAIN I bale trail 2024
When you shop at small businesses, you’re
helping
visitors
follow
the
Bale
Trail
throughout October, they can snap selfies
with
whimsical
and
spooky
hay
bale
characters, which have grown more creative
each year. This event is part of the larger
Haunted Graves festivities, which run the
entire month and feature haunted houses,
corn mazes, pumpkin displays, and more
seasonal activities. It has become one of the
most visually striking autumn events in
Mayfield, blending Halloween spirit with
community pride and agri-tourism.
The Mayfield Bale Trail not only supports
local businesses by driving foot traffic but
also creates a playful, family-friendly activity
that continues to uplift community spirits as
Mayfield rebuilds. This tradition is quickly
becoming a hallmark event for Graves
County, adding another layer to the region’s
vibrant fall season.
For more on this year’s Bale Trail and
Haunted
Graves
festivities,
check
local
tourism
updates
or
visit
River
Valley
AgCredit’s site.
The Mayfield Bale Trail is a fun, unique event where local creativity meets agricultural heritage,
celebrating Halloween in Graves County. Organized as part of the Haunted Graves festival, the
Bale Trail is an initiative by River Valley AgCredit, Mayfield-Graves County Tourism, and
community members, allowing local businesses and organizations to showcase their decorated
hay bales. This year marks the second annual Bale Trail, where 77 participants have turned 140
simple hay bales into elaborate, Halloween-themed displays outside their businesses. The
community is then invited to vote on their favorites, adding a competitive and engaging twist to
the event.
Praise Dance
Mayfield High School
1. Plan Your Route and Timing
The trail covers various parts of Mayfield,
so map out the main stops in advance to
see the top-rated displays and explore
different neighborhoods.
Evening or early morning light can create
great photo ops, but plan around your
family’s schedule for the best experience
without crowds.
2. Make It a Family Adventure
Bring along the kids to see the creative
and spooky decorations up close. Many
displays are themed with family favorites,
making them exciting for younger ones.
Pack some snacks, and consider making
stops at local spots along the route to
enjoy a bite or some warm cider.
3. Turn It into a Selfie Tour
Capture memories at each bale by taking
selfies or family photos. Use the decorated
hay bales as colorful, seasonal backdrops
and share your photos on social media to
join in the community spirit.
Use hashtags like #MayfieldBaleTrail or
#HauntedGraves to connect with other
visitors and share in the Halloween fun.
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COMING HOME AGAIN I bale trail 2024
Your Hometown Federal Credit Union
4. Get Involved with Voting
Voting is a key part of the Bale Trail! Make sure
you cast your vote next year for your favorite
bales and encourage friends to participate. It’s a
fun way to feel engaged with the local
community.
5. Support Local Businesses
Many participating businesses offer special
treats, deals, or activities to celebrate
Halloween. Pop in and show support to the
creative local businesses that make the Bale
Trail possible.
6. Stay Safe and Have Fun
If you’re traveling with young kids, keep an eye
out as some bales may be close to busy areas.
And bring layers—it can get chilly in October!
Remember to soak in the spirit and embrace this
unique experience that truly makes Mayfield shine
during the Halloween season.
The Bale Trail offers a bit of something for
everyone, from families to social media enthusiasts,
and is a special way to celebrate fall in Mayfield.
Enjoy the trail, vote for your favorites, and make it
a seasonal tradition!
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COMING HOME AGAIN I bale trail 2024
1.3k Votest
The real Khalico was excited to hear he
didn’t lose to a drumstick.
A local farmer and business owner
serving Western Kentucky and
surrounding areas. Providing year round
land clearing, fencing and more. Also
supplying farm raised, loacal beef!
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COMING HOME AGAIN I bale trail 2024
1.2k Votest
113 N 12th St, Mayfield, KY 42066
Hours: Opens 6 AM-2PM
Closed Sunday
(270) 247-9153
We wanted Wilma’s hay bale to be representative of our
restaurant. We wanted it to be personal to Wilma’s. I
searched the internet and Pinterest looking for something
that screamed Wilma’s. I saw so many options and then I
saw a plate of turkey and dressing. I immediately sent the
picture to Linda and she loved it. My husband and I came
up with Wilma’s vegetables and he started designing how to
make them, I got the paint. It came to life by a group effort.
We made Wilma’s THURS-HAY chicken and dressing
special come to life!
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COMING HOME AGAIN I bale trail 2024
500 S 6th Street
Mayfield, KY 42066
www.rileyarchitect.com
270-247-8400
724 Votes
Riley Architect Team