Renfro Valley, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Renfro Valley
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 Renfro Valley
Location in Kentucky
Renfro Valley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Rockcastle |
| Elevation | 951 ft (290 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EST) |
| ZIP codes |
40473
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| GNIS feature ID | 5514889 |
Renfro Valley is a small community located in Kentucky, United States. It's found just off Interstate 75, where it meets U.S. Route 25 and Kentucky Route 2793. This area is north of Mount Vernon, which is the main town of Rockcastle County. Renfro Valley even has its own Post Office with the zip code 40473.
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What is Renfro Valley Famous For?
Renfro Valley is best known for its long history with country music and entertainment. It's home to the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, which has been a popular spot for shows for many years.
The Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
The Renfro Valley Entertainment Center was started in 1939 by a local person named John Lair and his friends. It quickly became famous for its Renfro Valley Barn Dance. This was a traditional country music show that helped many famous singers get their start.
Famous Performers at the Barn Dance
Some of the big names who performed early in their careers at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance include:
- Hank Snow
- Hank Williams
- Red Foley
- Homer and Jethro
The Barn Dance and other shows from Renfro Valley were even broadcast on the CBS Radio Network until the late 1950s.
Real Country Music Today
Even today, Renfro Valley is known for its "Real Country Music by Real Country Folks." This tradition continues with live stage shows featuring the current performers of Renfro Valley. Since 1992, the Entertainment Center has also hosted special concerts. These concerts feature a mix of well-known country singers, newer artists, and even bluegrass, gospel, and comedy acts.
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
Renfro Valley is also home to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum celebrates the rich musical history of Kentucky and its many talented artists.
Renfro Valley on the Radio
Renfro Valley has a strong connection to radio, especially with a show called Renfro Valley Gatherin'.
The Renfro Valley Gatherin' Show
The Renfro Valley Gatherin (also known as Renfro Valley Sunday Morning Gatherin) is one of the oldest radio programs of its kind in the United States. It has been broadcast every Sunday since September 1943. Only the Grand Ole Opry has been on the air longer among rural and country-themed shows, starting in 1925.
After CBS Radio stopped carrying the show in the late 1950s, a recorded version of the Gatherin started being shared with other radio stations. This syndicated broadcast of the Gatherin can still be heard on many stations across the United States and Canada. You can also listen to it on satellite radio and through Internet broadcasts.
Local Radio Station WRVK
The local radio station in Mount Vernon and Renfro Valley is WRVK 1460 AM. This station broadcasts the Gatherin' show. WRVK was also co-founded by John Lair in 1957. Today, it is owned and operated by Saylor Broadcasting, Inc. of Mount Vernon, Kentucky, and is separate from the Entertainment Center.
