What to Do in Utica, KY This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Welcome to a new week in Utica, KY. With chilly mornings and early sunsets, this is a great time to gather indoors for crafts, music, and community meals, and to get outside for fresh-air walks when the weather cooperates. Below are this week's highlights and a few dates to keep on your radar for the rest of January.

This Week at a Glance

• Tue Jan 13 - Cozy Craft Night at the library meeting room, 6:00-7:30 pm. Bring a simple project or try supplied materials for paper crafts and winter card-making. Hot tea and cocoa provided. All ages welcome; kids under 12 with an adult.
• Wed Jan 14 - Community Soup Supper and Winter Warmth Giveaway, 5:30-7:00 pm at the fellowship hall. Free bowls of soup, cornbread, and fruit. Coats, hats, and gloves available while supplies last. Donations of clean winter items may be dropped at the door.
• Thu Jan 15 - Youth Basketball Open Gym at the elementary school, 6:00-8:00 pm. Skills stations, free play, and pickup games for ages 8-14. Volunteer coaches will help with dribbling, passing, and shooting fundamentals.
• Fri Jan 16 - Bluegrass and Board Games Night at the volunteer fire station, 6:30-9:00 pm. Bring an instrument or pull up a chair for dominoes, checkers, and family-friendly games. Coffee and lemonade available. All neighbors encouraged to join.
• Sat Jan 17 - Winter Bird Walk on the riverside trail, 8:00-9:30 am. Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Look and listen for cardinals, woodpeckers, and winter sparrows. Binoculars helpful but not required. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
• Sat Jan 17 - Community Blood Drive at the civic room, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. Bring ID and eat a good breakfast beforehand.
• Sun Jan 18 - Quiet Hour and Hymn Sing, 4:00-5:00 pm in the small chapel. A calm close to the week with reflective readings, soft music, and simple hymns. Open to all faiths and none.

Community Notes for the Week

- Warming Center Hours: The senior center lounge will be open 9:00 am-4:00 pm Tuesday through Friday for anyone needing a warm, safe place to sit, read, or socialize. Light refreshments available. - Road and Sidewalk Caution: Overnight refreeze is likely after sundown. Give yourself extra travel time and watch for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded curves. - Park Restrooms: Some park facilities are winterized and may be closed. Portable restrooms are available near the ball fields. - Trash and Recycling: Expect possible weather-related delays. Leave containers at the curb until collected.

Looking Ahead to Later This Month

- Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day Service Projects, 9:00 am-noon. Join neighbors for roadside litter pickup and a food pantry sorting shift. Gloves and bags provided. Family-friendly. - Sat Jan 24 - Community Chili Cook-Off, 11:30 am-1:00 pm at the community center. Free tastings, friendly judging by applause, and a cornbread corner for non-spicy eaters. - Thu Jan 29 - Winter Gardening 101, 6:30-7:45 pm at the extension classroom. Learn seed-starting, soil prep, and low-cost season extenders. - Sat Jan 31 - Youth Science Expo, 10:00 am-noon in the school cafeteria. Hands-on tables, mini-demos, and a showcase of student projects.

Seasonal Tips and Reminders

- Check on neighbors who live alone, especially during cold snaps. - Bring pets indoors overnight and refresh outdoor water bowls often. - Space heaters need a 3-foot safety zone and should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. - If you plan to hike, let someone know your route and expected return time. - Keep an emergency kit in the car: blanket, flashlight, snacks, and a small shovel.

How to Get Involved

Volunteers are welcome for weekend cleanups, the youth open gym, and the warming center hospitality table. If you can lend an hour, sign in at the front desk when you arrive at any event and a coordinator will direct you. See you around Utica this week.