Weekender For July 21–28: James Harrod, Mercer County Fair, Anderson-Dean Pool And More

From left: Disney’s “The Bad Guys” at Mercer County Public Library on Friday, Eric Forman stars in “James Harrod: The Battle For Kentucky” at Old Fort Harrod State Park starting Thursday, the pool at Anderson-Dean Community Park opens Friday and the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show opens Monday. (Composite image).
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com
“James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky” returns for a two week run starting 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street).
The production features Eric and Sarah Forman as James Harrod and his wife, Ann McDonald, Harrodsburg’s original power couple. The play centers on the founding of Fort Harrod and the settlers’ struggle for survival against Native Americans, rival claimants and each other. The stars say they can’t wait for everyone to come out and see what all the excitement’s about.
“Please come out and see the show and bring your whole family,” the Formans said. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for children. For ticket information, call Old Fort Harrod State Park at 859-734-3314 or visit their Facebook page.
The pool at Anderson-Dean Community Park is scheduled to open on Friday, July 22, with special family fun time featuring live music and food trucks starting at 6 p.m. The pool will be free for the first weekend, but capacity is capped at 500 people.
And of course, the 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show officially opens Monday, July 25, and running through the week.
(All events are free unless otherwise listed.)
Thursday, July 21
• Silly Sea Adventures With Magician Mark Wood at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). A 40-minute interactive magic show designed for children of all ages with comedy, magic and lots of audience participation. Starts 2 p.m. Call to reserve a spot 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.
• Live music by Carrie Ann McDonald and food by Taco Gallo at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-325-6960 or Facebook: Lemons Mill Brewery.
• Live music by Shane White at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook: The Vault.

Eric Forman stars in “James Harrod: The Battle For Kentucky” at Old Fort Harrod State Park.
• Live outdoor drama: “James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky” at the James Harrod Amphitheater (100 South College Street). Outdoor drama runs for two weekends Thursday through Saturday. Starts 8 p.m. Facebook: Old Fort Harrod State Park or 859-734-3314.
Friday, July 22
• Toddler Tales Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children 18 months to two years old. Starts 10 a.m. Sign up by calling 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.
• Preschool Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged three to five years old. Starts 10:30 a.m. Sign up by calling 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.
• Grand Re-opening of the Aquatic Center at Anderson-Dean Community Park (1501 Louisville Road). Pool is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. Family fun time featuring live music and food trucks starts at 6 p.m. The pool will be free for the first weekend, but capacity is capped at 500 people. 859-734-9167 or Facebook: Anderson-Dean Community Park.

Lynlee Gowins enjoys the pool at Anderson-Dean Community Park in 2019.
• Picnic In The Park featuring live music by Royal Bluegrass at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). Live concert series under the Osage orange tree runs every Friday at noon through the summer. Facebook: Old Fort Harrod State Park.
• Shaker Troublemakers Evening Tour at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Uncover the disputes that sometimes erupted within the normally tranquil society. All ages welcome. Meet outside the Trustees’ Office 10 minutes before the program, which starts at 6 p.m. $10 for season pass holder, $15 for everyone else. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Carrie Johnson at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission required. Starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Friday Family Flicks at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Feature: “Bad Guys”: a criminal group of anthropomorphic animals pretend to reform only to discover an even bigger villain. Starts 7 p.m. Call to reserve a spot 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

Disney’s “The Bad Guys” plays at Mercer County Public Library Friday.
• Demolition Derby Night Sponsored By Farmers National Bank at Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Features youth mini cars, mini madness pure stock with mini vans and windshield big cars. Starts 7 p.m. Admission: $15 per person, free for 10 and younger. mercercofair.com/derby.
• Karaoke at Downtown Pizza Pub (112 South Main Street). 7–10 p.m. 859-605-6488 or Facebook: Downtown Pizza Pub.
• Trivingo at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook: The Vault.
• Sing-O at Rock Haven Cigar Tap Pour House (419 East Office Street). Starts 7:30 p.m. 859-605-2007 or Facebook: Rock Haven.
• Live outdoor drama: “James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky” at the James Harrod Amphitheater (100 South College Street). Outdoor drama runs for two weekends Thursday through Saturday. Starts 8 p.m. Facebook: Old Fort Harrod State Park or 859-734-3314.
Saturday, July 23
• Mercer County Farmers Market at the Stables (560 Linden Avenue). 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook: Mercer County Farmers Market.
• Open Youth Dairy Show at 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Starts 10 a.m. at livestock pavilion. mercercofair.com.
• Artist Demonstration at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Bill Berryman demonstrates his artistic process through drawings and paintings outdoors, weather permitting. Participation included with admission. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Open Youth Rabbit Show at 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Starts noon at livestock pavilion. mercercofair.com.
• Behind The Scenes: Shaker Village’s Collection at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Explore the woodworking tools commonly used by the Shakers’ skilled carpenters and joiners. 2–3:30 p.m. Annual passholders $20, everyone else $25. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Board Together: Board Games For Adults at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). An afternoon of modern board games with adults. The library provide the games and snacks Starts 2:30 p.m. Sign up by calling 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.
• Weekend @ The Pool at Anderson-Dean Community Park (1501 Louisville Road). Pool is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. Family fun time featuring live music and food trucks starts at 6 p.m. The pool will be free for the first weekend, but capacity is capped at 500 people. 859-734-9167 or Facebook: Anderson-Dean Community Park.
• Shaker Troublemakers Evening Tour at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Uncover the disputes that sometimes erupted within the normally tranquil society. All ages welcome. Meet outside the Trustees’ Office 10 minutes before the program, which starts at 6 p.m. $15 for season pass holder, $20 for everyone else. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Scott Miller at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission required. Starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Live music by Mad Women and food by Smoke Food at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-325-6960 or Facebook: Lemons Mill Brewery.
• Live music by Summerfield Revival at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). 7 p.m. 859-613-5669, casagrandeky.com or Facebook: Casa Grande.
• Live music by Will King at Cummins Ferry RV Park (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Starts 7 p.m. 859-865-2003 or Facebook: Cummins Ferry RV Park.
• Live music at McAfee Jamboree (163 Dunn Lane). Music starts 7 p.m., doors open 6 p.m. Facebook: McAfee Jamboree.

Demolition derby at Mercer County Fairgrounds.
• Demolition Derby Night Sponsored By Farmers National Bank at Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Features regular minis, quick build big cars and powder puff. Starts 7 p.m. Admission: $15 per person, free for 10 and younger. mercercofair.com/derby.
• Live music: Cadillac Tractor at Downtown Pizza Pub (112 South Main Street). 7–10 p.m. 859-605-6488 or Facebook: Downtown Pizza Pub.
• Live music by the LBP Country at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7:30 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook: The Vault.
• Live outdoor drama: “James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky” at the James Harrod Amphitheater (100 South College Street). Outdoor drama runs for two weekends Thursday through Saturday. Starts 8 p.m. Facebook: Old Fort Harrod State Park or 859-734-3314.
• Live music by Cherry Bomb at Kamp Kennedy Marina (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Starts 8 p.m. Facebook: Kamp Kennedy or 859-548-2002.
• Astronomy In The Field at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Join the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club to view the wonders of the night scy. Minors must be accompanied by adult. Starts after sunset. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
Sunday, July 24
• Floral Hall Early Registration at Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). 4-6 p.m. mercercofair.com/floral-hall.
• Trivia and food by Grill Good Eats at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 5 p.m. 859-325-6960 or Facebook: Lemons Mill Brewery.

The 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show starts Monday.
Monday, July 25
• 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral hall opens 5 p.m., midway and pageants open 6 p.m. mercercofair.com.
Tuesday, July 25
• Animal Tales With Grant Allen at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Get up close and personal with animals from all over the world Starts 1:30 p.m. Call to reserve a spot 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.
• 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral hall and Tiny Miss and Mister opens 5 p.m., midway opens 6 p.m., Little Miss and Mister opens 6:30 p.m. mercercofair.com.

Aiden Pittman, Holland Patterson and Rylee Curtsinger enjoy the rides at the Mercer County Fair And Horse Show last year.
Wednesday, July 27
• Mercer County Farmers Market at the Shaker Village of Peasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Starts 2 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook: Mercer County Farmers Market.
• 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral hall opens 5 p.m., midway and sheep show at livestock arena opens 6 p.m., horse show at center ring opens 6:30 p.m mercercofair.com.
Thursday, July 28
• 195th Whitaker Bank Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral hall opens 5 p.m., midway opens 6 p.m., horse show in center ring starts 6:30 p.m. mercercofair.com.
• Live music by Andrea Grosi and food by Wale ‘n’ Bake at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-325-6960 or Facebook: Lemons Mill Brewery.
• Live music by James Foster at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook: The Vault.
• Live outdoor drama: “James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky” at the James Harrod Amphitheater (100 South College Street). Outdoor drama runs for two weekends Thursday through Saturday. Starts 8 p.m. Facebook: Old Fort Harrod State Park or 859-734-3314.
Email events to rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com.