Weekender May 2–10: Farmer’s Market, Derby Day, Tasting Party, First Friday And More

Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]

It’s the first week of May and that means it’s Derby time. The 2024 Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. But the big race is hardly the only thing happening.

Music on the Lawn returns to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill on Friday, May 3, with musician Chris Weiss kicking things off at 6:30 p.m. In addition to live music, you can count on outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit every Friday and Saturday evening through October. No admission required.

The Mercer County Farmers Market returns for another season at Mercer County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 8, starting at 9 a.m. Weekly farmer’s markets will continue through the fall. Organizers promise local vendors providing locally raised produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, canned goods, honey and homemade and handcrafted items. They 30 vendors are registered so far.

The Harrodsburg Historical Society is hosting the 31st Annual Tasting Party on Monday, May 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fill your plate with your choice of food items for $10, beverage and dessert included. Dine-in or carry-out are available.

Friday Night On Main returns for another season at Olde Town Park in downtown Harrodsburg on Friday, May 10, from 5 to 10 p.m. The Downtown Harrodsburg First Main Street Program hosts Friday Nights On Main on the second Friday of every month through September. The event features live music as well as food and shopping.

Have a great weekend, Mercer County!

Thursday, May 2
• Trivia and Raffle at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). Teams of four compete for a $25 gift card. Queen of Hearts Raffle—sponsored by Harrodsburg Rotary Club—at 7 p.m. 859-613-5669 or casagrandeky.com or Facebook @casaGky.

• Live music at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

• Karaoke with J.T. at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Friday, May 3
• Toddler Tales Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children 18 months to 2 years old. Call to sign up. Starts 9:30 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Preschool Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 3-5. Call to sign up. Starts 11 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Lunch N’ Learn at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Learn to make a new recipe Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Tara Duty from the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service. Starts at noon. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Teen Game Zone at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Friday night gaming, whether you like video games, board games, card games or ping pong. Snacks provided. Program for teens, age 13 to 18. Starts 5:30 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• 2024 Birds of the Palisades at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Learn to identify grassland songbirds by sight, sound, behavior and habitat during peak migration in our converted native prairie and adjoining forest edges in partnership with Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Participants will gain training for Global Big Day and other citizen science birding programs. Dress for a day of warm-weather hiking with sturdy shoes as well as sun protection, water, light snacks and binoculars. Starts 1 p.m., meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the start of program. Adult supervision is required for anyone under 18. Cost: $15. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Music on the Lawn featuring Chris Weiss at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission required. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Derby Classic Horse Show at the Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). World champion horses and riders competing both nights hosted by Kentucky Walking Racking Trainers. Starts 6 p.m. Admission $5, free for children aged 6 and under. Facebook @Derby Classic Horse Show.

• 2024 Mindfulness through Birdsong at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Unwind and relax during an hour of mindful hiking through the preserve with stops to reflect on Shaker poems and songs. $10 for annual passholders, $15 for everyone else. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Karaoke at Downtown Pizza Pub (112 South Main Street). 7–10 p.m. 859-605-6488 or Facebook @Downtown Pizza Pub.

• Trivia at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. Jukebox Bingo starts at 8:30 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Saturday, May 4
Derby Day
• Mercer County Farmers Market at the Stable at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Local vendors providing locally raised produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, canned goods, honey and homemade and handcrafted items. 30 vendors registered. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.

• Chess at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). A morning of chess and snacks open to all ages and skill levels. 10 a.m. to noon. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Artistic Wood Turning Demonstration at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Artisan Bob Cairns will demonstrate his artistic wood turning. Select pieces available for purchase onsite. Demonstrations take place outside the Welcome Center. Participation is included with admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Duck Cancer Jeep Invasion at Danville Cinemas 8 (1001 Ben Ali Drive, Danville). Organizers have a goal of 100 Jeeps for the day. You never know your Jeep might go home with more ducks and even a trophy. Jeep show ‘n’ shine featuring DJ John Tyler, Bus In It Out food truck. $15 preregistration, $20 at event, proceeds benefit Boyle-Mercer Relay for Life. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. my.cheddarup.com/c/1st-annual-duck-cancer-jeep-invasion.

• Cruz on Chiles at Auto Kustoms (123 South Chiles Street). Open to all makes and models vehicles. Family fun atmosphere. Music, food trucks and more. 5 to 8 p.m. Facebook @Auto Kustoms.

• Music on the Lawn featuring Dean Phelps at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission required. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• 2024 Mindfulness through Birdsong at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Unwind and relax during an hour of mindful hiking through the preserve with stops to reflect on Shaker poems and songs. $10 for annual passholders, $15 for everyone else. Starts 67 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Live music: Silver Wings Band at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Bluegrass Food Truck. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.

• Spring Evening Preserve Hike at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Enjoy the spring sunset and the ensuing night sky. During the hike, keep your eyes peeled for elusive crepuscular creatures going about their evening routines. Starts 7 p.m. Meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the start of the hike. All participants should bring flashlight. Hike is for ages 12 and up. If under 18, guests must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Live music at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Sunday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
• Cinco de Mayo at St. Phillips Episcopal Church (118 West Poplar Street). A select vocal ensemble which began in 2010. Performances include music of the masters, comprising a multitude of styles, genres and virtually all historical periods, along with contemporary and popular music. Starts 3:30 [email protected] or stphilipsharrodsburg.org or 859-734-3569 or Facebook @stphilipsharrodsburg.

• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 5 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-325-6960 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

Monday, May 6
• 31st Annual Tasting Party at Harrodsburg Historical Society Monthly (220 South Chiles Street). Fill your plate with your choice of food items for $10. Beverage and dessert included. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine-in or carry-out call 859-325-9028 or harrodsburghistorical.org.

• Crafty Affairs: Paper Lanterns at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Create a paper lantern to decorate your home or provide soft light for a calm and soothing environment. Program and supplies free, registration required. Starts 5 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

Tuesday, May 7
• Trivia Night at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Test your knowledge as an individual or a team—max team size of four. Snacks provided. Program for adults, ages 18 and up. Starts 5:30 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

Thursday, May 9
• Lunch and Learn: Growing Terrific Tomatoes at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent Jessica Bessin teaches everything you need to know to grow terrific tomatoes. Visit the seed library. Beverages and something sweet provided. Starts at noon. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Queen of Hearts Raffle at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). Teams of four compete for a $25 gift card. Raffle sponsored by Harrodsburg Rotary Club starts at 7 p.m. 859-613-5669 or casagrandeky.com or Facebook @casaGky.

• Live music at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

• Karaoke with J.T. at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Friday, May 10
• Toddler Tales Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children 18 months to 2 years old. Call to sign up. Starts 9:30 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• Preschool Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 3-5. Call to sign up. Starts 11 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mcplib.info.

• 2024 Birds of the Palisades at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Learn to identify grassland songbirds by sight, sound, behavior and habitat during peak migration in our converted native prairie and adjoining forest edges in partnership with Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Participants will gain training for Global Big Day and other citizen science birding programs. Dress for a day of warm-weather hiking with sturdy shoes as well as sun protection, water, light snacks and binoculars. Starts 1 p.m., meet at the Welcome Center 15 minutes before the start of program. Adult supervision is required for anyone under 18. Cost: $15. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Friday Night On Main at Olde Town Park. Live music by Grace Farmer & The Whiskey Shots. The Downtown Harrodsburg Main Street Program hosts Friday Nights On Main on the second Friday of every month through September. The event features live music as well as food and shopping from 5 to 10 p.m. 859-734-6811 or [email protected] or downtownharrodsburg.com  or Facebook @Harrodsburg First.

• Music on the Lawn featuring Randy Kaplan at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission required. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• 2024 Mindfulness through Birdsong at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Unwind and relax during an hour of mindful hiking through the preserve with stops to reflect on Shaker poems and songs. $10 for annual passholders, $15 for everyone else. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• Karaoke at Downtown Pizza Pub (112 South Main Street). 7–10 p.m. 859-605-6488 or Facebook @Downtown Pizza Pub.

• Trivia at the Vault Ciders, Suds & Spirits (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. Jukebox Bingo starts at 8:30 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Have any events planned? Let everyone know by posting it on the Weekender. Email events to [email protected].