Memorial Day Weekender For May 24–31: Native Dawn Flute Gathering, Ol’ Iron Rundown, Chamber Festival And More

Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]

The Native Dawn Flute Gathering returns to Old Fort Harrod State Park starting Friday, May 25, at 4 p.m. Three days of Native American music as well as traditional arts and crafts as well as food trucks featuring fry bread and Indian tacos starts Friday. For the full lineup of talent, check the listings below.

The 2024 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill happens on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han present concerts at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Tickets were still available at press time but they won’t last long.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, and that’s the official start of the summer on Herrington Lake. Pandora Marina is offering live music by Dalton Rose on Friday, May 24, while the Five Below Band will perform at Sunset Marina and Resort and LBP Country at Kamp Kennedy Marina on Saturday, May 28.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, Mercer County!

Thursday, May 23
• 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 by the Carey Band at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Biscuits BBQ. 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 24
• 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.

• Season Opening Diving Dogs Competition at DarkK9 Sports (572 Ison Lane, Burgin). Dock diving competition for dogs. Offering a day of “try its” for $10. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with specialties—air retrieve at 1 p.m. and hydro dash at 3 p.m. darkk9sports.com or 859-221-0885.

• Native Dawn Flute Gathering at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). The free festival celebrating Native American music as well as traditional arts and crafts runs through Sunday, May 26. Friday schedule starts with acts Kyle Coatney at 4 p.m., Robert Mullinax, Janice Sunflower and Tim Corbin. Southern Mountain Singers will be performing between each artist. Dance groups include nza Guerreros Quetzalcoatl, the Pueblo Enchantment Dancers and Southern Mountain Singers. Facebook @Native Dawn Flute Gathering or 502-600-1895 or [email protected]. For booth space call Tim Corbin, 937-626-5437.

• Music on the Lawn featuring Burton Joyner 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. 

• Live music by Dalton Rose at Pandora Marina (125 Pandora Drive, Harrodsburg). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-748-9121. Facebook @Pandora Marina.

• 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. 

• 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 25
• 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.

• Native Dawn Flute Gathering at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). The free festival celebrating Native American music as well as traditional arts and crafts runs through Sunday, May 26. Saturday’s line-up: Ohio Valley Native American Veterans Warrior Society Color Guard, Kyle Coatney, Tyler Evans, the Pueblo Enchantment Dancers, Aztec Dancers, Peter Feather Redheart, Cephus Hoddleslopp, Flags Out/Southern Mountain, Tony Cooper and Tim Cordin. Southern Mountain Singers will be performing between each artist. Dance groups include Danza Guerreros Quetzalcoatl, the Pueblo Enchantment Dancers and Southern Mountain Singers. Starts 9 a.m. Facebook @Native Dawn Flute Gathering or 502-600-1895 or [email protected]. For booth space call Tim Corbin, 937-626-5437.

• Season Opening Diving Dogs Competition at DarkK9 Sports (572 Ison Lane, Burgin). Dock diving competition for dogs. Offering a day of “try its” for $10. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with specialties—air retrieve at 5 p.m. darkk9sports.com or 859-221-0885.

• Ol’ Iron Rundown (123 South Chiles Street). 1987 and older custom car and truck show. Food, live music, beer, pin up contest and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [email protected] or Facebook @olironrundown.

• Stand Up Paddle at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Paddle—standing up—the Kentucky and Dix Rivers amongst the cliffs and High Bridge. Rentals by Kentucky by Paddle out of Shaker Landing. Participants should bring water shoes, hat, towel, sunscreen, bug spray and suitable clothes in case you end up in the river. Program is for guests ages 12 and up. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Advanced purchase is required, no on-site purchases. Plan to arrive ahead of start time and meet at the bottom of River Road (Shaker Ferry Road) located .25 miles east of main Shaker Village entrance, on the opposite side of US 68. There is a Shaker Landing sign at the road’s entrance. Stand Up Paddleboard Rental: $65 per person. Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• 2024 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han will present special performances at the Meadowview Barn. Concert I features musicians Sahun Sam Hong, Wu Han, James Thompson, Paul Neubauer, Sihao He and Tommaso Lonquich performing Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat major for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano Op. 11, Ysaÿe’s Sonata in D minor for Violin, Op. 27 No. 3 “Ballade,” Dale’s “Romance” from Suite for Viola and Piano and Casadesus’s Two Pieces for Viola and Piano. General admission tickets $50. Starts 11 a.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• 2024 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center present special performances at the Meadowview Barn. Concert II features musicians Sahun Sam Hong, Wu Han, Alexander Sitkovetsky, James Thompson, Paul Neubauer, David Finckel, Sihao He and Tommaso Lonquich performing Mendelssohn’s Quartet in F minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello Op. 2, Poulenc’s Sonata for Cello and Piano and von Weber’s Quintet in B-flat major for Clarinet, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello Op. 34. General admission tickets $75. Starts 5 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org. 

• 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 6 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Music on the Lawn featuring Carrie Johnson 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.

• Live music: Bourbon Beats DJ at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Triple J&C BBQ.. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.

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

• Live music by Five Below Band at Sunset Marina and Resort (325 Sunset Lodge Road, Lancaster). Kick Off Party for Summer 2024 starts 8 p.m. 859-548-3591 or sunsetmarinaandresort.com or Facebook @Sunsetmarinaandresort.

• Live music by LBP Country at Kamp Kennedy Marina (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Starts 8 p.m. (859) 548-2002 or [email protected] or kampkennedymarina.com or Facebook @kampkennedymarina.

Sunday, May 26
• Native Dawn Flute Gathering at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). The free festival celebrating Native American music as well as traditional arts and crafts. Lineup: Ohio Valley Native American Veterans Warrior Society Color Guard followed by Steve Matherly, Pueblo Enchantment Dancers, Aztec Dancers, Fred Nez-Keams, Peter Feather Redheart and Flags Out/Southern Mountain. In addition, the Southern Mountain Singers will performing between each artist. Dance groups include Danza Guerreros Quetzalcoatl, the Pueblo Enchantment Dancers and Southern Mountain Singers. Starts 9 a.m. Facebook @Native Dawn Flute Gathering or 502-600-1895 or [email protected]. For booth space call Tim Corbin, 937-626-5437.

• Season Opening Diving Dogs Competition at DarkK9 Sports (572 Ison Lane, Burgin). Dock diving competition for dogs. Offering a day of “try its” for $10. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with specialties—and hydro dash at 5 p.m. darkk9sports.com or 859-221-0885.

• Stand Up Paddle at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Paddle—standing up—the Kentucky and Dix Rivers amongst the cliffs and High Bridge. Rentals by Kentucky by Paddle out of Shaker Landing. Participants should bring water shoes, hat, towel, sunscreen, bug spray and suitable clothes in case you end up in the river. Program is for guests ages 12 and up. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Advanced purchase is required, no on-site purchases. Plan to arrive ahead of start time and meet at the bottom of River Road (Shaker Ferry Road) located .25 miles east of main Shaker Village entrance, on the opposite side of US 68. There is a Shaker Landing sign at the road’s entrance. Stand Up Paddleboard Rental: $65 per person. Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• 2024 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han will present special performances at the Meadowview Barn. Concert III features musicians Sahun Sam Hong, Wu Han, Alexander Sitkovetsky, James Thompson and David Finckel will perform Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat major for Violin and Piano, Ravel’s Tzigane, rapsodie de concert for Violin and Piano, Brahms’s Trio in C major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 87. General admission tickets $50. Starts 11 a.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

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

• 2024 Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center present special performances at the Meadowview Barn. Concert III features musicians Sahun Sam Hong, Wu Han, Alexander Sitkovetsky, James Thompson, Paul Neubauer, David Finckel, Sihao He and Tommaso Lonquich will perform Schumann’s Fantasiestücke (Fantasy Pieces) for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 73, Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano and Schubert’s Quintet in C major for Two Violins, Viola, and Two Cellos, D. 956. General admission tickets $75. Starts 5 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

Thursday, May 30
• MYPATH—Mindful-Yoga-Practice—at Terrapin-Hill Farm (7695 Mackville Road). A weekend of yoga-related activities ​plus music, nature, camping, good food and fellowship including drum circles, guided meditations, nature hikes, journaling, ecstatic dance, sound baths. Treat yourself to a massage, reiki session, henna, personal readings, and a variety of retail vendors. All levels of experience are welcome. Starts 1 p.m. mypathfest.com or [email protected].

• Trivia and Raffle at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). Teams of four compete for a $25 gift card. Competition starts 6:30 p.m., with Queen of Hearts Raffle—sponsored by Harrodsburg Rotary Club—at 7 p.m. 859-613-5669 or casagrandeky.com or Facebook @casaGky.

• Live music by John Moore at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by the Swinery. 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 31
• MYPATH—Mindful-Yoga-Practice—at Terrapin-Hill Farm (7695 Mackville Road). A weekend of yoga-related activities ​plus music, nature, camping, good food and fellowship including drum circles, guided meditations, nature hikes, journaling, ecstatic dance, sound baths. Treat yourself to a massage, reiki session, henna, personal readings, and a variety of retail vendors. All levels of experience are welcome. Starts 8 a.m. mypathfest.com or [email protected].

• 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 ormcplib.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.

• Crafternoons With Tara at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Learn how to make a new craft with Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Tara Duty. All completed crafts eligible to enter the county fair. 1 to 3 p.m. RSVP 859-734-4378 or [email protected].

• Lexington Chamber Brass at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Part of the Great American Brass Band Festival. Starts 4:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.  or gabbf.org/music.

• Music on the Lawn featuring J.J. Mars 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.

• 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.

• 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].