‘Aladdin Jr.,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ Fort Harrod Christmas Tree Forest And So Much More

Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]

The Annual Holiday Open House and Lighting of the Christmas Tree Forest at Old Fort Harrod State Park happens Saturday, Nov. 22. It’s your chance to tour the fort by candle and lantern light and enjoy the colonial-themed decorations. In addition, cee Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free cookies, coffee, hot apple cider and hot chocolate, and get a jump on your holiday shopping with the handmade items in the gift shop. Carolers will start at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting scheduled for 6 p.m.

Have a great weekend, Mercer County!

Thursday, Nov. 20
• Baby Tumble Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 6 months to 18 months to develop their large motor skills, gain social interactions and enhance their cognitive development. Kid friendly climbing mats, sensory pads, a tunnel and more. A free play, come and go as you can program. No registration is required. Starts 10 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Stay Crafty: Pony Bead Corn at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Create your own corn-masterpiece, perfect for Thanksgiving table decor this November. All supplies provided, no registration required. For ages 13 and up. Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Karaoke with DJ Jay Iacona at Nan’s Olde Town Grill and Game Room (110 West Broadway). Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. each Thursday. 859-605-2234 or Facebook @Olde Town Grill.

• 4-H Natural Resources Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Youth will focus on forestry project. Leaf prints, leaf collections, compass and pacing, etc. Starts 6 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].

• Live music by Lil’ Jimmy Ritchie at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Music starts 6 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papasmokepizzaharrodsburgky.

• Live music by Lisa Allen and Monte at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Southern Boyz. Music starts 7 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

• Karaoke at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

 

Friday, Nov. 21
• Special Sensory Garden Storytime for Toddlers at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. Starts 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Special Sensory Garden Storytime for PreSchoolers at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For preschoolers aged 3-5 years. Starts 11 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Winter Encampment at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). Re-enactors will be camping out for the weekend starting at 5 p.m. 859-734-3314 or [email protected] or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.

• Friday Family Flicks: “The Smurfs” at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Bring the whole family for a screening of The Smurfs (2025)! Join Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and all your favorite blue friends on a brand-new adventure filled with laughter, music and plenty of Smurfy fun. Free and snacks provided. Starts 6 p.m. in the Meeting Room 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Live drama: Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). Revisit the 1992 animated classic in this YouthStage production made possible by a grant from the Mercer County Community Endowment. Director Allan Barlow, music director Lori Patterson and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Starts 7 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.

• Live drama: “Frankenstein” at Mercer County Senior High School (1124 Moberly Road). Student production of a drama by Tim Kelly starts 7 p.m. and runs for three days. Tickets: $10 general, $8 for students. Purchase tickets online at gofan.co/app/school/KY2789 or onsite. 859-733-7160.

• F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Saturday, Nov. 22
• Holiday Reed Stars at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Embrace the holiday season with festive, handmade decorations, woven out of reed dyed in an assortment of colors, look beautiful on a Christmas tree or adorning a wreath, and they also make the perfect holiday gift. During this workshop, each participant will make two reed stars (one large and one small) in contrasting colors. Starts 10 a.m. Cost: $55 for annual passholders, $50 general admission, includes one voucher for 20 percent off dining at the Trustees’ Table (excluding alcoholic beverages). Dining reservation recommended. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Cornhusk Angels at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Learn the traditional folk craft of recycling cornhusks and other natural materials into elegant angels. Each participant will construct one angel tree topper and leave with the skills to continue making additional cornhusk creations at home. Starts 1 p.m. Cost: $55 for annual passholders, $60 general admission, includes one voucher for 20 percent off dining at the Trustees’ Table (excluding alcoholic beverages). Dining reservation recommended. No prior experience necessary, but guests should be aware that making a cornhusk angel involves visual acuity and fine-motor control. Intended for participants aged 16 and up. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Live drama: “Frankenstein” at Mercer County Senior High School (1124 Moberly Road). Student production of a drama by Tim Kelly starts 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 general, $8 for students. Purchase tickets online at gofan.co/app/school/KY2789 or onsite. 859-733-7160.

• Friendsgiving featuring live music by Just Thomas at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). First 20 people to buy a drink will receive a free Thanksgiving-themed meal from Blackbird Bakery and Cafe. Friendsgiving starts 6 p.m., music starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

• Annual Holiday Open House and Lighting of the Christmas Tree Forest at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). Tour the fort by candle and lantern light. See Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free cookies, coffee, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and handmade items in the gift shop. Carolers start 5:30 p.m. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. 859-734-3314, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page @fortharrod.statepark or @Mercer Chamber Of Commerce or Facebook @Nutcracker Christmas Parade or 859-734.2365 or [email protected].

• Live music by Sticktight at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Music starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papasmokepizzaharrodsburgky.

• Live drama: Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). Revisit the 1992 animated classic in this YouthStage production made possible by a grant from the Mercer County Community Endowment. Director Allan Barlow, music director Lori Patterson and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Starts 7 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.

• Live drama: “Frankenstein” at Mercer County Senior High School (1124 Moberly Road). Student production of a drama by Tim Kelly starts 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 general, $8 for students. Purchase tickets online at gofan.co/app/school/KY2789 or onsite. 859-733-7160.

Sunday, Nov. 23
• Live drama: “Frankenstein” at Mercer County Senior High School (1124 Moberly Road). Final day for student production of a drama by Tim Kelly. Starts 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 general, $8 for students. Purchase tickets online at gofan.co/app/school/KY2789 or onsite. 859-733-7160.

• Live drama: Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). Revisit the 1992 animated classic in this YouthStage production made possible by a grant from the Mercer County Community Endowment. Director Allan Barlow, music director Lori Patterson and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Sunday matinee starts 3 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.

• Sing-O at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by T. Wayne and Smokey. Starts 5 p.m. (doors open 4 p.m.) 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

Tuesday, Nov. 25
• Teen Game Zoneat Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Board games, card games, video games—pick your favorite and challenge your friends with snacks, laughs, and friendly competition. Teens aged 13 to 18 can choose from a variety of crafts, from painting to beading to button making and more in the Meeting Room starting 3:30 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Yoga for Health and Relaxation at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Stretch and unwind every Tuesday night at our weekly adult yoga class. Some mats are available, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. Starts 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Harrodsburg Run Club at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Launching the Harrodsburg Run Club at Lemons Mill, sponsored by Image Fitness. Runs take place every Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to all skill levels. Each run begins and ends at Lemons Mill. Facebook @Lemons Mill or Facebook @Image Fitness Harrodsburg.

• Dart League at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Competition starts 6:30 p.m. (doors open 1 p.m.) 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
• Bingocize at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Combining exercise and health information with bingo for a fun way to get in shape and win prizes. Program offered in partnership with the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office. Starts 10 a.m. in the Meeting Room. For adults of all ages No registration required, all supplies provided. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Pokemon Club at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Children aged 6 to 12 can enjoy Pokémon crafts, activities and Pokémon episodes. No registration required. Bring your cards if you have some. Starts 4 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Live music by Skinny Mulligan at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Biscuits BBQ. Gobble ‘Til You Wobble starts at noon. Music starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

Thursday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Dinner at the 19th Hole Restaurant (1742 Danville Road). Thanksgiving menu includes turkey, ham, dressing and mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, rolls and desserts. Times are 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m.. Cost is $22 for adults and $11 for children four and above. Reservations only. 859-325-3778.

• Pay What You Can Afford Meal at Southside Christian Church (1950 Danville Road). Menu includes turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli casserole, rolls and dessert. Reservations are not required but are suggested. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pay what you can and if you can, pay for someone else. 859-613-2400 to save a seat.

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Shawnee Run Baptist Church (2542 Shakertown Road). Orders will be taken until Monday, Nov. 24, with free delivery starting at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. 859-748-5695 or shawneerun.com.

Friday, Nov. 28
Black Friday
• Shaker Christmas by Candlelight at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). A candlelit tour through several of historic buildings festively decorated for the holidays. Trace the progression of the Shakers’ beliefs and practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the history of Christmas in America. Tours start at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Cost: $10 for annual passholders, $15 for general admission. Intended for ages 12 and up. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5 and up. Program will traverse approximately half a mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. Participants should be comfortable walking and navigating stairs in low light/semi-dark conditions. The program will proceed rain or shine, although the route may be modified in case of inclement weather. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

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