Weekender July 2 To 10: Independence Day Fireworks, Mercer County Week At Shaker Village and Friday Night On Main
Adyison Tate captured the fireworks show with her cellphone at the Family Fireworks Fellowship at Devine’s Farm on Sunday, June 28. The event is sponsored by the Mercer Baptist Association. (Image: The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore.)
April Ellis
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is extending an invitation for Mercer County neighbors to enjoy the village, free of charge from Monday, July 6 to Sunday, July 12. Whether it has been 10 days or 10 years since your last visit, they are excited to show Mercer County what’s happening just around the corner.
Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival.
There are plenty to events to keep you busy throughout the summer, so have a great weekend—and a happy Fourth of July—Mercer County!
Thursday, July 2
• Lunch and Learn: Herbs for Iced Tea at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Presented by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, this hands-on program is for anyone looking to grow fresh herbs. Participants will learn the basics of herb gardening including planting tips and care techniques. Noon to 1 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.
Lil Jimmy Ritchey at Papa Smoke’s.
• Live music by Lil Jimmy Ritchey at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music starts 6 p.m. Part of the Downtown Harrodsburg’s Summer Shuffle. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
• CANCELED: Live music by Von Sullivan at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Miss Steaks starts 7 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, July 3
• Picnic in the Park at Old Fort Harrod State Park(100 South College Street). Celebrating America’s 250th with a reading of the Declaration of Indepedence at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Harrod stairs and Larry Sanders and Borderline under the Osage orange tree at noon. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Ryan Branstetter at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Naughty at Night at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). For the Shakers, temptation and sin lurked just around the corner. A plethora of rules governed all aspects of life in the community – from when brethren and sisters could meet socially to what foods were acceptable on the dinner table. We’ll take a special stroll through some of our historic buildings as we share stories about the naughtier side of life at Pleasant Hill. Program fee includes one alcoholic beverage (up to $15 value) at Music on the Lawn (6:30-9:30p.m.) This program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Fireworks Show at Royalty’s Marina (2095 Normans Camp Road, Harrodsburg). Fireworks start at dusk. 859-748-5459 or [email protected] or Facebook @Royalty’s Marina.
• Live music by Classic Rewind at Sunset Marina and Resort (325 Sunset Lodge Road, Lancaster). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-548-3591 or Facebook @sunsetmarinaandresort or sunsetmarinaandresort.com.
Orina Garcia Zimri Garcia and Panfilo Garcia enjoyed the Independence Day fireworks at Anderson-Dean Community Park in July 2024. (File image).
• Fireworks at Anderson-Dean Community Park (1501 Louisville Road). Food trucks on site. Pool will be open until fireworks end. Bring chairs, blankets, and family. Fireworks at dusk. 859-734-9167 or [email protected] or andersondeancommunitypark.com or Facebook @ andersondeancommpark.
Saturday, July 4
Fourth of July
•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 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. [email protected] or farmersmarketmercer.square.site or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.
• Sippin’s Saturdays featuring live music by Jake Austin at Logan Vineyards (254 Hopewell Road). Enjoy a free wine tasting and live music by Grammy-winning artist Jake Austin from 2 to 5 p.m. Food by the Swinery is also on site. 502-783-6604 or [email protected] or LoganVineyards.com or Facebook @LoganVineyards.
• Monthly Nature Walk at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Join Preserve staff once a month for a gentle walk while learning about the native flora and fauna of Shaker Village. 3 p.m to 5 p.m. Cost: $10. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Cruz on Chiles (123 South Chiles Street). Stroll Chiles Street and pick out your favorite classic car or rat truck. Open to all makes and models vehicles. Family fun atmosphere. Music, food trucks and more from 5 to 8 p.m. Facebook @cruzonchiles.
• Short Rack Banks Tournament at Nan’s Olde Town Grill and Game Room (110 West Broadway). Competitive play, double elemination, bar rules apply starting at 4 p.m. $30 entry fee with cash payout. 859-605-2234 or Facebook @Olde Town Grill.
• Cornishville Community Picnic at Cornishville School(Cornishville Road). Hotdogs and hamburgers provided. Please bring side dish or dessert. Prize drawings with proceeds benefiting various projects of the Cornishville Community Committee and help support community events throughout the year. Activities include Pedal Tractor Pull for ages four to 12 with three different weight classes, firetruck tour, Facebook @Cornishville Community Committee.
• Fireworks at the Mackville Community Center (10651 Main Street, Mackville). Live music, games—cornhole, horseshoes, volleyball and badminton, marbles, card games, croquet and playground—and concessions—pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, watermelon, popcorn, ice cream and drinks. Get a ticket for a chance at door prizes with drawings every 15 minutes. Bring your lawn chairs. Fun starts 6 p.m. Fireworks start at dark. Facebook @MackvilleCommunityCenter or 859-262-5535.
• Music on the Lawn featuring JJ Marrs at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
LBP Country Music at Kamp Kennedy Marina.
• Live music by the LBP Band at Kamp Kennedy Marina, Restaurant and Campground (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-548-2002 or email [email protected] or visit online at kampkennedymarina.com or Facebook @Kamp Kennedy Marina.
• Live music by Ella Franklin at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
• 23rd Annual Lights Over Herrington at the Kennedy Bridge. Biggest fireworks shows in Mercer County starts at dusk. lightsoverherrington.com.
• Live music by Andy Palmer at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Gloria’s Triple J&C BBQ. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.
Boaters watch the Lights Over Herrington fireworks show in 2018 (File image).
Sunday, July 5
• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Trivia starts 5 p.m. Food by Miss Steaks. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
Monday, July 6
• Mercer County Week at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• KinderMusik at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Little ones are invited to move, sing and play in this 4-week Kindermusik class designed for ages 3–4. Through music, movement and playful exploration, toddlers will enjoy songs, dancing, simple instruments and hands-on activities that help build early motor skills, rhythm and confidence. 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Tuesday, July 7
• Mercer County Week at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Teen Craft Corner at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Teens aged 13 to 18 can choose from a variety of board games, card games, video games—pick your favorite and challenge your friends. Snacks available. Starts 3:30 p.m. in the Teen Area 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Tween Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Tweens aged 8 to 12 can choose from a variety of fun activities to share with friends after school. Drop in for a snack, craft, game and more. Starts 3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Gentle Yoga at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy a gentle, calming session designed to help you relax, stretch, and unwind. Perfect for beginners and all experience levels. 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Wednesday, July 8
• Mercer County Week at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• 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 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. [email protected] or farmersmarketmercer.square.site or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.
• Sing-O at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Thursday, July 9
• Mercer County Week at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Animal Tales: Reptiles, Scales and Tales at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Get ready for a wild reptile adventure. An exciting, educational and interactive program designed for all ages. Participants will learn all about reptile biology while meeting up to six live animals, including a large tortoise, lizards, and snakes. Everyone will have the chance to get up close with these amazing creatures. Starts 10 a.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Grown Up Game Night at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Join us for an evening of friendly competition, laughs and laid-back fun just for adults. Whether you love classic board games, fast-paced card games, or a little friendly rivalry on the Nintendo Switch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy starting 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.
• Live music by Ella Franklin at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Billy’s BBQ. Starts 7 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, July 10
• Mercer County Week at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Mercer County residents with a valid ID may attend daily programs and exhibits at no cost. Admission to some attractions will be limited, and all guests must receive their complimentary passes at the Shaker Village Welcome Center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Toddler Tales at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. Starts 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Native American flute music by Fred Keams at Picnic in the Park (file image).
• Picnic in the Park at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). 42nd season of Mercer County’s oldest live entertainment series continues with Native flute maker and musician Fred Keams under the Osage orange tree starting at noon. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Makerspace and Take: 3D Printing at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Explore the world of 3D Printing. Participants will get an introduction to how our 3D printer works and learn the basics of turning digital designs into real-world objects. This hands-on program is a great way to see the technology in action, ask questions, and discover what’s possible with 3D printing in the library makerspace. Registration is required and will open within two weeks of the program date. Noon to 2 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Friday Night On Main at Olde Town Park (126 South Main Street). Live music by Nick and Tony at 6 p.m. and Hug It Out at 8 p.m. as well as food, shopping and Inflatables by Party On Air from 5 to 10 p.m. Hosted by the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission. [email protected] or Facebook @Friday Nights on Main.
Sadie Peavler and Emily Sue Watts of the the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission were making sure everything went smoothly Friday night in June 2026. Friday Night On Main returns Friday, July 10, starting at 6 p.m. (Image: Robert Moore/The Harrodsburg Herald.)
• Naughty at Night at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). For the Shakers, temptation and sin lurked just around the corner. A plethora of rules governed all aspects of life in the community – from when brethren and sisters could meet socially to what foods were acceptable on the dinner table. We’ll take a special stroll through some of our historic buildings as we share stories about the naughtier side of life at Pleasant Hill. Program fee includes one alcoholic beverage (up to $15 value) at Music on the Lawn (6:30-9:30p.m.).This program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Shane White at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 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 events planned? Let everyone know by posting it on the Weekender. Email events to [email protected].
