Mercer County Fair, Old Fort Harrod 100th Anniversary And More
Image: Morgan Lee Photography
From left: third runner-up and congeniality winner Ella Claire Arnold, second runner-up Madelyn Grace Lawson, Miss Mercer Jersey McGinnis, who also won most photogenic and the interveiw awards, and first runner-up Harlee Durbin. Not pictured: people’s choice winner Paisley King.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
Another action-packed week, with the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show running through Saturday, July 25, with the Bluegrass and Bourbon Dairy Goat Classic on Sunday, July 26, and the Open Beef Show wrapping things up on Monday, July 27.
Look out for the Fish Fry At West Lane Park on Saturday, July 25, starting at 11 a.m. Also, the Herrington Lake Antique Boat Rendezvous kicks off a weekend of fun on Thursday, July 30, and Old Fort Harrod State Park celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special day of recollection and events starting at noon with the last Picnic in the Park of 2026.
Have a great time at the fair, Mercer County!
Thursday, July 23
• 4-H Floral Hall at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• 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.
• Dinosaur Terrariums at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Step back in time and build your very own prehistoric world. Children ages 3–12 will create their own dinosaur enclosure, adding greenery, rocks, and other fun materials to design a mini habitat for their dino to live at home. It’s a hands-on, creative adventure where imagination meets a little bit of Jurassic fun. Starts 1 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Welchomes and Mulch 2 Go and Norby’s Night at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall opens 5 p.m. Carnival opens 6 p.m. Horse Show in the Center Ring start 6:30 p.m. “Skills and Thrills Rodeo,” Power Wheels, Skid Steer and Lawn Mower Rodeo sponsored by NWK starts 7 p.m. in the Motorsports Arean. Carnival closes 11 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• Stay Crafty: Stay Crafty: Teacup Terrariums at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Sip into creativity at our next Stay Crafty. Participants will create their own charming teacup terrariums using tiny plants and miniature decorations to design a one-of-a-kind garden scene. Whether you’re feeling whimsical, cozy, or cottagecore-inspired, this relaxing hands-on craft is the perfect way to bring a little greenery and creativity home with you. For ages 13 and up. Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Mercer County Homemakers Present Stars, Stripes and Sundaes: Ice Cream Social at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Enroll for the upcoming year and enjoy a sweet summer celebration. Club members are asked to bring cookies and a door prize. Starts 6 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/mercer.
• 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 Jake Vanover at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by the Billy’s BBQ. Music starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Karaoke with DJ Wayne at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, July 24
• Makerspace Teachers Day at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Teachers are invited to enjoy free access to the library makerspace to prepare for the first day of school. Create posters, stickers, classroom materials, and more using our available tools and equipment. It’s a hands-on opportunity to get inspired, get organized, and bring fresh ideas to your classroom. Available tools: heat press, cricut, die cut, large format printer. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. School staff ID required, along with signed makerspace policy prior to use. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Toddler Tales and Preschool Storytime at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and more during our special sensory garden story time. Toddler Tales is at 9:30 a.m. for ages 18 months to 3 years old, and Preschool Storytime is at 11a.m. for ages 3-5. Children’s Story Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
Wanda Burgin poses with some of the items she’s exibiting at the Floral Hall at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show.
• 4-H Floral Hall at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• 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 live music by Ol’ Elkhorn Pickers Club at noon under the Osage orange tree. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
Emily Grace Sims and Karoline Curry enjoy the swings at the 2025 Mercer County Fair. (File image.)
• Farmers National Bank Night at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall opens 5 p.m. in the Stable. Carnival opens 6 p.m. Horse Show starts 6:30 p.m. in the Center Ring. Truck Tug (Bumper to Bumper) sponsored by Community Trust Bank starts 7 p.m. in the Motorsports Arena. Carnival closes at midnight. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook @mercercofair.
• A Taste of History at Beaumont Inn (638 Beaumont Inn Drive). Enjoy five premium bourbon tastings while exploring the fascinating history of America’s native spirit with Experienced Bourbon Steward Leah Taylor. Hours: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $60 per person. Seating is limited. 859-734-3381 or beaumontinn.com or Facebook @Beaumont Inn.
• Naughty at Night at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Take a stroll through some of the historic buildings and hear stories about the naughtier side of life at Pleasant Hill. Hours: 7 to 8 p.m. Program fee includes one alcoholic beverage (up to $15 value) at Music on the Lawn. Program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Katie Souder 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.
• Live music by Chris Linton at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Music starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
Saturday, July 25
• Mercer County Field to Fork Swap (670 Beaumont Plaza). Find competitive prices and all kinds of great things, including jams, jellies, salsa, pickles, lotions, soaps, crafts, produce, fresh beef, fresh lamb, chicks, chickens, garden plants, eggs and more. Set up for the swap 7 to 8 a.m. No set up fee. Bring your own table and chair. Swap runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. weather pending. Swap meets continue through October on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Facebook @Mercer County Field to Fork Swap.
• Academy Horse Show and Swine Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Horse show in the center ring and swine show at the livestock arena starts 9 a.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• Mercer County Farmers Market at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). Relocated for the county fair for two weeks.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.
Goat Yoga at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill on Saturday, July 25 (Image Submitted).
• Goat Yoga at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Beginner-friendly yoga class with a little help from Nigerian Dwarf goats to cheer you on and join in during your poses. After the 45-minute session you’ll enjoy some playtime with your new goat friends. Bring your own yoga mat, or let us know if you need to borrow one of ours for this fun outdoor experience on the Farm. Cost: $30 (includes free admission). Hours: 9:30 to 10 a.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• 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.
• Fish Fry At West Lane Park (345 West Lane). Stop by and support our community. Menu and prices include: $10 fish dinner, $6 fish sandy, $1 hot dogs, $3 chili dogs, $8 hot/chili dog dinner with $1 drinks, slaw or baked beans. Starts 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit Harrodsburg-Mercer County African American Historical Society. 859-613-9360 or [email protected] or Facebook @Harrodsburg-Mercer County African American Historical Society.
• Dinosaur Terrariums at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). This activity is full up. Starts 1 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Shaker Footstool Taping at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Get a hands-on introduction to the art of chair taping using a mix of traditional and modern materials, and at the end of the afternoon have a completed footstool. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Participants provided with assortment of different colors of tape. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $150, members receive a 20 percent discount includes one complimentary general admission ticket and one voucher for 20 percent off dining. Reservation recommended. For participants aged 18 and over. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Open Youth Poultry Show and Goat Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Poultry show in the Stable and goat show at the livestock arena start at 1 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• Sippin’ Saturdays at Logan Vineyards (254 Hopewell Road). Enjoy free wine tasting from 2 to 5 p.m. Food also on site. 502-783-6604 or [email protected] or LoganVineyards.com or Facebook @LoganVineyards.
• Magical Tea Party at Kats Rhythm and Flow Dance (545 Commerce Drive). Enjoy a day of fun with tea party, games, dancing, food and more. Hours: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Contact Kathryn Grace Dawson at 859-202-1138 or [email protected] or Facebook @Kats Rhythm and Flow Dance.
• Family Wealth Group Night at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Carnival opens 6 p.m. Hall of Fame Inductions followed by Horse Show start 6:30 p.m. in the Center Ring. USWF Wrestling starts 7:30 p.m. in the Motorsports Arena. Carnival closes at midnight. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Scott Collins 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.
• Live music by Stephen Bryant at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Music starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
• Naughty at Night at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Take a special stroll through some of the historic buildings as we share stories about the naughtier side of life at Pleasant Hill. Starts 7 p.m. Cost: $25 includes one alcoholic beverage (up to $15 value) at Music on the Lawn. Program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Twilight Critters: Summer at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). As twilight descends and day-loving humans and animals begin to think of sleep, a whole host of animals are just beginning to stir. Crespuscular creatures like bats, raccoons, foxes, and deer are all most active just as dusk falls and twilight begins. Starts 9 p.m. Cost: $25, members receive a 20 percent discount. Hike takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Participants will traverse more than three miles of gravel, grass, and dirt pathways. Participants may wish to bring flashlight/headlamp, insect repellant and water. Program intended for ages 16 and up. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Live music by Silver Wings Band at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Glorias Mexican. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.
• Outdoor Concert by Nick and Tony at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Sunday, July 26
• Bluegrass and Bourbon Dairy Goat Classic at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Two-ring ADGA sanctioned combined junior/senior doe show and junior doe show with judges Travis and Cade Cockburn. Hosted by Kentucky Dairy Goat Association and Shelli Wright. Starts 8 a.m. in the livestock arena. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair or Facebook @ Bluegrass and Bourbon Dairy Goat Classic.
• Puppy Pageant at Anderson-Dean Community Park (1501 Louisville Road).Bring your fur babies out for a fun day of cuteness, crowns, and competition. Dress your pup however you’d like. Winners will receive crowns, sashes, and ribbons. Check-in times: 1 p.m. for female dogs, 3 p.m. for male dogs. Entry Fee: $30 per dog. Also accepting donations of dog food and dog toys for the Mercer County Animal Shelter. Whoever brings the most donations will win a special gift. Event by Heather Simpson, Peyton Eldridge and Kentucky Royalty Pageantry. Facebook @Puppy Pageant at Anderson-Dean Community Park.
• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Trivia starts 5 p.m. Food by Billy’s BBQ. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
Monday, July 27
• 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.
• Open Beef Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Beef show at the livestock arena starts 6 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.
Tuesday, July 28
• Busy Bees at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Get ready to wiggle, dance and buzz with energy at Busy Bees. This active play program for children ages 2–8 is all about movement and fun with dance-alongs, silly songs, brain break videos and plenty of opportunities to get those wiggles out. While the little ones buzz around, grown-ups can enjoy our Parent Cafe. 10 to 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room, 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Parent Cafe at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Take a moment to relax and recharge in a space for parents and caregivers to enjoy coffee, snacks, and conversation while the kids participate in Busy Bees nearby. Hours: 10 to 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room, 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.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.
Wednesday, July 29
• 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). Fun starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Thursday, July 30
• Herrington Lake Antique Boat Rendezvous at Chimney Rock Marina (250 Chimney Rock Road, Harrodsburg). A moving exhibition of antique and classic boats gather at Chimney Rock for the beginning of a three day extravaganza. Stop by any of the listed marinas during show times to see the boats and vote for your favorite. Organized by Butch Davis at 513-652-3612.
• 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 required. Starts 10 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Beekeeping 101 at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Discover the fascinating world of bees in this program presented by the Beekeepers Association of Harrodsburg with an introduction to the basics of beekeeping and the important role bees play in our environment and food systems. Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Live music by Ryan Rakes at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Music starts 6 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
• 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.
• Karaoke with DJ Wayne at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Fun starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, July 31
• Herrington Lake Antique Boat Rendezvous at Chimney Rock Marina (250 Chimney Rock Road, Harrodsburg). Friday’s schedule: Show boats open at Chimney Rock Marina and People’s Choice ballots available at 9 a.m. Fleet departs for the day trip at 11 a.m. Slow cruise past Paradise Marina at 11:30 a.m. Slow cruise past Mid Lake Marina (238 Cedar Lane, Harrodsburg) at 11:45 a.m. Arrive at Pandora Marina (125 Pandora Drive, Harrodsburg) for show boats and People’s Choice ballots at 12:30 p.m. Depart for Mallard Cove at 1:45 p.m. Relax and swim with the fleet all afternoon. Depart for Sunset Marina at 4:30 p.m. Dinner and final show at Sunset Marina and Resort (325 Sunset Lodge Road, Lancaster) with People’s Choice ballots at 5 p.m. Organized by Butch Davis at 513-652-3612.
• Sensory Garden Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, and more during our special sensory garden story time. Toddler Tales at 9:30 a.m. is for ages 18 months to 3 years old while Preschool Storytime at 11 a.m. is for ages 3-5. Children’s Story Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
David Best and Next of Kin at Old Fort Harrod. (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 concludes with Next Of Kin at noon under the Osage orange tree. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• 100th Anniversary of Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street). A special day of recollection and celebration starts with Museum Tours with Kentucky State Parks Curator Jennifer Spence at 1 and 2 p.m. State Naturalist Robert Myers presents History of the Osage Orange at 2:20 p.m. Bobbi Dawn Rightmyer presents history of the park at 3 p.m. Will McGinnis leads a Tour of Plaques and Monuments of the park and the unveiling of the new Friends of Fort Harrod logo and website at 4 p.m. Previous park managers share their memories at 5 p.m. Anniversary cupcakes served at 5:30 p.m. Learn about the fort’s ancestors and history with the Mercer County Public Library from 1 to 5 p.m. Also: pioneer demonstrations, souvenir button making and signing of the anniversary card. Anniversary admission: $1. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Night To Bloom at Southside Christian Church (1950 Danville Road). Ladies are invited to an evening of worship, encouragement, fellowship, and refreshments with guest speaker Jennifer Collins of Hope Healed Ministries of Richmond, Virginia. Starts 6 p.m. 859-734-6927 or [email protected] or sccky.org or Facebook @ Southside Christian Church.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Buckwheat Husk 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). Take a special stroll through some of the historic buildings as we share stories about the naughtier side of life at Pleasant Hill. Starts 7 p.m. Cost: $25 includes one alcoholic beverage (up to $15 value) at Music on the Lawn. Program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Live music at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by the Sandwich Shoppe. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
Have any events planned? Let everyone know by posting it on the Weekender. Email events to [email protected].
