Tourist Commission Increases Contribution To Local Events
The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
Tabitha Horne gets ahead of the crowd to photograph a band at Oktoberfest in 2023.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since publication, there have been two announcements concerning Oktoberfest. Here is the full statement from the Oktoberfest organizers:
“The organizers of Oktoberfest regret to announce that the 2025 event will not take place. After nearly a decade of dedication, the team behind this beloved community tradition has made the difficult decision to step away due to time and financial constraints. “Oktoberfest has been a labor of love, built through countless volunteer hours by our small but dedicated team,” said event organizers Noel Turner, Allen Goldie, and Greg Souder. One of the biggest challenges has always been securing the necessary funding to execute the event at the level it deserves. Despite the team’s continued efforts, the financial burden and lack of compensation have made it increasingly difficult to continue. “We are immensely proud of what we’ve built and grateful for the support we’ve received over the years,” the organizers added. “If the community sees value in keeping Oktoberfest alive, we hope new leadership will step up to carry it forward.” The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the businesses, volunteers, and attendees who have supported Oktoberfest Harrodsburg throughout the years.”
Here is the statement released by the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission:
“The Mercer County Tourist Commission is dedicated to ensuring that the beloved Oktoberfest tradition in downtown Harrodsburg continues, despite the decision by the previous Oktoberfest committee to discontinue the event. While we respect and appreciate the hard work and dedication the committee has shown over the years in making Oktoberfest a success, we are not willing to let this cherished tradition fade away.
Oktoberfest has become a staple in our community, bringing people together to celebrate music, food, and culture. Understanding its importance, the Mercer County Tourist Commission is stepping in to take the reins and ensure that the festival remains a highlight of Harrodsburg’s annual events.
”We are incredibly grateful to the Oktoberfest committee for the time, effort, and passion they have poured into this event over the years,” said Daarik Gray, Executive Director of the Mercer County Tourist Commission. ”While change is never easy, we believe in the future of Oktoberfest and are excited to continue its legacy. I have full confidence in our Events Coordinator, Kaitlyn Harder, who has played a vital role in planning the festival in recent years. Her dedication and vision will ensure that Oktoberfest not only continues but thrives.”
The Mercer County Tourist Commission is actively working on plans to continue Oktoberfest in downtown Harrodsburg in a way that honors tradition while also introducing fresh ideas to enhance the experience. More details will be announced in the coming months.
For more information, please contact:
DaarikGray
Executive Director, Mercer County Tourist Commission
[email protected].”
The two announcements do not change the details reported in this story.
The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission voted to make increase sponsorships for eight local events. At a special-called meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, the tourist commission also voted to no longer allow funding requests outside the funding window.
The tourist commission was also informed that Oktoberfest organizers had withdrawn a request for an addition $60,000 in funding before the end of this fiscal year.
On Thursday, John Holiday, a member of the board of directors, moved to give eight local events more funding this year. Based on the data, these events attract the most visitors. This represents an additional 50 percent on top of what the events have already been allocated. According to Holiday’s motion, Oktoberfest would receive $30,000, Pioneer Days would get $13,800, the Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival would get $20,000, A.T.O.M. (A Thing On Main) Fest would get $2,500, the Native Dawn Flute Gathering would get $3,350, the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show would get $18,000, the Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival would get $4,125 and the Ol’ Iron Rundown would get $2,750.
Holiday’s motion passed unanimously, as did his motion to no longer allow out-of-budget funding discussion. He explained the motion doesn’t prevent the board from looking at future events. Budget requests for the 2026 fiscal year were due March 1. The deadline was announced in January.
“What’s the point in having a request window if we’re not going to abide by it?” Holiday asked.
“I’m here asking for more money,” said Sindicat “Sid” Dunn of the Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival, who addressed the board after they voted.
“I’ve got good news for you,” said Daarik Gray, executive director of the tourist commission. Gray explained that the tourist commission had already allocated $8,250, and that, with the extra 50 percent allocation, they would $12,375.
“I’ll write you a check next week,” Gray said.
Dunn said the Juneteenth festival was in its fifth year. Last year the festival drew 4,000 people, with many coming from Lexington and Louisville. Dunn said this year they are working with production company and bringing in a stage and sound system. Dunn said they are looking at utilizing more of West Lane Park to handle the crowd. In addition, they are seeking to sign a headliner. This year, they are also adding a Juneteenth Golf Scramble on Thursday, June 19, at Old Bridge Golf Club in Danville.
“You have really grown this festival,” said Joan Huffman, chairwoman of the tourist commission.
Dunn called the Juneteenth Festival “another little feather to put in Harrodsburg’s hat.”
