Weekender June 18 to 26: Juneteenth, ‘Annie,’ Settlement And Raid And More
Paige Harper and Izzy Peterson were hyped up before Nappy Roots took the stage at the fifth annual Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Festival last year (File image).
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
The Sixth Annual Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration returns to West Lane Park on Friday, June 19, starting at 5 p.m., with the Miss Juneteenth Pageant scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Check the listings below for more information on Juneteenth events, including the Freedom Swing Golf Tournament on Friday, June 19, and the Freedom Rollout car show on Saturday, June 20.
Ragged Edge Community Theatre’s production of the classic musical “Annie” kicks off a two-week run on Friday, June 19. Check out the listings below for showdates, including the matinee on Sunday, June 21, at 3 p.m.
The 17th Annual Fort Harrod Settlement & Raid happens at Old Fort Harrod State Park on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. The living history starts at 9 a.m. and continues all day. The attack on the fort starts at 2 p.m.
Have a great weekend, Mercer County!
Thursday, June 18
• 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: Mini Libraries at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Stay crafty as we turn ordinary mint tins into adorable mini libraries. Participants will decorate and design their own tiny book-themed creations using paints, paper and fun craft supplies. Whether you love books, miniatures or just getting creative, this hands-on craft is the perfect way to make something unique and totally shelf-worthy. Ages 13+ Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Kids Lego Night at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Families are invited to join us for a fun-filled LEGO night! Kids can use the LEGO pieces provided to design and build their own creative masterpieces to take home. This hands-on program encourages imagination, problem-solving, and so much family fun! Come create with us! Starts 4:30 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 Lil Jimmy Richey at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music 6-9 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @ papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
• Karaoke at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, June 19—Juneteenth Federal Holiday
• 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 18th century balladeer Jon Hagee at noon under the Osage orange tree. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Freedom Swing Golf Tournament at Old Bridge Golf Course (1 Old Bridge Road, Danville). Shotgun start scheduled for 1 p.m. Entry fees: $300 per team, $75 per player, includes green fees, cart, prizes and lunch at noon. Prizes: $300 cash for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. Participation is limited to the first 25 teams. Contact coordinator Jim Dunn by phone at 859-613-3480 or email at [email protected] or [email protected] or juneteenthky.com or Facebook @JuneteenthKY.
Kashh Brand was haing the best time on the slide at West Lane Park at the 2024 Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth celebration. (File image).
• Sixth Annual Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration at West Lane Park (345 West Lane). Friday schedule: Opening prayer with Pastor Donald Wayne Smith at 5 p.m., the Greens featuring Tharan Green at 5:30 p.m., music by Pastor Chris Jones at 6 p.m., Larger Than Life Studio at 6:30 p.m., Miss Juneteenth Pageant at 7 p.m., Promise Music at 9 p.m., J.B. Savage and Robbie Houston Band at 10 p.m., Artist Q-BZZ at 11 p.m. [email protected] or juneteenthky.com or Facebook @JuneteenthKY.
• Live music by Chris Linton at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music 6 to 9 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @ papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Randy Kaplan 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.
The cast of Ragged Edge Community Theatre’s production of “Annie” sing “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” (Image: Ragged Edge Community Theatre Facebook page).
• Live drama: “Annie” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). As sure as the sun’ll come out tomorrow, Annie’s back with all the classic songs that earned the original production seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Director Allan Barlow, music director Bethany Fuller and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Starts 7 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.
• Live music by Wesley Saylor at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by T. Wayne and Smokey. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• 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 (6:30-9:30pm).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.
• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Historical reenactor Jesse Deesch fires a cannon during the 2016 Settlement & Raid at Old Fort Harrod State Park. (File image).
Saturday, June 20
• 7th Annual Fort Harrod Settlement and Raid at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 S. College Street). Come and experience a full scale 1770’s re-enactment with settlers, Natives, traders, demonstrators, music, Native attacks on the fort and much more all weekend! Living history starts at 9 a.m. and continues all day. Attack on the fort starts at 2 p.m. Event admission is included with Fort ticket price. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• 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.
• Sixth Annual Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration at West Lane Park (345 West Lane). Saturday schedule: Prayer Walk at 9 a.m., welcome at 11 a.m., Little Miss and Mr. Pageant at 11:15 a.m., guest speaker Dante Bartleson at noon, OMAC (Operation Make A Change) Performers at 1 p.m., line dancing with Pattie and kids games with D1 Academy at 2 p.m., child performer Star Bookie at 3 p.m., guest speaker Nekita Johnson at 4 p.m., musical guest Devine Carama at 4:30 p.m., Bennie J. Smith on the saxophone at 5 p.m., SMACS Comedy Show and Heather Romero at 7 p.m., Brett Higgins and the Family Band at 8 p.m., and the Bentley Brothers Band at 9 p.m. Registration for the Freedom Rollout car show featuring classic cars, custom builds and Louder Than Limits audio competition with Asphalt Assassins 859 and Team Low Life’s MECA (Mobile Electronics Competition Association starts at noon. Trophies for top 25 and specialty awards. [email protected] or juneteenthky.com or Facebook @JuneteenthKY.
• Our Shot: Kentucky’s Revolutionary Story at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Join us for Our Shot: Kentucky’s Revolutionary Story as we explore the people, events and stories that helped shape both Kentucky and the nation from the very beginning. From pioneers and politicians to larger-than-life historical figures like Daniel Boone and Aaron Burr, this fascinating program will uncover Kentucky’s surprising connections to the Revolutionary era. Perfect for history lovers, lifelong learners and anyone curious about Kentucky’s past. 2 to 3 p.m. in the History Research Center. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Watercolor Painting: Summer at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Acclaimed watercolorist Charley Jolly began painting more than 45 years ago. Charley delights in teaching students of all levels – from beginners exploring watercolor for the first time to returning students wishing to hone their skills while painting in a welcoming group environment. Summer is a wonderful season to paint the natural and cultural resources of Pleasant Hill. Cost: $155. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Vintage Dad’s Day at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Come out and celebrate the dad in your life with a day of baseball, cars, tools, cigars, bourbon and great food. Purchase your admission ticket onsite when you arrive, or pre-register before June 16, to receive a special early bird rate. Vintage Baseball at 1 p.m. Enjoy baseball as it was played in the 1860s with this exciting match-up between the Ohio 9 and the Bluegrass Barons. Bring your own lawn chair, and we’ll provide the shade tree. Also that afternoon, bourbon tasting, dad approved contests, classic car and tractor show, vintage tools displays, food trucks and heritage demonstrations and activities. Noon to 4 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Sippin’s 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.
• Call of Cthulu at Storm Crow Gaming (124 South Main Street). One shot Call of Cthulhu game. Everything provided, bring your own dice if you want. Bring a shareable snack if you can. For ages 18 and up. Starts 4 p.m. 859-605-6050 or [email protected] or Facebook @StormCrowCuriosities.
• 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 drama: “Annie” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). As sure as the sun’ll come out tomorrow, Annie’s back with all the classic songs that earned the original production seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Director Allan Barlow, music director Bethany Fuller and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Starts 7 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.
• Stand Up Comedy Night at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Tickets available online on their Facebook page. The funny starts at 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Live music by VSP at Kamp Kennedy Marina (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-548-2002 or kampkennedymarina.com or Facebook @Kamp Kennedy Marina.
Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. (File image).
• Astronomy in the Field at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Join the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club to view the wonders of the night sky. Using a variety of telescopes, on clear nights you will be able to observe objects within our solar system, as well as a wide variety of deep-space objects. Knowledgeable club members will ensure you are informed and inspired. Each viewing is free to the public and weather-dependent. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Live music Skinny Mulligan at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Triple J&C food truck. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.
• Outdoor Concert by Chris Linton at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Sunday, June 21—Father’s Day
• 17th Annual Fort Harrod Settlement and Raid at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 S. College Street). Come and experience a full scale 1770’s re-enactment with settlers, Natives, traders, demonstrators, music, Native attacks on the fort and much more all weekend! Living history starts at 9 a.m. and continues all day. Attack on the fort starts at 2 p.m. Event admission is included with Fort ticket price. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Live drama: “Annie” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). As sure as the sun’ll come out tomorrow, Annie’s back with all the classic songs that earned the original production seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Director Allan Barlow, music director Bethany Fuller and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Sunday matinee at p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.
Monday, June 22
• 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 1–2! 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 to 11:45 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Tuesday, June 23
• 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.
• Parents 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. 10 to 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room, 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Teen Game Zone at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Teens aged 13 to 18 can play board games, card games, video games—pick your favorite and challenge your friends! We’ll have plenty of snacks, laughs, and friendly competition. Starts 3:30 p.m. in the Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Wednesday, June 24
• 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 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. [email protected] or farmersmarketmercer.square.site or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.
Thursday, June 25
• 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.
• Kids Kitchen at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Kids ages 3–12 are invited to join us for a sweet and sprinkle-filled Kids Kitchen. Participants will help make their own Funfetti Dunkaroo Dip using cake mix and Cool Whip, then get hands-on with simple kitchen fun like stirring and mixing.We’ll serve the finished dip with graham crackers for a tasty treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. RSVP required. Registration opens June 1st. Starts 4 p.m. in the Children’s Activitiy Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Trivia Night at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Test your knowledge with friends or solo in fun, friendly competition. Winning team takes home a gift card—and ultimate bragging rights. Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. RSVP required so we can plan for plenty of free pizza. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Craft and Sip at Blackbird Bakery and Cafe (225 South Main Street Suite 100). Includes all the supplies and step-by-step instruction on painting an island-inspired canvas. Customize it however you like! Starts 6 p.m. Cost: $20 per person. Food and drink purchases separate. RSVP the artist Betina directly at 818-314-or 5336 [email protected] or cafeblackbird.com or Facebook @blackbirdcafeharrodsburg.
• 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 at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, June 26
• 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 (9:30) is for ages 18 months to 3 years old, and Preschool Storytime (11:00) is for ages 3-5. Children’s Story Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Herbal Tea Workshop at Lucky Horse Coffee (518 Bellows Mill Road). Explore herbs, enjoy herbal tea, and learn practical ways to incorporate herbs into everyday life in this workshop hosted by Mama’s Meadow. Whether you’re completely new to herbalism or looking to expand your knowledge, everyone is welcome. Starts 10 a.m. Space is limited, sign up soon [email protected] or Facebook @luckyhorsecoffee or [email protected] or mamas-meadow.square.site or Facebook @Mamasmeadow.
Magician and banjo player Dave Cottrell at for the Picnic in the Park at Old Fort Harrod.
• 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 Magician Dave Cottrell at noon under the Osage orange tree. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.
• Shaker Village Symposium on American Religious History at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). In conjunction with America’s 250th, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is hosting the inaugural Shaker Village Symposium on American Religious History. This two-day symposium convenes nationally recognized scholars to explore how religious belief has shaped American history, civic life, and ideas of freedom, equality and pluralism—from the founding era to the present. Nationally recognized scholars include Sarah Barringer Gordon, Christine Heyrman, Stephen Marini, Mark Valeri, Doglas Winiarski, Sally Promey, Leigh Schmidt and Tisa Wenger. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Lunch and Learn: Resume Writing at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Join us for Resume Writing: Lunch & Learn with Joyce Mandel, an informative workshop focused on helping you build, refresh and strengthen your resume for future job opportunities. Participants will learn practical tips for showcasing skills, organizing experience, and creating a resume that stands out to employers. Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing careers, or simply updating an old resume, this program will help you feel more prepared and confident in your job search. Snacks provided. Noon to 1 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• What the 411 90’s Splash Bash at Dark K9 (572 Ison Lane). Three-day North American Diving Dogs (NADD) event runs through Sunday, June 28, with personal best ribbons, NADD qualifying and title ribbons and H.A.R.D Charger awards. AR/HD starts 4:30 p.m. 859-221-0885 or [email protected] or darkk9.com or Facebook @ DarkK9.
• Friday Family Flicks: ‘Hoppers’ at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). When animal lover Mabel discovers a way to communicate with animals, she finds herself pulled into a wild and unexpected mission to help protect the animal world. Full of humor, heart, and big adventure, this animated journey is perfect for a fun family movie night at the library. Free to attend and snacks provided. Starts at 6 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Andrea Gross performs at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Andrea Gross 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 (6:30-9:30pm).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.
• Live music by Donovan Howard at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by the Sandwich Shoppe. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Live drama: “Annie” at Ragged Edge Community Theatre (111 South Main Street). As sure as the sun’ll come out tomorrow, Annie’s back with all the classic songs that earned the original production seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Director Allan Barlow, music director Bethany Fuller and choreographer Ami Wilcox. Starts 7 p.m. Tickets $15. raggededgetheatre.org or 859-734-2389.
Have any events planned? Let everyone know by posting it on the Weekender. Email events to [email protected].
