Weekender July 9 To 17: Friday Night On Main, Fun And Sun Fest, Tractor Pulls And More…

April Ellis
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]

It’s a busy week for the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission with Friday Night On Main returning to Olde Town Park on Friday, July 10, with music by Nick and Tony at 6 p.m. and Hug It Out at 8 p.m. There will also be food, shopping and Inflatables by Party On Air from 5 to 10 p.m.

The tourist commission will also host the second annual Fun and Sun Fest at Anderson-Dean Community Park starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17. They’re billing it as Central Kentucky’s premier inflatable event, with inflatables, food trucks, a live DJ, foam party, vendors and more.

And fair time is almost here, with the Truck and Tractor Pulls at the Stable at Mercer County Fairgrounds also on Friday, July 17. For details, check the listing below. The high-powered fun starts at 7 p.m.

Have a great weekend, Mercer County!

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.

• Live music by Lil Jimmy Ritchey at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music 7 to 10 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.

• Live music by Lexy Clark and Kris Carey at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Billy’s BBQ. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

• Karaoke with D.J. Wayne at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Saturday, July 11
• 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 welcome center upon arrival. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• 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.

• 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.

• Roots of Mercer County 5K and One-Mile Fun Run at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Join us for this inaugural race highlighting the resources, historical sites and community that make Mercer County special. In addition to the race, attendees will have the opportunity to explore community vendor booths. All proceeds from this event will support the work of We Are Mercer County, a community organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening our local resources, agriculture and future. $35 for 5K at 8:30 a.m., $20 for 1 mile fun walk at 8:45 a.m. Register online shakervillageky.org.

• Drystone Fence Construction: Introductory Workshop at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Shaker Village is home to one of Kentucky’s largest and most accessible collections of historic, dry stacked stone fences. Join the Drystone Conservancy for this two-day workshop to learn how to care for and repair these remarkable pieces of Kentucky culture. The pace will be comfortable and participants will learn the fundamental skills needed to build and repair a typical rock fence or retaining wall. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $400. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• It Takes A Village: Volunteer Day at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Roll up your sleeves and lend a hand to help maintain the beauty of Shaker Village. Staff will lead small teams of volunteers on a variety of outdoor beautification projects, including painting, staining and cleaning. Work projects will total approximately six hours of the day. For guests ages 15 and up. Space is limited.. Starts 9 a.m. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive a 30 percent discount, applied at checkout. Volunteers also receive continental breakfast, box lunch and a voucher for 20 percent off one meal. Reservations recommended. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Big Bone Lick: Prehistoric Kentucky at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Presented by Big Bone Lick, this engaging program introduces participants to fascinating fossils and artifacts discovered right here in Kentucky. Learn what these incredible finds can tell us about life long before recorded history and discover the ancient world that once existed around us. Starts at noon in the Historic Research Center. 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. Hours: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Sippin’s Saturdays at Logan Vineyards (254 Hopewell Road). Enjoy a free wine tasting from noon to 6 p.m. Food is also on site. 502-783-6604 or [email protected] or LoganVineyards.com or Facebook @LoganVineyards.

• Laugh and Detox Night at Herbal Kreations (120 South Main Street). An evening of laughter, wellness, food and fun with live comedy, ionic foot detoxes, games and prizes and wellness specials. Starts 3 p.m. 859-613-1271 or [email protected] or herbalkreations.com or Facebook @herbalkreations.

• Divine Market at Divine Intentions (697 South College Street). Craft vendors, artists, writers, jewelry makers, crocheters, all are welcome Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. 859-613-1356 or [email protected] or Facebook @Divineintentions.

• Horse Show at Pioneer Saddle Club (344 Shewmaker Lane). Gaited and non-gaited classes available. Concessions available. Gates open 2 p.m. Show starts 4 p.m. Entry fees are $8 for non-championship classes and $10 for championship classes. No entry for class 4 leadline for riders 8 years old and younger. Showbill available on Facebook page. Email [email protected] or William at 904-233-0092 or Linda at 585-230-3210 or Facebook @Pioneer Saddle Club.

• Music on the Lawn featuring the Pastime Trio 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 Donovan Howard at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music 7 to 10 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papa smoke pizza harrodsburg ky.

• Live music by Jump The Curb 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.

• Live music by Matthew Ryan Reynolds at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Music starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

• Live music by VSP Band at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Bullheaded BBQ. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.

Sunday, July 12
• 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.

• Drystone Fence Construction: Introductory Workshop at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Shaker Village is home to one of Kentucky’s largest and most accessible collections of historic, dry stacked stone fences. Join the Drystone Conservancy for this two-day workshop to learn how to care for and repair these remarkable pieces of Kentucky culture. The pace will be comfortable and participants will learn the fundamental skills needed to build and repair a typical rock fence or retaining wall. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $400. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• 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 13
• Morning Chess at Mercer County Public Library(109 West Lexington Street). It’s checkmate time — chess is back at the library. Join fellow players in the Reading Room for relaxed games, friendly competition, and a welcoming space for all skill levels. All ages welcome. Starts 9:30 a.m. in the Reading Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.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 14
• 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.

• 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 Café. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Teen Movie Club at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Join us for “the Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the thrilling next chapter in the Hunger Games series as Katniss and Peeta are thrown back into danger for the Quarter Quell. Packed with action, suspense, and unforgettable moments, this is one Teen Movie Club you won’t want to miss. Hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For ages 13 to 18. 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.

• Dine and Donate to PuppyLove.KY at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). Fundraiser hours: 5 to 10 p.m. 859-613-5669 or casagrandeky.com or Facebook @casaGky.

• Evening Book Club at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Join us for great conversation and good company at our monthly Evening Book Club. This month’s pick is Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. Copies are available at the circulation desk. New members are always welcome. Starts 6 p.m. in the History Research Center. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Historic Garden Restorations with Jon Carloftis at the Harrodsburg Historical Society (221 South Chiles Street). Program with Carloftis, a renowned garden designer, author and horticulturist starts at 7 p.m. Program presented in memory of Bonnie Tanner. 859-325-9028 or [email protected] or harrodsburghistorical.org.

Wednesday, July 15
• 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.

• Kids Kitchen at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Kids can spice things up at this fun, hands-on salsa making program at the Farmers Market. Participants ages 8–12 will use fresh, locally grown produce like tomatoes and peppers to create their own delicious salsa while learning basic kitchen skills and exploring healthy ingredients. RSVP required. Registration open July 1. Starts 3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

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

Thursday, July 16
• 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.

• STEAM Night: DIY Volcanoes at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Get ready to make things erupt. Kids ages 8–12 will get hands-on with science, creativity and a little bit of mess as they build their very own erupting volcanoes. This exciting STEAM program is all about learning through doing—and watching your creation come to life in a big, bubbly eruption. RSVP required. Registration will open July 1st.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.

• 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 with DJ JT at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7:30 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.

Friday, July 17
• 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.

• 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 Daniel Bishop and the Skinny Mulligan band at noon under the Osage orange tree. 859-734-3314 or Facebook @fortharrod.statepark.

• Summer Sips and Backyard Herbs 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.

• Just Right: Cooking For One Or Two at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Whether cooking for yourself or sharing meals with one other person, this workshop will help scale recipes down, shop seasonally on a budget, utilize smart storage and freezing, cut down on food waste Walk away with practical resources you can use right away. Starts 2 p.m. RSVP 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension.

• Fun and Sun Fest at Anderson-Dean Community Park (1501 Louisville Road). Central Kentucky’s premier inflatable event returns with even more exciting elements. The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission is asking you to get ready for inflatables, food trucks, live DJ, foam party, vendors and more. Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. 859-734-2364 or [email protected] or Facebook @Fun and Sun Fest.

• Friday Family Flicks at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Power up for an action-packed adventure with “the Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” Join Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and their friends as they race through exciting worlds, face off against familiar enemies, and work together to save the galaxy. Packed with humor, adventure, and plenty of fun references for gamers of all ages, this movie is perfect for the whole family! Free to attend & snacks provided. Starts at 6 p.m. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• Truck and Tractor Pulls at the Stable at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Classes include street semi, 15,000 pound stock farm tractor, gas 4×4 stock fuel-injected, stock street diesel—must be licensed and insured, no traction bars or bump stops— and hot street diesel—open turbo, no hanging weights—and gas 4×4 stock carburetor, hot stock small black 4×4 and hot stock big block 4×4. Starts 7 p.m. (weigh-in starts 6 p.m. Admission: $15 (free for children 6 and under). Hook fee: $35. Red Wilson at 859-613-8343 and Dustin Wilson at 859-613-8342 or mercerkyfair.com/motorsports or Facebook @mercercofair.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Live music by Sticktight 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 Chris Weiss 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.

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

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