Weekender July 16 to 24: Fun And Sun Fest, Mercer County Fair And So Much More…

Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]

There’s a whole lot happening with the Fun and Sun Fest on Friday, July 17, and the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show starting Monday, July 20, and running all through the week so let’s get to the listings.
Have a great time at the fair, Mercer County!

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.

• Live music by Taylor Lansdale at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by T. Wayne and Smokey. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

• 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.

Saturday, July 18
• 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 (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.

• Dairy Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). All the fun kicks off at the livestock arena starting 10 a.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.

• Herrington Lake Conservation League Annual Poker Run at Pandora Marina (125 Pandora Drive, Harrodsburg). Annual fundraiser for HLCL. Purchase your hands—five cards per hand—at Pandora and visit Kamp Kennedy Marina, Royalty’s Marina, Mid-Lake Marina and Woodlawn to pick up one card per hand in a sealed envelope initialed by a HLCL representative. Return with unopened envelopes to Pandora. Starts at 10 a.m. Winner with best hand will be announced at 4 p.m. All cards per hand can be picked up at Pandora instead of traveling to each marina. Cost: $5 per hand. hlcl.org or Facebook @Herrington Lake Conservation League or [email protected].

• Stewardship Saturday at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Help battle erosion, clear invasive species and protect one of Central Kentucky’s most popular outdoor spaces. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteers will use hand tools including shovels and loppers, and should wear leather work gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or work boots. All volunteers are eligible to receive 30 percent off an overnight stay (available the dates preceding or succeeding the stewardship program). Volunteers will also receive a voucher for 20 percent off one meal at the Trustees Table. Reservations recommended. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Christmas in July: German Stars at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). It’s never too early to get started on festive, handmade decorations. German stars or Froebel stars, are classic 16-pointed stars made from folded paper. Traditionally dipped in wax and finished with a dusting of glitter, these stars can be personalized with colored paper or special patterns. Cost: $60. Hours: 10 a.m. to noon. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Christmas in July: Reed Stars at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). It’s never too early to get started on festive, handmade decorations. These elaborate stars, woven out of reed dyed in an assortment of colors, look beautiful on a Christmas tree or adorning a wreath, and they also make the perfect holiday gift. During this workshop, each participant will make two reed stars (one large and one small) in contrasting colors.Cost: $60. Hours: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Monster Dance Party at Kats Rhythm and Flow Dance (545 Commerce Drive). Dress up and join our Summer Monster Party with crafting, food, dance, games and more for boys and girls Ages 13 and under. Cost: $25. Hours:1 to 5 p.m. Limited spots available. Contact Kathryn Grace Dawson at 859-202-1138 or [email protected] or Facebook @Kats Rhythm and Flow Dance.

• Open House at Mercer County Animal Shelter (896 Moberly Road). Check out the new animal shelter with popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy, selfie station, balloon dogs, volunteer sign-ups and tours every 30 minutes. Representatives from Mercer County Humane Society and Puppylove KY will be available to answer questions about their organizations. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m. 859-734-5154 or Facebook @Mercer County Animal Control Center Kentucky.

• Christmas in July: Vintage Paper Creations at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). It’s never too early to get started on festive, handmade decorations. Using the simplest of mediums—paper—create beautiful handmade ornaments and decorations perfect for the holiday season. During this workshop, each participant will make a large rosette or wreath, along with a small “flower” ornament to use in the center. Cost: $60. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Christmas in July: Cookie Decorating Workshop at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Expert cookie designer Jillian Mora, owner of “A Traveling Cupcake,” is here to help. In this two-hour class, learn the basics of decorating pre-baked sugar cookies and receive Mora’s royal icing and cookie recipe. All supplies are provided in the class, and each participant will receive personal instruction. You’ll leave the class with a great understanding of the basics of cookie decorating, plus a few cool techniques for every special occasion. Cost: $60. Hours: 3 to 5 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Sippin’s Saturdays at Logan Vineyards (254 Hopewell Road). Enjoy free wine tasting from 12 to 6 p.m. Live music with C.C. Allen from 2 to 5 p.m. Food also on site. 502-783-6604 or [email protected] or LoganVineyards.com or Facebook @LoganVineyards.

• Meet Mary Todd Lincoln at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Step back in time with a first-person historical portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln reflecting on her childhood in Kentucky, her marriage to Abraham Lincoln, the challenges of life in the White House, and the personal losses that shaped her life. Hours: 2 to 3 p.m. in the History Research Center. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

• 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.

• Farm Feast at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road) 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.

• Farm Feast at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Enjoy an evening of collaboration between Chef Amber Hokams and Farm Manager H.P. Lovelace, with a three-course garden supper surrounded by ripe tomatoes, zinnias and butterflies. This year’s feast is dedicated to the memory of Harriet Dupree Bradley, a member of the board of trustees. Hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $99 per person. Event for guests ages 21 and up. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Music on the Lawn featuring Dean Phelps 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.

• Demolition Derby at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Classes include SS Madness, Pure Stock Minis, Pure Stock Youth and Mod and Stock Mowers. Starts 7 p.m. (weigh-in starts 6 p.m. Admission: $15 (free for children 6 and under). Entry fee: $60 per car paide and in line by 6 p.m. Trailer entrance: 431 Henrico Road. Red Wilson at 859-613-8343 and Dustin Wilson at 859-613-8342 or mercerkyfair.com/motorsports or Facebook @mercercofair.

• Live music by the Commonwealth Band 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.

• 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.

• Firefly Hike at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Fireflies are an iconic part of warm summer nights at Shaker Village. Join us for a twilight hike through some of the less-traveled portions of Pleasant Hill’s Preserve as we enjoy a spectacular show from nature’s fireworks. We’ll also discuss some common “lightning bug” misconceptions and separate fact from fiction. Intended for ages 16 and over. Tickets required for all hike attendees. Dogs are not permitted. Cost: $25, annual passholders receive 20 percent discount. Tickets required for all attendees. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive a 30 percent discount applied at checkout. 859-734-5411 orshakervillageky.org.

• Live music by Travis Cook at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Bluegrass BBQ food truck. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.

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

Sunday, July 12
• Christmas in July: Beeswax Ornaments at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Learn to use ceramic molds to make beeswax holiday decorations. Choose from an assortment of mold options, making up to four ornaments to take home. Hours: 2 to 4 p.m. Cost: $60, includes one complimentary general admission ticket and one voucher for 20 percent off dining (excluding alcoholic beverages). Reservation recommended. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.

• Early Registration for the 4H Floral Hall at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Early registration by appointment only starts 4 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook @mercercofair.

• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). With food by the Sandwich Shoppe. Trivia starts 5 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.

Monday, July 20
• 4-H Floral Hall Check-In at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Registration from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Stable. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook @mercercofair.

• 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.

• Family Wealth Group Night at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Opening night of the fair with pageants begin in Center Ring with the Ms. and Mrs. Mercer pageants presented by the Family Wealth Group at 5 p.m. Carnival opens 6 p.m. Miss Teen Mercer and Miss Mercer pageants presented by the Family Wealth Group at 7 p.m. ATV, UTV and Dirt Drag Race presented by Mercer Motorsports and 859 Designs start 7:30 p.m. in the Motorsports Arena. Carnival closes 11 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook @mercercofair.

Tuesday, July 21
• PerkUp at Bigby Coffee (415 South College Street). Hosted by the Mercer Chamber of Commerce learn about events going on in town. This month’s presentation is about Pioneer Days. Starts 7:30 p.m. Meeting rotates location each month. mercerchamber.com or 859-734.2365 or [email protected] or Facebook @Mercer Chamber Of Commerce.

• 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 @mercercofair.

• 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.

• 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.

• Whitaker Bank Night at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall opens 5 p.m. Tiny Miss and Mister pageant presented by Whitaker Bank begins at 5 p.m. in Center Ring. Carnival opens 6 p.m. Little Miss and Mister presented by Whitaker Bank starts 6:30 p.m. in Center Ring. Truck and Car and Dirt Bike Races presented by CC Auto at the Motorsports Arena at 7 p.m. Miss Pre-Teen Mercer pageant presented by Family Wealth Group starts at 8 p.m. in Center Ring. Carnival closes 11 p.m. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook @mercercofair.

• 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. Starts 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. in Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.

Wednesday, July 22
• 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 @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 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. [email protected] or farmersmarketmercer.square.site or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.

• Family Night sponsored by Monticello Bank, Lee’s Famous Recipe and CC Auto at the 199th Mercer County Fair and Horse Show (560 Linden Avenue). Floral Hall opens 5 p.m. Carnival opens 6 p.m. Sheep Show at Livestock Arena and Horse Show in the Center Ring start 6:30 p.m. Community Worship Service at the Motorsports Arena at 8:30 p.m. Carnival closes 11 p.m. Admission is $20 per car load including ride bracelets for up to six people of all ages. Each person must have a seat belt in the vehicle. mercerkyfair.com or Facebook Facebook @mercercofair.

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.

• Craft and Sip at Blackbird Bakery & 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 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
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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

• 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 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.

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

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