The Harrodsburg Herald/Robert Moore
Stilt walker Beth Godshall said the sky’s the limit at last year’s Pioneer Days. The festival returns with four days of fun starting Thursday, Aug. 15.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com
Organizers of the 12th annual Pioneer Days Festival are calling it Mercer County’s second chance to celebrate Harrodsburg’s 250th anniversary. They’re bringing back events from the 250th celebration, which people complained about missing the first time, including “the Trial of James Bridges” play and the Ghost Walk at the Cemetery, which happen Saturday, Aug. 17. In addition, hometown hero Chris Linton is the musical headliner on Saturday.
Also look out for visits from Dr. Ben Franklin and his wife Debbie Franklin as they visit Old Fort Harrod and Mercer County Public Library on Saturday, Aug. 17.
The four-day festival happens at Old Fort Harrod State Park (100 South College Street) from Thursday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 18. There will also be a lot of returning favorites. Meet the Titans happens Thursday, Aug. 15, while the Lions Club Run for Sight 5K and the Big Jack Pearson Memorial Car Show happen Saturday, Aug. 17.The event is free, but ride bracelets are $5.
Here’s the schedule for Pioneer Days. All events happen at Old Fort Harrod unless otherwise listed.
Thursday, Aug. 15
• Baby Show, 6 p.m.
• Costumed Kids, 7:30 p.m.
• Meet the Titans, 8 p.m.
In addition, look out for yard games, puzzle time, the unveiling of the giant mural and music.
Friday, Aug. 16
• Shoot Off and festival opens at 5 p.m.
• Jam/Jelly Taste Off 6 p.m.
• Live music by Skinny Mulligan, 7 p.m.
Rags and Riches headline Friday at Pioneer Days (Image: Facebook).
• Family Dances, 8 p.m.
• Live music by Rags and Riches, 9 p.m.
In addition, the Mercer County Art Council will have rock painting plus corn hole, vendors and the Pioneer Village at Old Fort Harrod.
Saturday, Aug. 17
This year’s Lions Club 5K has been modified to take out the hill that was present at the previous races. Organizers have added some sports activities specifically for younger kids, including a Kids Quarter Mile Fun Run that will start at 8 a.m.
The 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. at the Campbellsville University Harrodsburg Athletic Complex (772 University Drive, Harrodsburg). Proceeds will fund the purchase of eyeglasses for those in need, Lions Club Scholarships, and other local projects supported by the Harrodsburg Lions Club.
Medals for the 5K event will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers. Medals will also be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in 10 age categories.
• Pioneer Days Lions Club 5K at Campbellsville University Harrodsburg Athletic Complex (772 University Drive), 8 a.m.
Kaleb Murray and Elvira were among the winners at last year’s pet show at Pioneer Day (File Image).
• Live broadcast with James the Gardener on Hometown Radio at 8:30 a.m.
• Colonial Breakfast, 9 a.m.
• Big Jack Pearson Car Show starts 10 a.m. and runs all day.
• Critters Without Litters Pet Show, 10 a.m.
• Jessamine County Heel Tappers Cloggers, 11 a.m.
• Shiji Karate Demonstration, 1 p.m.
• Little Settlers from 4 Kids Academy, 2 p.m.
• Visit by Ben and Debbie Franklin at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street).
Ashley Rainey, Lorrie Roberts and Adam Prather were the top three finishers in the pie eating contest at the 2023 Pioneer Days (File Image).
• Pie Eating Contest, 2:30 p.m.
• Live entertainment by the Mountain Laurels, 2:30 p.m.
“The Trial of James Bridges” at the James Harrod Ampitheatre (File Image).
• Live drama: “The Trial of James Bridges” at the James Harrod Ampitheatre starting 3 p.m.
• Visit by Ben and Debbie Franklin at Old Fort Harrod at 3:30 p.m.
• Dancing, 4 p.m.
Chris Linton headlines Saturday night at Pioneer Days.
• Live music: Blue Groove Jazz, 5 p.m.
• Live music: Calamity Jane, 7 p.m.
• Ghost Walk at Cemetery, 8 p.m.
• Live music: Chris Linton Band, 9 p.m.
In addition, there will be a petting zoo, a stilt walker, robot and fairy characters, kid games by the Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club and Chloe’s Petals for Hope and cast iron cooking.
Sunday, Aug. 18
• Church Service with Bethel Baptist at 10 a.m.
• Pioneer Rag Doll Making Class. Sign up early. Cost is $10 per per person, which covers materials and the doll you take home. 2 p.m.
For more information, visit online at pioneerdaysky.com or Facebook @Pioneer Days of Mercer County Kentucky.
