Two Henderson Music Festivals Win 'Top 20' Award for 2012

It’s an exciting year for two Henderson music festivals. The Southeast Tourism Society has named both the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival and the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” for 2012.

The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events publication receives extensive exposure in print media, web, television and radio in the U.S. and Canada. These events were nominated by the Henderson County Tourist Commission because of their impact on the community and the value each festival places on the history and culture of western Kentucky.

This year the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival will be held June 9-16. The festival features some of the biggest names in blues, a Taste of Henderson Barbecue Cook-off, a Mardi Gras-style street strut parade and weeklong community events.

Bluegrass in the Park will be held August 10-11. The event includes a fantastic mix of bluegrass music, several sporting events, an outdoor pole-vaulting competition, and an accompanying Folklife Festival with activities for both children and adults.

For more information on these events and others in the area, please visit www.hendersonky.org or call (270) 826-3128.

Carolina Chocolate Drops To Play in February at Fine Arts Center

If you’ve got a hankerin' for some foot-stomping, knee slapping banjo beat, with a simmering old-time Bluegrass flavor, then look no further! The Carolina Chocolate Drops are coming to town with banjo, fiddle, guitar, snare, kazoo, jugs, and bones in tow. The performance will be held at the Henderson Fine Arts Center, February 9 at 7:30pm. The center is located at 2660 South Green Street, Henderson, KY.

You’re sure to be on your feet and clapping along as soon as the Chocolate Drops take the stage and turn up the energy! The Carolina Chocolate Drops are the newest and youngest players in a long lineage of string bands. Come and experience Bluegrass like you've never heard it before! To watch videos of the band, click here.

For information please go to www.haaa.org or call for tickets (270) 826-5916.

Second Girl's Night Out Scheduled for December 8th

Because of the overwhelming success of the last Girl's Night Out, another event has been planned for December 8th from 5-10pm in downtown Henderson. Bring your friends for a night out on the town. Local retailers will offer special discounts.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Family Resource Center's Backpack Program. Hunger and lack of food sources are an issue for many children in our community. This program, addresses these issues.

After shopping, come to Rookies Sports Bar from 8-10pm for drink specials and live music.

For additional questions, contact the Downtown Henderson Project at (270) 827-0016.

Annual Turkey Trot Offers Way To Give Back on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful and giving back to the community. That’s the inspiration behind the annual Turkey Trot in Henderson, Ky. The 5K run/walk is held every Thanksgiving morning in downtown Henderson.

This year the walk will be held Thursday, November 24. Registration is from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. The race starts at 9:00 am at Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Washington and Main Streets.

Entry donation is a free will offering or a $25 donation, which includes a t-shirt. Donations go to the trot benefactor, Brain Injury Adventure Camp (BIAC). BIAC is a non-profit organization that provides activities and education to persons suffering from a traumatic brain injury.

For more information or to obtain a registration form visit www.turkeytrotky.com or call (270) 724-1859.

Celebrate 5 Years With Ruby Moon Vineyard & Winery

Want to relax? What better way to start or end your day this Fall than to make a visit to Ruby Moon Vineyard and Winery.

This weekend Ruby Moon celebrates 5 years in business. Stop in on Friday, November 11 or Saturday, November 12 for 10% off all purchases and register to win prizes to be given away.

Enjoy a wine tasting in the Tuscan inspired tasting room, or get a glass of wine and gourmet cheese and take a stroll through the 3-acre vineyard.

Other great upcoming events include:

Win a Free Night’s Stay in the New Sunset Suite (pictured above)
On Saturdays in November, the winery will be giving tours of their brand new building, which houses the wine making area, Audubon Party room and the Sunset Suite. Tours will be given each Saturday at 1 & 3 p.m. Following completion of the tour attendees can sign up to win a free nights stay in the Sunset Suite to be drawn on December 1st.

“Fabulous Fridays”
Fridays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. are "Fabulous Fridays" at Ruby Moon! Patrons can enjoy wine by the glass for $3.50 (all varieties), complimentary cheese and crackers and 10% off all other purchases.

Ruby Moon is open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday 11am-8:30pm and Saturday 11am-6pm. The vineyard is located at 9566 Highway 41 A in Henderson, Kentucky.

For more information, visit www.rubymoonwinery.com or call (270) 830-7660.

Bon Ton Mini Mart Highly Reviewed Here, There, Everywhere

Henderson's Bon Ton Mini Mart is not only a local favorite, but a feature in several publications and food blogs all over the United States. We got together a few of our favorite quotes about the Henderson hot spot and hope to encourage a few others to check out the chicken.

"Bon Ton chicken delivers a taste thrill like no other: shockingly spicy, salty, and crunchy white and dark meat are infused with a power-packed spice marinade of cayenne and garlic that penetrates to the bone. To salve your ravaged tongue, try the creamy-cool banana pudding. "
-Gourmet Magazine, 2009, Read full article here.

"Anyway, this fried chicken is THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER."
-Fat Is Flavor Blog, Read full post here.

"The Bon Ton is a totally authentic experience, perfect to take out of town guests. The big deal at this place is their fried chicken. It is so spectacularly good that you just cannot believe it."
-Courier & Press Dining Club Blog, Read full post here.

"You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't try at least one piece of the fried chicken..."
'Roadfood' Warriors, New York Times Magazine, 2006, Read full article here.

"There is no printed menu at the Bon Ton Mini Mart because everyone comes to eat one thing: chicken."
-Roadfood.com Blog Post, Read full post here.

Holiday Art at Audubon State Park

Holiday art activities start at Audubon State Park next week. These activities are perfect for a variety of ages. For questions, please contact the person listed after each event.

Many of these activities require pre-registration or a small fee, so please call ahead.

November 2011

“Holiday Pottery” ages 3-13 Saturday, Nov. 12
Design your holiday pottery just in time for Santa. There will be 2 sessions at the JJA Museum on Saturday, November 12th
*Children ages 3-8 (along with an adult) 10:00-11:00.
*Students ages 8 -13 1:00-2:00.
The Cost will be $15.00, which includes materials for one plate. Plates will be fired and returned to museum for pick up. Pre-registration is required by Nov. 7h Contact: Miss Kim at the Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Make Your Own Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags (Open House Day) Saturday, Nov. 19
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Audubon Museum Nature Center
In conjunction with the Audubon Museum Open House, kids are welcome to visit the Nature Center while mom and dad shop the Christmas sales! We will be making handmade wrapping paper with paints, stamps, glitter, and more! And, make your own Christmas gift tags with personalized names. Each child will have the chance to make 2 large sheets of wrapping paper and 5 gift tags for FREE. Additional paper and tags can be purchased.

December 2011
HC Encore Gifted Students Art Exhibit Thursday, Dec. 1
Audubon Museum proudly presents the annual Henderson County Encore student exhibit and reception. All Henderson County Elementary 4th & 5th grade students will exhibit their works of art from the 3 week, session of visual arts classes at the John James Audubon Museum. Faculty, parents and friends are invited to attend the opening reception Thursday evening, December 1, from 5:00-6:30. Free to the public.
Staff contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett, Audubon Arts administrator (270) 827-1893

Tiny Tot’s Holiday Ornaments Friday, Dec. 2
JJA Museum
Tiny tot’s ages 3-5 will design and decorate an ornament just in time for your tree. Holiday Art at the Park is from 10:30-11:30. Dress for a mess. Pre-registration is required.
Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Green Christmas Wednesday, Dec. 7
Go green this Christmas and learn to make beautiful decorations using recycled materials. Old light bulbs, glass jars, tin cans, and newspapers are all sources for some pretty incredible holiday décor! Reduce, reuse, recycle and have yourself a green little Christmas! This FREE class will be 10-11 a.m. in the Friends of Audubon Meeting Room. All materials will be provided. Children and adults all welcome. Only 25 spots, pre-registration, Beth Tompkins at (270) 826-2247 or beth.tompkins@ky.gov

Santa’s at the Park Saturday, Dec. 10
10:30-12:00
Come join the elves at the annual “Santa’s at the Park”, Saturday, Dec. 10th from 10:30-12:00, for children ages 3-7 and their families. Share the holiday activities; art, story telling and treats with Santa. Photos will be optional the day of for an extra fee. Class Fee will be $7.00 Photos with Santa will also optional the day of. Pre-registration required.
Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Christmas Cooking for Kids Friday, December 16
10 a.m Cottage 101
Kids 3-6 are invited to spend a holly jolly morning of culinary fun at the Audubon Museum. Make your own Christmas apron, sugar cookies, and learn how to make the elves Top Secret Reindeer Food! (Santa gave us Dasher’s favorite recipe.) Must pre-register, only 15 spots available! Must pre-register with Beth Tompkins at 270-826-2247 or beth.tompkins@ky.gov
Cost: $10

Green Christmas Friday, Dec.16
Cottage 101 2-3pm
Go green this Christmas and learn to make beautiful decorations using recycled materials. Old light bulbs, glass jars, tin cans, and newspapers are all sources for some pretty incredible holiday décor! Reduce, reuse, recycle and have yourself a green little Christmas! This FREE class will be at 2 p.m. in the cozy setting of Cottage 101. All materials will be provided. Only 7 spots available so pre-register with Beth Tompkins at (270) 826-2247 or beth.tompkins@ky.gov
Cost: FREE

Christmas Cooking for Kids Saturday, December 17
10 a.m. Cottage 101
Audubon Museum Meeting Room
Kids 6 and up are invited to spend a holly jolly morning of culinary fun at the Audubon Museum. Make your own Christmas apron, sugar cookie dough in a decorative jar (bake it later or give it as a gift), and learn how to make the elves Top Secret Reindeer Food! (Santa gave us Dasher’s favorite recipe.) Must pre-register, only 15 spots available! Must pre-register with Beth Tompkins at 270-826-2247 or beth.tompkins@ky.gov Cost: $10


Press release submitted by Audubon State Park. Call (270) 826-2247 or visit the new State Parks website.