Steamboat Exhibit at The Depot Offers Interesting History Lesson

In conjunction with River Heritage Days, the Depot Community Room and the Henderson County Public Library have joined together to present this traveling exhibit that tells the story of the first steamboat to successfully navigate America’s western inland rivers, the New Orleans, and how it altered American life forever by hastening the opening of the American West and transforming the landscape, economy and culture of the United States.

This exhibit introduces the adventurers who first dared to take a steamboat on the Ohio River, the technology they used and the ramification – both positive and negative – of their actions. Steamboat a Comin’: The Legacy of the New Orleans provides viewers with an understanding and appreciation of the adventurous spirit that colored much of early river travel, the technological achievements, the vast impact on landscape and economy, and the rich culture we have today as a result.

The Rivers Institute at Hanover College sponsored this traveling exhibit to mark the bicentennial in 2011 of the first steamboat to successfully voyage down the Ohio River.

The exhibit encompasses three themes and will be on display through the Month of May. “The Legacy of the New Orleans,” and “Life Along the River” can be viewed at the Depot Community Room, 101 N. Water Street, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. “A Frontier No More – River Economy and Steam Technology” can be viewed at the Henderson County Public Library, 101 S. Main St., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, phone the Depot Community Room at 270-830-9707.

Free Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Henderson Offered May 5

Join the Depot Community Room staff for a guided tour throughout downtown Henderson on Saturday, May 5. The tour highlights the exhibits in the Depot Community Room, as well as historical homes and buildings in Henderson's downtown area.

The tours depart from The Depot at 101 N. Water Street at 10am. Approximate time is one hour. For parties larger than 15, please call ahead. Tour will be held as weather permits. The cost is free.

For more information call (270) 830-9707 or visit www.hendersondepot.org

Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival Scheduled for June 9-16 in Henderson

The Henderson Music Preservation Society is proud to present the 22nd annual W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival during the week of June 9-16 in downtown Henderson, Ky. Over 20 blues performances are scheduled during a weeklong celebration that includes a Street Strut Peoples Parade, The Taste of Henderson Barbecue, Zydeco Night with Red Beans and Rice, and other events.

A great music lineup includes performances by:

Sonny Landreth

Walter Trout

Ronnie Baker Brooks

Dana Fuchs

Ruthie Foster Band

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

Jimmy Hall Trio

Cash Box Kings

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones

Mississippi Heat

Delta Moon

Mark May Band

Mo’ Mojo

Tee Dee Young

Them Bones

Cole Stevens and Steven Boros

King Bees

Boscoe France Band

Blues 4U

Bob Minette and the Dixieland Society

As part of one of the largest free music festivals in the country, Handy events are all offered free of admission. For more details visit www.handyblues.org or call 1-800-648-3128.
About the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival:
Now in its 22nd year, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival began in 1991 and has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing over 30,000 attendants from almost every state and many countries. The festival was recently recognized by the Kentucky Main Street Program as the number one outdoor festival in Kentucky and was voted "One of the Top Ten Festivals" in the Commonwealth by the Kentucky Tourist Industry, as well as being recognized as a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society for in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. For complete festival information, go to www.handyblues.org.

Audubon Woods Run to be held May 5 at Audubon State Park

The third annual Audubon Woods Run will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Audubon State Park in Henderson. As in past years, a portion of the challenging 5K run/walk will follow wilderness trails at the park. The 2012 event will also have a Kentucky Derby theme – “Off to the Races” – and include a Derby hat competition.

Runners, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to enter. The race route will take participants into the far reaches of the park along Warbler Road to Back Country Trail, past Wilderness Lake to Coffee Tree Trail and back to start/finish line near the park’s Tea House. There will be two water stations on the route as well as free fruit and water available at the end of the race. Trophies will be given in several age groups and both trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top overall finishers.

The registration fee is $20 before May 1, 2012 and $25 thereafter. Participants can register online at www.raceit.com/Register/?event or by contacting the Chamber at (270) 826-9531 or Race Director Aleisha Sheridan at (270) 831-8780. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Henderson-Henderson County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Foundation for Excellence, which supports local education initiatives, including the Imagination Library program.

Information provided by Danielle Crafton

Visit Like A Local - Henderson Hot Spots!

Want to visit Henderson, but not sure where to start?

There are lots of things to do and places to see, and we don't like to keep them secret. We want you to know all about them! Here is a small listing of the things that many locals say are must-sees while visiting Henderson.

• Shop at Simon's Shoes, Henderson's oldest shoe store. The store offers shoe sizing, occasional trunk shows, a sale table, and it specializes in narrow and wide sizes. A friendly atmosphere and hundreds of rotating styles make this store a must-see. Other shopping information available here.

• Keep your stay interesting! We get phone calls every month about our Bed & Breakfasts. Yes, we have two! Both are located downtown in historic buildings near the riverfront. A Bed & Breakfast can make for a unique stay. To find out more about these options and other places to stay, visit our website.

• Coming to Henderson and not visiting the Ruby Moon Vineyard & Winery shouldn't be allowed! This quaint winery offers dry and sweet wine selections made from estate-grown grapes and local fruits. During the springtime, the fields surrounding the vineyard offer bursts of yellow and gold and the outdoor patio beckons. A summertime arts festival is also a popular event (June 2, 2012).

• Try the barbecue! Whether you're a fan of mutton, chicken or pork - western Kentucky is known for their rich barbecue tradition. To find a list of local restaurants, including barbecue specialties, click here.

• Visit during a festival. The Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival and the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival are both award-winning music festivals that take place each summer on the riverfront. Other festivals include the Tri-Fest Street Fair, the GRADD Arts and Crafts Festival, Sandy Lee Songfest and many others.

• Hike at Audubon State Park and visit the John James Audubon Museum. The Museum houses the art collection of internationally-known wildlife artist, John James Audubon. The park offers trails, fishing, wildlife viewing and is also known for it's special events for children. If you have kids, you'll want to call ahead and ask what's going on at the park during your stay!

• Are you visiting during the summer? Stop at Ellis Park Race Course for live thoroughbred horse racing. Admission is free, and special events such as Camel and Ostrich Races, Wiener Dog Races and scholarship giveaway days add to the fun!

This is only a start. There's are lots of things to do when you visit. Start your trip at The Depot Welcome Center downtown on the riverfront, and we can help you plan your trip. For more information call 1-800-648-3128 or local (270) 826-3128.