Kentuck Day Festival to be held July 28 in Crandon

CRANDON, WI: It’s time for the annual Kentuck Day Festival in downtown Crandon! The Forest County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to attend on Saturday, July 28, for what is sure to be a fun day for the whole family. This popular summer festival celebrates the heritage of many of the area’s early settlers from Kentucky. The rich history of families from Kentucky will be featured in the historical booth on the grounds of the courthouse square. With artist and crafter booths, great sidewalk sales, specialty food booths, and live entertainment on the grounds, and a classic car and bike show just down the street, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

The day kicks off with the 7^th Annual 5K Moonshine Run/Walk. The Moonshine Run starts at 9:00 a.m. (registration begins at 8:00 a.m.) and will wind its way through downtown Crandon and end near the Kentuck Day Festival grounds on the courthouse square. Registration is available the morning of the event or by contacting joshjaeger84@gmail.com. All proceeds will benefit local youth sports.

The 16^th Annual Kentuck Klassic Car and Bike Show will take place on the beautiful grounds of the Weber-Hill Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.  An entry fee of $10.00 can be paid upon registration, taking place from 8:00 till 11:00 a.m., at the show grounds. Chair Susan Hill is excited about her second year as chairperson and invites everyone to come and enjoy the show. Food and refreshments will be available on the grounds and DJ Rusty will be playing tunes throughout the day. T-Shirts and dash plaques will go to the first 100 entrants.

Over 120 vendor spaces are already reserved for the huge art and craft show set up on the courthouse lawn, offering a wonderful variety of items for purchase.  Handcrafted items from local talented artisans from this area as well as from throughout Wisconsin, upper Michigan, and Minnesota will be featured.

The flea market section will be set up on the south end of the courthouse square along Polk Street, with over 25 vendors reserving booth space. Many local restaurants plan to have a ‘Kentuck’ special on their menu.  Some will be set up in the courthouse square, along with area groups, to serve their scrumptious specialty food items.  Plan to grab a ‘bluegrass burger’ or one of the many other mouthwatering homemade treats!  Live music on the grounds by “Hand-picked Bluegrass” will take place from 11:00 till 3:00 p.m. Brandt’s Horse and Wagon Rides will be back for leisurely rides around the Courthouse Square.

The Forest County Historical Society display will be front and center on the courthouse square, which will highlight the Kentuck Heritage Day Camp taking place July 23-27 (put on by the Forest County Historical Society, further details at forestcountyhistory.org). Several information booths will also be on hand including two area lake associations.

As this popular festival is a celebration of the heritage of the area’s early settlers from Kentucky, dressing the part (Kentucky pioneer, prohibition or moonshine era, or even the humorous version) could win you a prize.  $50.00 in Chamber bucks will be awarded to the best-dressed vendor or attendee to the festival, with judging on stage at noon.  Last but not least, don’t forget to check out the best bargains of the year at area retailers and unique specialty shops; whether inside the shops or out on the sidewalk, plan to find some great buys!

Bring your family and friends and enjoy the Kentuck Day Festival in downtown Crandon, Saturday, July 28!  For further information, contact the Forest County Chamber of Commerce at 715-478-3450 or email info@visitforestcounty.com.