Rockcastle County

2012 Schedule

March

Memories of Conway Show- A Tribute to Conway Twitty

March 31

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

April

Red Bud Health Walk

April 2

Come join in the fun and get in shape with free prizes and a box lunch to the first 500 walkers. All ages welcome with regular (approx. 2.5 miles) and handicapped/stroller routes (approx. 1.5 miles) available. Starts and ends at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame from 11 am to 1 pm. This year’s walk includes a tour of John Lair’s home.

Sponsored by The Mt. Vernon-Rockcastle County Tourist Commission, TOURSEKY.COM, Rockcastle Regional Hospital, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Pappy & Mammy’s Place, The City of Mt. Vernon and Christian Appalachian Project.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-252-6685

Justin Moore in Concert

April 13

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Red Bud Quilt Show

April 14

Location: Mt. Vernon
Contact: 606-256-2403

Gretchen Wilson in Concert

April 14

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Rockcastle River Trading Company Spring Open House

April 19 – 21

Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop – April 19th (sorry full)
Container Gardening Workshop – April 20th (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Open House – April 21st (10:00am – 6:00)

Great new gifts, garden supplies, live music and great food all on
the beautiful banks of the Rockcastle River.
*All workshops are free but space is limited. Call 606.224.4673 for
reservation. Workshops will be led by Jon Carloftis
*Learn more about this organic vegetable garden
designed by Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens as featured in
Country Living’s April 2012 Issue.
Visit www.joncarloftis.com for more information

Location: Livingston
Contact: 606-843-0854

Mark Chesnutt with special guest Jeff Bates

April 21

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Dwight Yoakam in Concert

April 26

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Will Reynolds Salutes Elvis

April 27

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Vicki Lawrence – A Two Woman Show

April 28

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

May

Triumphant Quartet, Soul’d Out Quartet with special guest Driven

May 3

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Wildflower Walk

May 4

The wildflower walk will be led by Dr. Thomas Barnes, an extension specialist and forestry professor at UK and the author of several books. For those who enjoy wildflowers and the outdoors, this is a great opportunity to learn from one of the experts. Registration is at the extension office with a $5 donation to Rockcastle County 4-H Camp.

Location: Rockcastle County
Contact: 606-256-2403

The Inspirations and Primitive Quartet

May 4

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

The McKamey’s & The Crist Family

May 5

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Oak Ridge Boys

May 12

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame 10th Anniversary

May 20

Live music in lobby on Saturday from 11:00-5:00 (free with paid admission to the museum)

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 877-356-3263

Saltpetre Cave Open House

May 19 & 20

Great Saltpetre Cave was a significant source of saltpetre during the War of 1812. In this bicentennial year, help us celebrate Kentucky’s history.

Join us for:
 An historical encampment along Crooked Creek
 Demonstrations of butter churning or soap making
 Processing dirt into saltpetre demonstrations
 Demonstration of leaching lye out of ashes
 Guided cave tours
 Free soup beans and cornbread
 Other food vendors
 Live music

Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated.
Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm. I-75, exit 59. East on HWY 25, turn left onto 1004, continue on 1004 until it comes to a “T” (at tracks). Turn right and continue to Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve. 9 miles from I-75.

GSP is owned by Rockcastle Karst Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, local volunteer organization dedicated to dedicated to preserving the unique geological, hydrological, biological, archeological, historical and recreational resources associated with caves and karst lands. RKC’s goal is to permanently protect caves and karst lands in Rockcastle County, Kentucky and its surrounding region through land acquisition, ownership and resource management. The wise stewardship we take today will preserve these areas for future generations continued enjoyment. For more information about Rockcastle Karst Conservancy, please visit www.rkci.org.

Location: Livingston
Contact: 800-252-6685
Website: www.caves.org/conservancy/gsp

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Asleep at the Wheel

May 19

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Poker Run Motorcycle Ride

May 20

Registration begins at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame at 11:00. Ride begins at 1:00.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 877-356-3263

Exile In Concert

May 20

Outdoor concert at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame at 3:00 rain or shine. Bring chair or blanket.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 877-356-3263

Brodhead Homecoming

May 24 – 26

Come make new memories with old friends.

Contact: 606-308-3999

Mandy Barnett salutes Patsy Cline

May 25

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Red Hill Horse Camp

May 26 – 28

Horseback trail riding, wagon rides, camping and more.

Location: Livingston
Contact: 606-308-5900
Website: www.redhillhorsecamp.com

The Roots & Boots Tour featuring Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Joe Diffie

May 26

Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Celebrity Golf Tournament

May 31

John Michael Montgomery will host this year’s event at the Cedar Rapids Golf Course in Mt. Vernon. Tee times start at 1:00pm.

Location: Mt. Vernon
Contact: 877-365-3263
Website: www.kymusichalloffame.com

Discovery Day

June 2

Step back in Appalachian times with working artisans such as a blacksmith, farrier, broom maker, wood wright and quilter. Back again this year is event favorite The Gentlemen’s Duel. Held at the Bittersweet Cabin Village on US 25 N.
FREE ADMISSION

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-252-6685

Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis in Concert

June 2

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Neal McCoy in Concert

June 8

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Sawyer Brown in Concert

June 9

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Mickey Gilley

June 16

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Renfro Valley Bluegrass Festival

June 21- 23

This year’s performers include Dr. Ralph Stanley, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top Express, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Ronnie Reno, Dale Ann Bradley, Kari Shiflett and many more.

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Billy Ray Cyrus in Concert

June 30

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

July

Blast in the Valley

July 1

Fun begins at 2:00 with inflatables, entertainment starting at 4:00 including the Renfro Valley entertainers with a spectacular fireworks grand finale.

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464

Red Hill Horse Camp

July 6 – 8

Horseback trail riding, wagon rides, camping and more.

Location: Livingston
Contact: 606-308-5900
Website: www.redhillhorsecamp.com

Tanya Tucker in Concert

July 7

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Kentucky Headhunters with special guest Confederate Railroad

July 13

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Randy Travis in Concert

July 14

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Steve Wariner in Concert

July 21

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Keith Anderson with special guest Halfway 2 Hazard

July 27

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Darryl Worley & David Lee Murphy in Concert

July 28

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

August

All Night Gospel Sing

August 4

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Little World’s Fair

August 6 – 11

Enjoy the fun of this old-fashioned carnival now in its 131th year.

Location: Brodhead Fairgrounds US 150
Contact: Larry Taylor 859-661-7159 or John Dyehouse 606-308-3479

Merle Haggard in Concert

August 9

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Jamey Johnson in Concert

August 10

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

TG Sheppard, John Conlee & Jeannie Seely in Concert

August 11

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Clay Walker in Concert

August 17

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Music In The Mountain

August 18

It was on July 27th, 1941, that John Lair did his first live radio broadcast of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance on station WHAS from inside the cave. Mr. Lair, originally from Rockcastle County, was a musician, DJ, musical promoter, and entrepreneur. Lair worked at radio stations WLS in Chicago and WLW in Cincinnati before moving back to Kentucky in 1939 to develop the Renfro Valley Entertainment complex. The Renfro Valley complex thrives today, giving people a taste of the traditional culture that was rooted in the hills of Appalachia.

In 1939 Lair became part owner in Great Saltpetre Cave. Later, after acquiring the cave from his partners, he set out to develop a tourist attraction to share the history of the region with visitors. Lair transformed Great Saltpetre Cave from an abandoned saltpeter mine into a tourist cave complete with trails, stairs, bridges, electric lights, a museum area, and even a stage for entertainment. Over the years, Echo Auditorium, the largest room in the cave, has been the setting for music shows, church services, weddings and a movie, among other things.

For the past six years, the 300 acres that make up The Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve has been owned by The Rockcastle Karst Conservancy (RKC), nonprofit organization. This is the only community based non-profit organization in Kentucky dedicated to protecting cave and karst environments and is made up of the same group of volunteers who have managed Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve for over 25 years. RKC’s mission is to protect caves through wise stewardship and ownership. The group recently acquired another cave property in the area to protect its significant bat population. For more information about RKC, please visit http://rkci.org/.

Rockcastle residents have a unique and rich heritage of enjoying this cave resource. RKC continues this tradition by opening The Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve to the public a few times a year, annually in May for Open House and by special arrangement for educational school field trips and scout groups. This year an additional day is added with Music In The Mountain.

Take a tour of this historic cave Saturday & Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm. I-75, exit 59. East on HWY 25, turn left onto 1004, continue on 1004 until it comes to a “T” (at tracks). Turn right and continue to Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve. 9 miles from I-75.

Location: Livingston
Contact: 800-252-6685
Website: www.MusicInTheMountain.com

Joe Nichols in Concert

August 25

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute

August 31

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Livingston Homecoming

August 31 – September 2

A weekend of fun and memories. Inflatables for kids, craft booths, auction, fireworks and music.

Location: I-75, Exit 49 Downtown Livingston
Contact: 606-256-8601 or 606-453-2061

September

Livingston Homecoming

August 31 – September 2

A weekend of fun and memories. Inflatables for kids, craft booths, auction, fireworks and music.

Location: I-75, Exit 49 Downtown Livingston
Contact: 606-256-8601 or 606-453-2061

Red Hill Horse Camp

September 1 – 3

Horseback trail riding, wagon rides, camping and more.

Location: Livingston
Contact: 606-308-5900
Website: www.redhillhorsecamp.com

50’s Night: The Contours, The Chiffons, The Reflections and Shirley Austin Reeves

September 1

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

The Medley Boys in Concert

September 7

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

History Channel Presents The American Pickers

September 8

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Don Williams in Concert

September 14

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Dailey & Vincent in Concert

September 21

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Moe Bandy, Janie Frickie & Johnny Lee in Concert

September 22

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Gene Watson in Concert

September 28

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Ray Stevens in Concert

September 29

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

October

Appalachian Harvest Festival

October 4 – 6

Celebration of the fall harvest including molasses made by a mule-drawn press, antique tractor display, music, and crafts.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: TBA

Bittersweet Festival

October 4 – 6

This year’s event starts off with a car show on Thursday and then two fun filled days of live music, craft booths, inflatables for the kids and of course food!

Location: Downtown Mt. Vernon
Contact: 606-256-3437

Beatlemania Magis: A Tribute to the Beatles

October 5

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Marty Stuart & Connie Smith

October 6

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Ronnie McDowell with guest T. Graham Brown

October 12

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

George Jones in Concert

October 13

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Fall Gospel Music Celebration

October 18 – 20

The Isaacs with Driven October 18, Jason Crabb with guests the Roarks October 19, Jimmy Fortune & the Florida Boys October 20

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Rick Springfield in Concert

October 27

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Halloween on Main

October 31

Location: Downtown Mt. Vernon
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Contact: 606-256-3437

November

Travis Tritt in Concert

November 3

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Cruise in the Valley Car Show

November 3

Make plans to participate or just join in the fun of this premiere car show event presented by the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 877-356-3263
Website: kentuckycarshows.com

Renfro Valley Alumni Show

November 3

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464

73rd Renfro Valley Anniversary Show

November 3

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Country Christmas with the Roarks

November 9 – 22

Friday & Saturdays

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Christmas Show

November 9 – 10

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: 800-765-7464
Website: www.renfrovalley.com

Christmas In the Valley and Cookies with Santa

November 16 – December 22

Enjoy the beautiful display of lights and an original stage production of
your favorite holiday songs and comedy performed by the entire Renfro Valley cast of entertainers. Friday and Saturdays, with some Thursday and matinee performances. Call for a show schedule.

While you are here, plan to have “cookies with Santa”. Groups of 40 or more can enjoy cookies, coffee and hot cider with Santa along with individual photos of each group member with Santa.

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464

December

Christmas In the Valley and Cookies with Santa

November 16 – December 22

Enjoy the beautiful display of lights and an original stage production of
your favorite holiday songs and comedy performed by the entire Renfro Valley cast of entertainers. Friday and Saturdays, with some Thursday and matinee performances. Call for a show schedule.

While you are here, plan to have “cookies with Santa”. Groups of 40 or more can enjoy cookies, coffee and hot cider with Santa along with individual photos of each group member with Santa.

Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Contact: 800-765-7464

Mt. Vernon Annual Tree Lighting

TBA

Come join in the fun sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The tree lighting will be at 6:00 pm at Triangle Park on Main Street. Come early and enjoy refreshments and holiday music.

Contact: Mt. Vernon City Hall 606-256-3437

Jingle Bell 6K Run-Walk

December 1

Lace up your sneakers and grab your Santa hats for the 7th annual Jingle Bell 6K Run/Walk. Join us for good exercise and great fun in historic Renfro Valley. All proceeds from the event benefit the Miracle Fund which provides assistance to improve the quality of life of long-term care residents. The 6K walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 6K run will begin at 9:00 a.m. with registration at 7:45 a.m.

Location: Renfro Valley
Contact: Arielle Reese 606-256-7880 or a.reese@rhrcc.org