06.24.2024

Today’s Forecast

86º | 7% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. | Sunset 9:04 p.m.

Culture

Escape to the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital for this annual festival

Presented by a LEXtoday Partner

pottery making at the berea craft festival

Check out 100+ talented artists live in action, like David Enge of Tater Knob Pottery Demonstrating (pictured above). | Photo provided by Berea Tourism

Mark your calendars: The 43rd annual Berea Craft Festival returns to the historic Indian Fort Theater from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14.

Located at the base of the Pinnacles, this event brings 100+ artists from across the country to showcase their work and provide interactive demonstrations.

Keep reading to learn what you can expect from this year’s celebration. Trust us: It’s worth the ~hour drive (and the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway).

Creative brilliance

As you explore the festival, expect to be immersed in the creative process of several dynamic skills, including:

Pottery throwing
Fiber arts
Loom weaving
Blacksmithing
And more

Both new and returning artists will be on-site, including Paul R. Buhrmester of The Burned Gourd, Jill Robertson of Appalachia’s Daughter, and Derek Downing of Designer Baskets By Derek.

Pro tip: Keep up with artist announcements on Facebook.

jewelry booth at the berea craft festival — Shop a selection of unique, handmade jewelry, including Boulder Park Gems (pictured above).
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Photo provided by Berea Tourism

Savor the day

It wouldn’t be a true Kentucky festival without plenty of bites, right? Choose from local and regional food vendors like Pit Stop Grub, Bert’s Speekcheezy, and Drea’s Catfish Bucket.

Psst... We’ve got our eyes on The Hotsy Totsy from Bert’s.

Star performers

While you browse booths featuring a variety of mediums (like glass, wood, pottery, and jewelry), local musicians and performers will be strolling through the grounds.

Entertainers include fiddle player and storyteller Chip Bailey and iconic quartet Al, Alice, Ruth, and Daxson — each performing on Friday and Sunday.

Stay tuned for a full entertainment lineup.

band playing music at the berea craft festival — We can’t wait to hear the sounds of Al, Alice, Ruth and Daxson.
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Photo provided by Berea Tourism

Ready to get crafty?

Snag tickets at the gate — $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and kids 12 and under are free. Furry friends are welcome on a leash.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to explore shops in the Old Town Artisan Village. Berea is recognized as the Folk and Arts Capital of Kentucky, after all.

Plan your visit

Events

Monday, June 24

Free Summer Lunch | Monday, June 24-Wednesday, July 24 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Coolavin Park, 550 W. Sixth St., Lexington | Free | Kids can enjoy fun activities and a free healthy lunch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the summer.
Dudley’s Summer Picnic | Monday, June 24 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Dudley’s on Short, 259 W. Short St., Lexington | $120 | Enjoy a picnic with a view from Dudley’s rooftop featuring specialty cocktails, live music, and summer-inspired bites — call for tickets.

Tuesday, June 25

Tacos + Tequila Night | Tuesday, June 25 | 8 p.m. | girlsgirlsgirls Burritos, 395 S. Limestone, Lexington | Free, price of purchase | Join DJ Knockout every Tuesday for an evening of tunes, tacos + menu specials, and deals on tequila and mezcal.

Wednesday, June 26

Yappy Hour | Wednesday, June 26 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd., Lexington | Free, price of purchase | Bring your furry bestie to mingle with new four-legged friends while enjoying food trucks, music, frozen desserts, and cold drinks.

Thursday, June 27

LiveWELL Grand Re-Opening | Thursday, June 27 | 5-7 p.m. | LiveWELL Training Club, 233 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Celebrate health and wellness as you tour the brand new downtown fitness facility.

Friday, June 28

Lexington vs. Gastonia | Friday, June 28 | 7 p.m. | Legends Field, 207 Legends Ln., Lexington | $10-$25 | Celebrate Feel Good Friday and Irish heritage night at the ballpark with happy hour specials including $5 draft beers + $8 moonshine slushies — plus, stick around for post-game fireworks.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

Shop til’ ya drop. The Pink Orchid Boutique opens today at 12 p.m. Head to 211 N. Limestone for the ribbon cutting and a chance to explore apparel, like graphic tees, Kentucky-made jewelry, and quirky gifts — we’re eyeing the egg carton starter garden.

Drink

We’ve got some neat news. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has revamped to simplify the experience. This includes a new website + branding, itineraries, and the ability to build-your-own Bourbon Trail.

Job

Be part of the crew that keeps Lexington running smoothly. The city is accepting applications for a slew of positions, including engineering technicians, early childcare assistant teachers, administrative specialists, and more. See all the openings and apply.

Cause

Where are our pickleballers at? The Ronald McDonald House of Lexington will host its second annual Pickle for a Purpose Tournament on Aug. 4 at the Lexington Ice Center. Tickets are $100 for a two-person team.

Eat

It doesn’t hurt to change up your dining routine every now and then. Our suggestion? Visit Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar. Here are four reasons to add the establishment to your restaurant rotation.*

Finance

Buying a home can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be. UK Federal Credit Union’s team of mortgage experts is dedicated to making homeownership a reality for first-time homebuyers. Here are four easy steps to get you started.*†

†Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

Environment

💦 Water you doing?

The city invites organizations to apply for the Stormwater Quality Incentive Grant Program

Fountains spraying water with Rupp Arena in the backdrop.

The grant aims to improve our city’s water quality through bioretention, wetlands, and more. | Photo by @femibranded

Applications for the city’s Division of Water Quality grant program have opened, with the goal to improve LEX’s water quality.

The grants will award businesses, schools, neighborhood associations, and other organizations up to $360,000 for design and construction projects. Feasibility projects, which fund studies of properties to identify areas of opportunity, can receive up to $55,000. Both come with a 20% cost share in cash or via donation.

Examples of projects include:

Aeration systems for retention ponds
Constructed wetlands
Informational workshops
Permeable paving installation
Rain gardens
Rain water harvesting
Stream restoration

Interested applications can attend one of two Q+A sessions to get more info. The first is today, June 24 at 6 p.m. and the second is Wednesday, June 26 at 2 p.m.

The Buy

The Buy 6.24.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Colorful margarita glasses that are shatterproof — aka, perfect for outdoor pool parties.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

I had a blast reliving my youth with at the Motion City Soundtrack concert at The Burl over the weekend. Next up — Band of Horses on Wednesday, July 3.

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