Free Concert at Lakeview Park
229. When that number is a birthday it is definitely something to celebrate. And, the Franklin County Fiscal Court is doing just that, by hosting a FREE concert at Lakeview Park on May 10, 2024, Franklin County’s 229th Birthday. Music kicks off at 6 pm EDT with local duo Jeri Katherine Howell and Nat Colten, followed by Mash Grass, a six-piece Bluegrass band from Versailles, and closes out with Nicholasville’s own, Walker Montgomery.
“229 years is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated in style, Kentucky style. We’re bringing together an incredible lineup of artists with Kentucky roots that stretch no more than 35 miles from Franklin County but share the universal language that brings everyone together – music,” said Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive. “The Court and I want our neighbors to come out to Lakeview Park and enjoy an evening under the stars with family and friends without the sticker shock of today’s concert prices.”
Music will fill Lakeview Park beginning at 6 pm, with Frankfort natives, Jeri Katherine Howell and Nat Colten, Americana/Folk singer-songwriters kicking off Franklin County’s 229th Birthday Bash. Featuring banjo, guitar and dynamic harmonies, their original music centers on a love of place, nature, joy and community. Mash Grass brings high-energy Bluegrass stylings to the stage next. Based in Versailles, this traditional, yet progressive Bluegrass band will showcase lightning fast leads, tight harmonies and extended jams featuring guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, dobro and bass. Rounding out the evening and headlining the Birthday Bash will be Nicholasville’s own Walker Montgomery. Country music heritage is in his blood, as the son of country artist John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery. Forging his own path, Walker Montgomery frames today’s country sound through touchstones of the past. Former Kentucky Poet Laureate and Franklin County native Dr. Richard Lawrence Taylor, Capital City Museum and Historic Sites Supervisor Dr. Ellie Hasken-Wagner and Heritage Week co-creator and organizer John Carlton will speak on Franklin County’s history and heritage between musical acts.
Several underwriters stepped forward to make FREE admission to the concert possible. Those include Platinum sponsors Codell Construction, HMB Professional Engineers, and Compass Municipal Advisors. Harrod Concrete and Stone is the Gold sponsor. Silver sponsors are BFW Engineering and H.G. Mays Corporation and Bronze sponsors are Central Kentucky Hauling, the Hitchcock Design Group, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Frankfort. “The Fiscal Court is thrilled to have these generous benefactors see our vision and come on board to underwrite the musical acts, making this event FREE to all concert goers. It is a win/win when no tax dollars are spent, yet we can provide a family friendly evening out, right here in our own community, for all to enjoy,” Judge Mueller emphasized.
To ensure an orderly event, 3,000 FREE tickets will be available through Eventbrite at https://fc-birthday-2004.eventbrite.com and all attendees must have a ticket. Electronic tickets are first come, first served and phones will be needed to display the e-ticket at admission check in locations. Parking zones will be noted on the tickets with concert goers parking at either Lakeview Park, entering through the Steadmantown Lane entrance, or on the Franklin County High School campus. The Carter House will serve as VIP parking and as the handicap entrance (disability placard or license tag required). Gates open at 4:30 pm and there will be no prior admission. Tailgating in the parking areas will not be permitted to maximize parking capacity. Bring your blankets and folding chairs for general event seating around the tiered horse arena/amphitheater as pop up tents and large umbrellas will not be permitted to ensure clear viewing access to musicians on the stage. No pets will be allowed, only service animals wearing service animal vests. Leave your coolers at home as food trucks and local breweries will be on site with a variety of refreshments for sale. Event coordinator and First District Magistrate Sherry Sebastian has been working with Judge Mueller, the Franklin County Sherrif’s Office, Frankfort/Franklin County Emergency Management, Lakeview Park and the Franklin County Road Department staff in preparation for the event. “There are a lot of moving pieces and parts – everything from securing the musical acts and food trucks, setting up ticketing, and arranging volunteers to ordering portable bathrooms, trash cans and recycling bins. I’m gratified that the Judge has asked me to step up on events.”
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to another location on the grounds at Lakeview Park. Monitor the Franklin County Fiscal Court FB page also for information about the event.
WHAT: Franklin County’s 229th Birthday Bash Free Concert at Lakeview Park
WHEN: Friday, May 10, 2024, gates open at 4:30 pm, concerts start at 6 pm
WHERE: Franklin County’s Lakeview Park, 118 Park Avenue, Frankfort KY 40601
Electronic Tickets available at Eventbrite at https://fc-birthday-2024.eventbrite.com; only 3,000 tickets will be available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Parking zones will be noted on the tickets with concert goers parking at either Lakeview Park, entering through the Steadmantown Lane entrance or on the Franklin County High School campus. The Carter House, US 460/Georgetown Road, Frankfort KY will serve as VIP parking and as the handicap entrance (disability placard or license tag required).