Council Members Welch, Fowler, And Yates Encourage Everyone To Come Out And Enjoy A Great Spring Tradition At The 14th Annual Forest Fest

There a few places in Metro Louisville where you will find scenic beauty and hear great Bluegrass Music. In the springtime, the best place to find both is in the Jefferson Memorial Forest.

On Saturday, May 19th Council members Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Cindi Fowler (D-14) and David Yates (D-25) proudly present the 14th Annual Forest Fest.

“I am pleased to once again join with The Jefferson Memorial Forest as a presenting sponsor to bring this wonderful spring tradition to everyone in the community . It’s a one of kind event where you can sit back on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy some great music,” says Welch. “Every year I encourage those who have never been to the Jefferson Memorial Forest to take this opportunity to come out and experience the spectacular view from the overlook at Jefferson Memorial Forest!”

The 14th Annual Forest Fest will feature The Lonely Heartstring Band, Nora Jane Struthers, the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, Hog Operation and the Local Honeys.

“Forest Fest brings together the best opportunity for adults and children to come to one of the prettiest spots we have in Southwest Jefferson County,” says Fowler. “The people of our area know this is where you can celebrate the beauty of spring and hear some very talented musicians at the same time.”

“Forest Fest is just another way the people of our districts show their pride and hospitality by welcoming those who may not know we have a great urban forest right here in Metro Louisville,” says Yates. “This third Saturday in May is always fun and entertaining for all.”

While Bluegrass Music is the main attraction of Forest Fest, it is also an opportunity to take a walk around the forest and see some fine arts and crafts, food and other refreshments presented by vendors.

Forest Fest Band Schedule

11:30 a.m. Local Honeys

12:45 p.m. Hog Operation

2:00 p.m. Whisky Bent Valley Boys

3:50 p.m. Nora Jane Struthers

5:30 p.m. Lonely Heart Strings

Forest Fest Schedule of Activities

10:30 a.m.          Booths open to the public; food areas open; Forest Nature booth opens for children

11:30 a.m.                 Music begins; Children’s activities begin (until 5 p.m.)

1-1:45 p.m.                Band Workshop: Local Honeys Children’s songwriting

2-2:45 p.m.                Band Workshop: Hog Operation

2:45 -3:30 p.m.          Band Workshop: Nora Jane Struthers

4:30-5 p.m.                Band Workshop: Lonely Heart strings

7:00 p.m.                         Forest Fest concludes

The Jefferson Memorial Forest staff will have nature presentations and information about educational programs and a children’s area.  If you like, you can check out the trails and all the beauty the forest has to offer.

The 14th Annual Forest Fest is made possible through the financial support of Council members Welch, Fowler and Yates whose districts represent the Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Joining them as co-sponsors this year: Councilpersons Rick Blackwell (District 12), Marianne Butler (District 15), James Peden (District 23), Madonna Flood (District 24), Jessica Green (District 1), Barbara Shanklin (District 2), Bill Hollander (District 9), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), Glen Stuckel (District 17), Vitalis Lanshima (District 21), Robin Engel (District 22), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (District 5), Brandon Coan (District 8), and Stuart Benson (District 20).

Also sponsoring the event are: Aetna, WFPK Radio Louisville, and 502 Yoga.

The concert is free, but parking is $10 per car.  Bring a blanket or a folding chair as well as picnic food, but no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought in but they can be purchased on site.

“So if you love good music and want to get out of the house on a Saturday, come join us” says Welch.

To find out more about the 14th Annual Forest Fest, contact the Jefferson Memorial Forest at 368-6856.