Welcome to Garrard County, a growing but still country-friendly community of 17,000 that remembers and celebrates its rich pioneer history and cultural heritage. Garrard County is located in Central Kentucky’s beautiful Bluegrass Region, south of Lexington, on Highway 27. Lancaster, population 4,300, is the county seat; 30 miles from Lexington.

MEET THE PEOPLE, SEE THE SITES, PLAN A VISIT...

Please like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VisitGarrardCountyKentucky and https://www.facebook.com/PartyOnTheSquareLancasterKentucky and have county updates posted to your home page; and visit our sister blog at http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/ for more news of Garrard County.

(Updated April 20, 2012)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Victorian Christmas at Hammonds Hall B & B - December 17, 2010

THIRD FRIDAY, A Community Get-Together, Friday, December 17th, 7-9 p.m. Hammonds Hall B & B, 216 West Maple Ave., Lancaster, KY. Questions? Call (859) 792-6632.

A Victorian Christmas. FREE TO ALL! Enjoy strolling carolers in period costume, a story teller, violinists, carriage rides, and tour of historic B&B, built in 1900. Sing Christmas carols around the tree. Bring your favorite treat to share and sip spiced cider.

Chamber of Commerce Weekly Newsletter: November 25, 2010

Check out the latest happenings in Garrard County:

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Third Friday - Schedule for 2010

July 16: Fresh: The Movie at G.C. Senior Citizens Center
August 20: Oldies at the Ford Garage at Todd & Brummett Barber Shop
September 17: Pick 'n' on the Porch at Nina Ridge Country Store
October 15: Bonfire & Sing-Along at Charles Scott's Farm- CANCELLED due to dry weather
November 19: Mini-Potluck & Tour of Owsley House, Danville Dulcimers in Concert
December 17: Victorian Christmas at Hammond's Hall B&B (Info: 859-792-6632)

THIRD FRIDAY started in July of 2010 and is a series of community get-togethers the third Friday of each month, from 7-9 pm. Hosted by no organization, started by friends Jean Turner, Maria Turner & Karla Sefcak, with community partnerships varying monthly. Questions? E-mail: thirdfridaygc@gamil.com or call 859-792-6704.

Chamber of Commerce Weekly Newsletter: September 30, 2010

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Garrard-County-Chamber-of-Commerce.html?soid=1103508747127&aid=AYQQYWY_3is

Historical Mural to be painted in Lancaster

This is the first draft of 3 to 4 historical murals being planned for the area behind the Grand Theatre in Lancaster. More things will be added & a few things will be tweaked. This is representing the Paint Lick area - Kennedy Plantation, Uncle Tom's cabin, Walker Fox Hounds (my heritage), one of the first horse races in the area & tobacco cutting. This wonderful painting was done by James Crow, a famous equestrian artist, who is one of Garrard County's treasures. We are raising funds for the murals through grants, donations and in-kind resources.
Jean Turner, Arts Council

If you would like more information, please contact Jean at Hammonds Hall Bed & Breakfast, 859-792-6632.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Battle of Lancaster - October 8 - 10, 2010


Civil War Reenactment.
Garrard County Fair Grounds.
See website for details:

Mini-Potluck & Tour/Danville Dulcimers in Concert - November 19, 2010


Please join us for this month’s Third Friday, An Early Thanksgiving at the Owsley House, November 19th, 7-9 p.m., 656 Stanford Road, Lancaster.

We’re having an open house, live music, a mini-potluck, and tour guides in each room – our tour guides will be dressed in period costume, the house will be decorated with a Thanksgiving theme; food will be served in the family dining room as the Danville Dulcimers play in the adjacent pa
rlor, with their music heard wafting throughout the house – it’s going to be a beautiful evening!

We’re asking those who can, to please bring a plate of finger food to share. And anyone who would like to, we’d love to have you wear a period costume too.

Questions? E-mail: thirdfridaygc@gmail or call 859-792-6704. (Third Friday is a free, monthly community get-together; locations vary. Everyone is invited. Donations are welcomed to help cover costs.)

Pickin' On The Porch - September 17, 2010 - Newspaper review

Pickin’ on the porch — Garrard's 'Third Fridays' events attract folks - Amnews - September 21, 2010

NINA RIDGE — People who drove past Freda Johnson’s store Friday night on Nina Ridge may have found themselves compelled to stop, drawn by the toe-tapping music.

Johnson and her sons, Ray Johnson and Steve Moore, hosted “Pickin’ on the Porch,” the third Third Friday community get-together.

The event drew about 150 people who came to hear the music, play checkers and cards, visit with friends and eat hamburgers, fries and free popcorn.

Guests came from as far away as Pennsylvania, and as near as Harrodsburg, Stanford, Pine Hill, Berea, Nicholasville, Crab Orchard and several areas of Garrard County.

Dan Waters of Payne and Waters served as emcee for a line-up of professional and local performers, who volunteered their talents.

Seven-year-old Alex Miller, accompanying himself on guitar, led off the evening’s festivities with two songs. Justin Cromer played a medley of crowd favorites on the keyboard and accompanied a set with Ron Payne and Dan Waters.

Banjo player Andy Blythe sang some interactive songs and ballads.

Blythe is famous for his participation in the TV show, “HeeHaw,” his many commercial jingles and his folk ballads.

His wife joined him for a few of his songs.

Danny Jordan, on guitar, was joined by his young daughter on fiddle, as they sang and played country favorites.

Throughout the evening, Payne and Waters presented gospel and nostalgic oldies, as well as, some original material by Waters.

Libby, Darrell and Donna Tuggle topped off the musical festivities with hand-clapping Bluegrass music that prompted people to get up and dance. The performance was especially heartwarming, since it was the first time in many years that the Tuggles had taken the stage.

Throughout the evening, many people commented on how much joy they received from neighbors, families and friends coming together to enjoy the pleasures of a simpler time.

Copyright: AMNews.com 2010

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Third Friday - Schedule for 2010

July 16: Fresh: The Movie at G.C. Senior Citizens Center
August 20: Oldies at the Ford Garage at Todd & Brummett Barber Shop
September 17: Pick 'n' on the Porch at Nina Ridge Country Store
October 15: Bonfire & Sing-Along at Charles Scott's Farm- CANCELLED due to dry weather
November 19: Mini-Potluck & Tour of Owsley House, Danville Dulcimers in Concert
December 17: Victorian Christmas at Hammond's Hall B&B (Info: 859-792-6632)

Free Events. Donations accepted.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Details listed monthly (see category: Third Friday - A Community Get-Together)
Questions, thirdfridaygc@gmail.com or call 859-792-6704

Monday, August 30, 2010

Danville Dulcimers in Concert

DANVILLE DULCIMERS to play at The Owsley House in Lancaster at Third Friday, November 18, 7-p p.m. Details to be posted soon.

Pickin' On The Porch - September 17, 2010


PICKIN' ON THE PORCH - please join us for our 3rd, Third Friday – Pickin’ on the Porch at Nina Ridge Country Store. If you haven’t been to Freda’s store, you’ll be in for a treat - with the potbelly stove, merchandise on the shelves and antiques hanging from the ceiling, you’ll think you’ve stepped back into the early 20th Century or at the very least, have been transported to a very cool reproduction of an old-time store at Disney World.

Local Realtor
and popular singer/musician Dan Waters has graciously offered to get musicians together and has a good variety of county, Bluegrass and folk lined up – including numbers by Payne and Waters (Ron Payne and Dan Waters), The Tuggles (Libby, Darrell and Donna), Danny Jordan, Justin Cromer, and Andy Blyth. In addition to music, there will be cards and checkers.

You might want to bring a lawn chair, “just in case” – we have about 50 chairs but no way to tell how many guests we’ll have – plus, many of our chairs are on the inside and the “pickin’ is going to be on the porch”…

This is a FREE event. Many of you know that Freda does serve home-cooked meals Mon - Sat. No meals will be served on this evening. However, you will be able to purchase drinks and light snacks.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From center stop light in Lancaster, take 52 east towards Richmond & Interstate 75. Drive 3.3 miles & turn left on 1295, towards Kirksville. Drive 4.4 miles & turn left on 1131. One-half mile down road sign on left says 1131 . DO NOT turn left. Continue driving straight (there will be post to your right that says Nina Ridge Road). Drive 9/10 mile & Nina Ridge Country store will be on your left.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: e-mail beautifygarrard@gmail.com,
call Karla Sefcak, 859-792-6704 or Freda Johnson at Nina Ridge Country Store, 859-792-3074.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Oldies at the Ford Garage - August 20, 2010


OLDIES AT THE FORD GARAGE – put on your bobby sox and meet us at the Todd & Brummett Barber Shop for root beer floats and jukebox music – some may want to dress in their favorite “oldies costume”, others, want to come “just as they are” – Your dress is your choice, but please join us for the fun and if you haven’t seen Charles’ mini-museum and restored red pickup truck, you are in for a treat.

THIRD FRIDAY started in July with F
resh: The Movie and is a series of community get-togethers the third Friday of each month, from 7-9 pm. Hosted by no organization, started by friends Jean Turner, Maria Turner & Karla Sefcak, with community partnerships varying monthly. Questions? E-mail: beautifygarrard@gmail.com or call 859-792-6704.

Sept. 20th - 7-9 pm
Todd & Brummett Barber Shop
215 Stanford Rd (Hwy 27 south)
Lancaster, KY

Friday, June 25, 2010

FRESH: THE MOVIE to be shown in Lancaster


FRESH: The Movie to be shown Friday, July 16, 7 pm, Garrard County Senior Citizens's Center, 153 Farra Drive, Lancaster. Admission: free.

(Click on photo to enlarge.)






Sunday, May 16, 2010

Andrea Walker to Sing at Party on the Square June 18th



Andrea Walker, Miss Kentucky 2009 Second Runner-Up & voted Miss Congeniality, is scheduled to sing at Party on the Square during the 8:35 PM set.

Always an audience favorite, this will be Andrea's third appearance at Party on the Square.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Campaign lead-in to Party on the Square June 18th


Garrard has anti-litter campaign

LANCASTER — Garrard County’s fourth annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign began May 1 and will continue through June 18, ending with the Party on the Square in Lancaster from 7-10 p.m.
The campaign promotes litter clean-up and beautification in Garrard County and encourages personal commitment and community pride.
Individuals or groups can participate by wearing green campaign T-shirts (or just something green) on Mondays or casual Fridays during the campaign. Anti-litter T-shirts are available at Linda’s Custom Sports Apparel in Lancaster.
Other ways individuals or groups can participate include picking up litter, cleaning up a roadside, parking lot or walking trail, planting flowers or trees or beginning to recycle.
For suggestions of roads or specific clean-up areas, call Garrard/Lincoln Solid Waste Director Chris Thomason at (859) 792-3821 or (859) 338-3233. To clean on public property, ask Thomason about free garbage bags and pickup service. Check with Thomason with any questions about disposal of trash and recycling.
Anyone participating in the campaign who is age 6 or older and works or lives in Garrard County can enter the drawing at the Party on the Square. Prizes include $100, a Herrington Lake Marina one-day pontoon boat rental, a one-night stay at a Kentucky State Park lodge, two Belle of Louisville tickets, a Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center gift basket and a pair of gifts from the Lancaster Higher Education Center.
To share your clean-up activities or other beautification campaign experiences, e-mail pictures and summaries to beautifygarrard@gmail.com. For more information, call Karla Sefcak at 792-6704.
Copyright: AMNews.com 2010 May 11, 2010

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Miss Teen America 2010 to Sing at Party on the Square



Katie Himes, Miss Teen America 2010, will sing at Party on the Square in Lancaster, June 18th. This will be Katie’s second appearance at Party on the Square. Last year, as reigning Miss Kentucky Teen America, she sang for us and we’re so pleased to welcome her back.


Katie will be performing one number in the 8:35 - 9:05 PM set.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Extreme Racing in Garrard County

EXTREME RACING. KMSHA/SMHA official sanctioned event, April 10, 2010, Fuzzy Duck Road, Garrard County KY. For information, call Circle Sid Farms (606) 879-1109.
Photos copied w/ permission of Ben Kleppinger, photographer.
Tammy Boyd guides her horse through an obstacle in the Class 4 Speed Competitive Trail Competition at Saturday's competitive and extreme trail race event on Fuzzy Duck Road in Garrard County. The all-day event hosted by Circle Sid Farms, attracted more than 30 horses in 11 race classes. (Ben Kleppinger Photo)
Tammy Boyd waits her turn to compete. (Ben Kleppinger Photo)
Mike Osborne guides his horse down an exceptionally steep hill in the Class 4 Speed Competitive Trail Competition at Saturday's competitive and extreme trail race event on Fuzzy Duck Road in Garrard County. (Ben Kleppinger Photo)
Mike Osborne races past a track marker in the Class 4 Speed Competitive Trail Competition. (Ben Kleppinger Photo)

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Kentucky Wild Horse to play at Party on the Square


KENTUCKY WILD HORSE (Acoustic/Roots Music/Bluegrass Band from Owenton, KY), to play on AgCredit’s WoodSongs Festival Stage at “Party on the Square,” June 18th. They’ll be following our tradition by playing line-dance music, will add some clogging, and make the party a night of toe-tapping, foot-stomping, great dancing fun for the whole family. First set at 7:50 P.M.
Visit Kentucky Wild Horse at: http://www.myspace.com/kentuckywildhorse

Friday, April 2, 2010

KMSHA/SMHA official sanctioned event April 10th

MOUNTAIN HORSE EXTREME RACE & COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDE: All breeds welcome. Sat., April 10th, 10 A.M., Fuzzy Duck Rd. Follow signs south of Nicholasville, off 27, in Garrard County. 2010 KMSHA/SMHA official sanctioned event. Info: Call Circle Sid Farms (606) 879-1109.

For details, see:http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7kyVUfBFawMODRkNzQ1OWEtNDkyOS00MmU1LTkxN2QtOTA0NmRiYTQzYTkx&hl=en

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Farmer's Market on Twitter

Follow news of Garrard County's Farmer's Market on Twitter: http://twitter.com/garrardfarmmrkt

Monday, March 29, 2010

AgCredit's WoodSongs Festival Stage coming to Party on the Square


AgCredit's WoodSongs Festival Stage is coming to Party on the Square June 18th, featuring bluegrass & folk musicians from Central Kentucky. All have either played at WoodSongs Home-Town Radio Hour or are in line to. Forty-minute sets start at 7:50 PM & 9:05 PM.

Many of you know the great talent that will be coming as you are familiar with, or have been to tapings of, The WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a live-audience, internationally syndicated radio show taped in Lexington & broadcast on over 493 radio stations, XM Satellite Radio, American Forces Radio Network worldwide, Internet streaming, MP3 and MP4 podcasting & shown on PBS-TV stations nationwide.

http://agcreditonline.com/

http://www.woodsongs.com/

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Miss Kentucky Teen American 2010 Wesley Ware to sing at Party on the Square



Miss Kentucky Teen America 2010 title holders will be our guests at the Party on the Square this year, Friday, June 18th. We'll meet them at 8 PM in front of the courthouse and reigning Queen Wesley Ware will be singing Taylor Swift’s “Hey Stephen”, accompanying herself on guitar. Please join us in giving all of these wonderful young ladies a great big Garrard County welcome!


To meet the girls now, please go to the official Miss Kentucky Teen American Website:http://www.misskentuckyteenamerica.com/id14.html

Party on the Square, Friday, June 18th, 2010, 7-10 PM, Lancaster Town Square


Plans are underway for our Party on the Square 2010, a night when the whole community comes together to thank those who participated in our Fourth Annual Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign, to look forward to a year of growing community spirit, and to just have a great, old fashioned block party.

EVERYTHING IS FREE. Nothing is sold.
There’s laughter and hugs, seeing friends you haven’t seen in a long time; a chance to talk about “old times” and to make new memories… there’s something for everyone: 1) Live music and line dancing in front of the courthouse, 2) An art show and crafts to make in the library quadrant, 3) Games for the young and the young at heart in front of Whitaker Bank, and 4) food (all-beef hotdogs, drinks, dessert, popcorn) served in our food court in front of First Southern National Bank.
Mix with this some great booths and you have an evening of clean, wholesome family entertainment…
We’ll have the Anti-Litter/Beautification campaign drawings at 9:45 p.m. on the courthouse steps. ($100 cash, Herrington Lake Marina one-day pontoon boat rental, one-night stay at Kentucky State Park Lodge of choice, two tickets for Belle of Louisville boat ride, gift basket from Pattie A. Clay, and one of two gift bags from Lancaster Higher Education Center. For information on how to enter drawing, see Categories Posted "2010 Anti-Litter/Beautification" at: http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/.)
Please join us on the square. Remember, EVERYTHING IS FREE. Just bring a lawn chair, come hungry and be prepared to enjoy an evening with family and friends.
For more details, go to: http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 26, 2010

1st Annual Garrard County Party on the Square Art Show


"GARRARD RENAISSANCE, MAKING OLD THINGS NEW". The 1st Annual Garrard County Party on the Square Art Show, at The Party on the Square, Fri., June 18th, 7-10 PM, Lancaster Higher Education Center, Lancaster Town Square. 2D Artwork, 3D Artwork & Photography/Digital Image.
Sponsored by Lancaster Higher Education Center and The Arts Council, in conjunction with The Garrard County Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign and Party on the Square.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Wajaba's Too Cafe

Wajaba’s Too Café has come to Lancaster and it will have its Grand Opening Saturday, Feb. 13th.

In addition to the home cooked breakfasts, daily plate lunches, salads, sandwiches, desserts, homemade candies, cappuccinos’ and latte’s served daily, specials for the grand opening are $1 meals: Breakfast/ biscuit, gravy & coffee; Lunch/hotdog & drink; Dinner/hamburger & drink. Drawings all day for: steak dinners, gift certificates, fudge, & some surprises. Also, giving out free fudge samples.


Address: 73 South Campbell (Cross street: Richmond St./52E. Landmark for turn: Lancaster Baptist)

Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Ph.: 859-792-6543


Monday, January 18, 2010

Calendar of Events: 2010

October 8th, 9th & 10th: Civil War Reenactment/Battle of Lancaster
Garrard County Fair Grounds

October: Paint Lick Village Fest
Details to be posted

September: Rural Heritage Festival
Details to be posted

August: Tobacco Cutting Contest
Details to be posted

July: Paint Lick Sportsman's Club Wild Game Cook-off
Details to be posted

June 27th (Sunday): Bark at the Park
Logan Hubble Park, 1-6 PM
G.C. Humane Society Fundraiser
Light jazz concert, DJ'd music, agility course competitions, pet walk & more.
Additional details posted closer to event.

June 21st - 26th: County Fair
Garrard County Fair Grounds
Details to be posted

June 18th (Friday): Party on the Square
Lancaster Town Square 7-10 PM
Free music, food, games, fun. Bring lawn chair.
For information see:"2010 Party on the Square" at http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/
Call: 859-792-6704

June 5th (Saturday): Farmer's Market Opens
Lancaster
For information: Call Maria Turner, 859-792- 8923/E-mail maria_r_turner@yahoo.com
Details to be posted

May 1st (Saturday): Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign begins
For information see: "2010 Anti-Litter/Beautification Campaign" at http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/
Call: 859-792-6704

April 17th (Saturday): Fifth Annual Earth Day Festival
Garrard County Fair Grounds, 10 AM - 5 PM
For information see: http://www.earthangelsky.com/?p=74

March 13th (Saturday): Farm to Table: Diversity in Agriculture
Garrard Middle School

Learn about strawberries, beekeeping, poultry & eggs, grapes to wine, alpacas, green houses, worm farming, goats, hydroponics & more. No cost.

Presented by G.C. Women in Ag. & G.C. Ext. Service: 859-792-3026 (Call for registration information.) Details at: http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B7kyVUfBFawMYzNmNDg2NjItNzgzOS00MWMyLTgwZmMtODMxNGQ4YzdhZmIx&hl=en


February 13th (Saturday): Valentine's Day Mystery Tea
Hammond's Hall B&B, Lancaster, 2 PM

February 13 (Saturday): Fifth Annual Tea Thyme
Garrard County Extension Office, 10 AM. Cost: $5
Sponsored by Nature's Thyme Herb Group

Program includes growing tea garden & dev. merchandise using natural, organic ingredients.


February 13th (Saturday): Wajaba's Too Cafe Grand Opening
Lancaster, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
For details, see Categories Posted (on left): "Restaurants"

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Take survey in preparation for Public Diversity Forum

PUBLIC DIVERSITY FORUM hosted by City of Lancaster, Mon., Feb. 8th, 7 PM, Garrard County High School Cafeteria. Diversities include, but are not limited to, minorities, women, farmers, immigrants, the elderly & various religious groups present in our community. The City Council hopes that you will join them in a positive discussion of the forward movement of all of these groups working together & that you will take time to answer the survey posted below. (Survey can be anonymous & the Council welcomes participation from residents of the entire county, not just residents of Lancaster proper.)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHdCemQyMFdydWVoMW1xY01WWGplSkE6MA