Kentucky Festivals Of All Kinds, Civil War 150 Years Ago

Owensboro’s PumpkinFest
The ninth annual Owensboro PumpkinFest, September 23-25 at the Sportscenter complex, is a family festival with rides, games, food, pumpkin painting and other contests, the Mr. and Miss PumpkinFest pageant, and live entertainment. New this year: a pet parade and a talent contest. PumpkinFest runs from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. For details, go on the Web at www.owensboropumpkinfest.org or call (270) 314-4933.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival
The 20th annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, September 13-18 in Bardstown, celebrates the history and making of Kentucky’s finest beverage. Go on distillery and historical tours, enjoy samples from the Bourbon-Style Cooking School, and watch the bourbon barrel-rolling relay. Enjoy a balloon glow, golf tournament, musical entertainment, Southern food, contests, and many other activities, including a black-tie gala. For details, go online to www.kybourbonfestival.com or call (800) 638-4877.

Watermelons and more
Watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests are among the fun events visitors can enjoy at the Monroe County Watermelon Festival in Tompkinsville. The festival, open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. September 3, will feature a parade, arts and crafts fair, 5-K and fun runs, quilt show, art show, watermelon painting and other contests, and a street dance. For details, call (270) 487-5504.

Bowling Green’s Civil War
Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Bowling Green on September 17. See a re-enactment of the Confederate invasion, view special exhibits and displays, participate in smoke-writing and ghost tours, learn Civil War dances, hear from experts, and more. Sesquicentennial events begin at 8 a.m. at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, then continue at Riverview at Hobson Grove, the Kentucky Museum, Lost River Cave, and the downtown square throughout the day and evening. See a schedule of events online at www.visitbgky.com/civilwar or call (800) 326-7465.

Kentucky Living Event Calendar brought to you by the Kentucky Department of Travel. For a complete listing of destinations, attractions, and events happening in your own back yard or throughout the entire state, visit KentuckyTourism.com.