Arts and drafts: Second annual HarvestFest promises music, food, arts and libations in downtown Danville 

Published 4:17 pm Sunday, October 1, 2017

THE HEART OF DANVILLE
News release
The Heart of Danville welcomes fall and Centre College parents to Danville with the second annual HarvestFest on Saturday, Oct. 7. The festival — happening from noon through 10 p.m. — offers music, food and drinks, and a marketplace with local arts and crafts vendors in the charming setting of historic downtown Danville.
The community has a long history of supporting the arts, most evident by the support of the annual Constitution Square Festival, which ran for 32 years. For the HarvestFest, festival planners decided to capture the community’s love of the Constitution Square Festival, but with a modern twist.
“The people of Danville and the surrounding community have fond memories of the Constitution Square Festival,” said Heart of Danville Director Nick Wade. “For many it was a sign that Fall was here. As we planned for the future of the festival, festival planners thought it would be fun to do a play on words and call it an ‘Arts & Drafts’ event.”
HarvestFest welcomes over 20 vendors and artists, including the community favorite Kentucky Crafted artist Nora Swanson, and local painter Kristan Paynter. From blown glass to handmade jewelry, and woodcarving to local authors, there truly is something for everyone.
What’s a festival without great food & drink? HarvestFest will feature a wide array of food options, including: KY State BBQ Festival favorite Shelly Frisch with Desperado’s BBQ; Buddy’s World Famous Grilled Cheese; Caribbean Spice; Cabin 12 Rolling Bistro; Spotz Gelato; Smokey & the Brisket; and more.
Throughout the day there will be activities for children, including face painting and bounce houses; a beer yoga class with Balance & Brews’ Carly Conatser, sponsored by Plank on Main; and an array of music from singer-songwriter Mike Evces; to country music with the Jasper O’Donnell band; to two groups from the Lexington School of Rock.
Rounding out the day’s entertainment is Kentucky music duo, Sundy best, sponsored by Centre College Student Activities Council.Sundy Best is an American country duo formed by two of Kentucky’s own — Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley, originating from Prestonsburg. Bentley is an ’09 graduate of Centre College. Their music is a blend of country, Appalachian folk, bluegrass, rock, soul and R&B.
“For over 30 years, the Heart of Danville has been putting on community events that allows friends, families, and neighbors to come together to connect, relax, and enjoy,” said Wade. “HarvestFest is another great event way for us to come together and deepen our community pride.”
The event is also made possible by Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation and the Danville-Boyle Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as volunteers. Admission to HarvestFest is free. All proceeds benefit downtown revitalization. For more information, visit Heart of Danville on Facebook or call (859) 236-2361.
IF YOU GO 
The second annual HarvestFest will be noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Festival-goers will need to purchase drink tickets for all alcohol transactions during HarvestFest. Tickets will be $5 a piece, or four for $18 and will be sold on-site downtown Oct. 7. Anyone interested in participating in yoga should contact Plank on Main for details. For the full event schedule and lineup of performers, visit www.downtowndanville.com, and go to “events.”

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