Historic Washington, KY 

  In 1775 at 17, Simon heard about Kain-tuck-ee canelands 6 to 15 feet high. In 1784 he built his station, the first defense against Indians in northern Kentucky. The great frontiersman settled Washington and Maysville, saved Daniel Boone's life during a Shawnee attach and protected the settlers over 200 years ago.

  Simon missed his niche in the Kentucky history books, probably due to the political power of his friend, Daniel Boone whose friend, Filson wrote about him. But it was Simon Kenton who opened up the dark and bloody ground, clipping off Shawnees with his long rifle as they tried to cross the Ohio River into their favorite hunting ground. He opened up the wilderness for hundreds of pioneers who settled in Kentucky between 1785 and 1800.

            32nd  Annual Simon Kenton Harvest Festival

September 20 & 21, 2008  



For information on 2008 Festival contact Suzie Pratt
E-mail: suziepratt@maysvilleky.net          
Phone 606-564-9419 Extension 308

Rediscover Washington, Kentucky, during our 32nd annual Simon Kenton Harvest Festival.  This year's festival will be full of educational fun for the whole family.  Listen to Dulcimers and eat authentic period foods prepared by local non-profit groups.  Festivities begin on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.  and on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  The festival will kick off with the march of the Simon Kenton Kin. who gather from several states each year for their family reunion, from the Log Visitor's Center to Paxton Inn.   They will be led by members of the Mason County Junior ROTC.  Once there, an opening ceremony will take place consisting of a flag raising, 21 gun salute, taps Simon Kenton VFW, as well as remarks by various speakers.  Shops usually open at 10:00 a.m. during festivals.  

There will be two contests on Saturday a "Transparent Pudding Contest", taking place at 11:30 in Paxton Inn which requires participants to enter their best pies and tarts.  This is a local Mason County delicacy and we have some very expert pudding bakers.  Always popular is the Pet Contest at 3:30.  Be sure to enter your pet.  On Sunday at 3:30 is the Frontier Costume Contest.

During the weekend experience first person presentations when Mel Hankla, will portray the festival's namesake, Simon Kenton, on both Saturday and Sunday.  Daniel Boone will be portrayed by Mark Sage at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Old Church Museum.   Phillip Hoffman, Author, will give a 30 minute presentation on Simon Girty and have a Book Signing on Saturday outside the Meeting House.   Other presenters include:  John Tierney's "Grandma Kept a Buckeye in Her Purse" and hear stories he shares from the frontier days.  Principal Chief Gary Hunt  will speak about the Piqua Shawnee Indians both Saturday and Sunday.  On Sunday Mark Sage will tell about Christianity on the Frontier at 12 noon.  Entertainment includes Jennifer Rose Escabar both days, Cloggers, Pioneer Demonstrations, "Royal Blue" bluegrass band from 5:00 -6:00 Saturday and the Poaceous Band at 4:00 Sunday.  A parade at 5 p.m. Sunday will be the last activity of the festival.  

And with all the activity taking place on the streets of Old Washington, one cannot forget the shops, the many museums and other features of the village.  Visit Washington's antique and specialty shops, many of which are in historic buildings.  Among the shops you will find antiques, furniture, estate jewelry, Antique Lustres, period cut glass, other glassware, Hadley and Bybee pottery.  There are a lamp shop, brass shop and picture framing shops as well as juried crafters working on site many days in their shop.  The Marshall Keys Tavern will have a special pioneer menu as well as bag lunches available for take out.  Visitors can sit on one of the hay bales around the 1700s village and enjoy the ambience of Washington.  The Ice Cream Shop and Restaurant at the Row House Mall will have sit down dining in their Rosemary, Nick & George Clooney Room.  There you can enjoy Ice Cream, Sundaes, Banana Splits, Milkshakes & Floats, their famous Hot Brownie Sundae, Pie, Cake, Brownies, Cookies, Hot Meatball Subs, Sausage Peppers & Onions Subs, Grilled Ham & Cheese, Hot Dogs (2 for $2.50), Chili Dogs, Grilled Cheese, Roast Beef, Country Ham, Tuna or Chicken or Egg Salad, BLT, Turkey Sandwiches.  Side orders include Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Cottage Cheese, Applesauce and Beverages include sodas, Bottled water, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee or Milk.  Come Rediscover Washington, Kentucky.  This will truly be a family event.  

Washington which was settled by Simon Kenton in 1786 and still has many of the original log cabins that were here in 1790 when Washington was the second largest town in Kentucky, second only to Lexington, is nestled, 4 miles south of the banks of the Ohio River and Maysville, 50 miles northeast of Lexington, KY, 50 miles west of Portsmouth, Ohio, and 51 miles east of Cincinnati, Oh, (take the Wilder Exit #77 off I-275 onto Route #9 - also known as the AA Highway), then turn right at the light by Wendy's onto US 68, turn left at second light up into Old Washington. Washington is 1 mile south of the AA Highway on US 68. Plan a weekend in Washington, (now part of Maysville).  You will be welcomed!  Visit our website: www.washingtonky.com  - Go to the Map link, there you can put in your address on Mapquest and print driving directions.    

One may reach Washington by crossing over the Simon Kenton Bridge into Kentucky from Aberdeen, Ohio, or the new Harsha bridge just outside Aberdeen coming from Ripley, or travel US 68, now known as the Simon Kenton Highway from Lexington to Washington.

If you need directions you may call 606-759-7423 and we will guide you here. 

                                       

                                  SIMON KENTON HARVEST FESTIVAL – 32nd    Annual Event
                                                       2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS     
Most Shops open around 10:00 a.m. 

Saturday – September 20                                                                                              Location:
9:30               Jr. ROTC March with Kenton Kin from Visitor Center to Paxton Inn
9:40               Opening Ceremony – Town Square -                                                         Corner of Paxton Inn     
                      Kenton Kin, Flag Raising, 21 Gun Salute, Taps - Simon Kenton VFW 
9:45               God Bless America 
10:00             Speakers- Mayor: David Cartmell, State Representative: Mike Denham & -Principal Chief:., Gary Hunt
10:00             Kenton Kin Executive Board Meeting - Public Welcome                            Old Church Museum         
11:00             Kenton Kin Annual Meeting - Public Welcome                                           Old Church Museum 
11:00- 11:45  Jennifer Rose Escabar                                                                                Stage/ to tent
11:30             Transparent Pudding Contest - Bring entries before 11:15                            Paxton Inn 
12:00-12:44   Camera Obscura - Jon Stealey                                                                   Stage/ to tent
1:00-2:00       Simon Kenton portrayed by Mel Hankla                                                     Old Church Museum 
1:00-1:45      Morehead Mountain Strings Dulcimer Club                                                  Stage
2:00-3:00      Principal Chief - Gary Hunt of the Piqua Sept. of the Shawnee Indians          Old Church Museum 
2:00-2:45      Jennifer Rose Escabar                                                                                  Stage
2:15              Phillip Hoffman-Author 30 min on Simon Girty- Book Signing                       Outside Meeting House
3:00              Cloggers                                                                                                       Stage 
3:00              Pioneer Demonstrations
3:30              Daniel Boone portrayed by Mark Sage                                                          Old Church Museum 
3:30              Pet Contest  - (back lawn of)                                                                         Harriett Beecher Stowe Museum
3:45-4:45     Grandma Kept a Buckeye in her Purse - John Tierney                                    Stage
5:00-6:00     "Royal Blue" bluegrass band                                                                          Stage
All day Both days:
Have conversations with Simon Kenton, Daniel Boone & Te Principal Chief of the Piqua Tribe, Bluegrass music-Folk & Dulcimer music- Vendor demonstrations from bygone days - pioneer games for children - Town Crier - Contests, Crafters- Face painting Children's Games.
All museums will be open to the public - Food for every taste bud and much more  

All Children can sign up to win a free bike - 1 boys & 1 girls bike to be given away.
                      
Sunday – September 21                                                                                                 Location: 
 Most Shops open 10:00 a.m.  

10:30              Outdoor Church Service-( Rain location is Old Church Museum)            Grace Church 
11:45-12:05    Grace Church Choir                                                                                   Stage 
12:15-12:45    Christianity on the Frontier - Mark Sage                                                     Stage  
1:00-1:45        Jennifer Rose Escabar                                                                                Stage  
1:30                Principal Chief - Gary Hunt of the Piqua Sept. of the Shawnee Indians  
2:00-3:00       Simon Kenton portrayed by Mel Hankla                                                     Stage
3:00-3:30       Camera Obscura-Jon Stealey                                                                     Stage 
3:00-3:35       Frontier Costume Contest                                                                          Stage 
4:00-5:00       Poaceous Band                                                                                          Stage 
5:00              Parade  

Over 32 Vendors plus shops on both sides of street - 
Anyone can participate - Contact : Suzie 606-564-9419 Ext, 308 or Duff at Ext 314 

Indian Artifacts - Long Rifles - handmade Brooms - Wood Crafts - Candles 
Barn Jewelry - Furniture - Quilts - Photography - Handmade crafts of all types 
Pictures - Cookbooks - Dulcimers - Baked Goods - Farmers market - Plus many more ....
                                                                             
Food:
 Ice Cream Shoppe & Restaurant in Row House Mall
Marshall Keys Tavern  -Burgoo, Bag lunches, 3 choices of Sandwiches
Phil Day - Trailer 
Blue Grass heritage - Tent - Fried & Grilled Foods 
Knights of Columbus - Steak Sandwiches 
AMVets - Bean Soup and Corn Bread 
AmVet Ladies - Baked Goods 
Betty & Harold Manning - Home Made Ice Cream 
Friends of Minerva - Burgoo, Chile & Cheese Sandwiches 

             
Previous Year's Simon Kenton Festival Press Release
By: Phyllis Helphenstine 

Once upon a time there was a great pioneer hero named Simon Kenton who opened the northern gateway into Kentucky for hundreds of settlers between 1785 and 1800. It is in his honor that the village known as the "Log Cabin Capital of the Area", Washington, Kentucky, has for the past 31 years has held the "Simon Kenton Harvest Festival". Kenton Kin from far and near converge on Old Washington located on US 68, 4 miles south of Maysville where they meet to exchange genealogy, dozens of Living Historians set up camps to represent the 18th century for the public, demonstrate frontier Kentucky life and skills of the pioneers including tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, blacksmithing, firepit ironware cooking, candle making, games and much more.  There will be a 1786 Muzzleloader Rifle competition featuring the Kentucky Flintlock Longrifle that won Kentucky. During the weekend will be various reenactments and frontier street skits. On Saturday see Mel Hankla portray Simon Kenton for the presentation of a lifetime! The descendents will have an  18th century Frontier Church Service in the Log Cabin Church on new US 68 10:00 AM on Sunday morning.  Combine these special activities with the hourly entertainment, festival food, antique and craft shops. In the atmosphere of the beautiful pioneer village of Historic Washington you are guaranteed a wonderful time! FREE admission.

One may reach Washington by crossing over the Simon Kenton Bridge into Kentucky from Aberdeen, Ohio, or the new bridge between Aberdeen and Ripley, or travel US 68, now known as the Simon Kenton Highway from Lexington to Washington.
Quality craft, antique, and food vendors will be set up in Washington.  

This happy couple are previous winners of the Pet Contest.

Sunday: Trolley will leave the Log Visitor's Center for the Church Service at 9:30 for the Frontier Church Service at 10:00.   The Historic Washington Shopkeepers Association sponsors this event, with the support of the, city of Maysville. 

The carousel shop, Fiesta ware, jewelry, antique lamp shop,  Civil War items, dollhouse shop, framing shops and galleries, pottery: Mary Hadley, Bybee and custom crocks, Cat’s Meow, graniteware,  paper doll books, John Deere & Coca-Cola collectibles, paperweights, a good selection of antique and craft shops all flourish in the village – most are open year round. There are several special events throughout the year with the next being the 40th annual Frontier Christmas December 1st and 2nd. 

Today three of Washington's log cabins house museums: C1787 Mefford's Station, prior to C1790 Simon Kenton Store Shrine, and the prior to 1790 Log Visitor's Center (606)-759-7411, where books like "The Frontiersman" and Simon Kenton Scouts" are sold.  Tour guides wearing long dresses, white aprons and dust caps and men in period costume conduct tours of the nine museums and throughout the village.  The "Log Cabin Learning" tour taking place in 3 of the original log cabins and depicting a day in the life of a pioneer child is a very popular school field trip for schools in the tri-state area.  Washington is also included on the "Underground Railroad" and "Covered Bridge" tours.  Other museums on tour are: the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum, 1807, Paxton Inn C1800, the Albert Sidney Johnston Home c1797, the Old Church Museum 1848, and the Presbyterian Church 1870.  Washington's newest museum, The Carriage House, has a wonderful display of horse-drawn carriages with admission of only $1.00 and everything the owners receive they give to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Washington which was settled by Simon Kenton in 1786 and still has many of the original log cabins that were here in 1790 when Washington was the second largest town in Kentucky, second only to Lexington, is nestled, 4 miles south of the banks of the Ohio River and Maysville, 50 miles northeast of Lexington, KY, 50 miles west of Portsmouth, Ohio, and 51 miles east of Cincinnati, Oh, (take the Wilder Exit #77 off I-275 onto Route #9 - also known as the AA Highway), then turn right at the light by Wendy's onto US 68, turn left at second light up into Old Washington. Washington is 1 mile south of the AA Highway on US 68. Plan a weekend in Washington, (now part of Maysville).  You will be welcomed!

 

                                       

                                  SIMON KENTON HARVEST FESTIVAL – 30th Annual Event
                                                       2006 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS          

Saturday – September 16
10:00              Opening Ceremony – Town Square     Welcome – Mayor David Cartmell &                                                                                                      State Representative Mike Denham                                                                                                     Flag Raising & 21 Gun Salute honoring
MC: Radio Personality James “Doc” Shires                                   Simon Kenton by Am Vets
                                                                                                    Star Spangled Banner – Brenda Manning   
 
11:00              Kenton Kin Meeting – Washington Meeting House
11:00              Gun Powder Creek Band – Ben Pedigo & Family – Bluegrass Music -Town Square
12:00              Arthur Whitman’s Upfront Band – Vocalist – Brittney Kay
12:30              Frontier Costume Contest – Town Square
1:00                Pet Dog & Cat Contest
1:00-2:00        Mel Hankla portraying Simon Kenton in Meeting House - Public Welcome
1:30                Irish Revue – St. Patrick’s Concert Choir
2:15                Sherri’s Arts & Dance Students – (Great Dance Revue/Many Acts)
2:30 –4:00      1786 Muzzleloader Rifle Competition at Federal Hill
3:00                “Fancy Free Cloggers” – Ages 8 to 80 – and 
                       “Breakup” Cloggers (Just returned from performing at Disney World)
4:00                “KY Express” – Traditional Country 
5:00                 Indian Skirmish on Old Main Street

Sunday – September 17

9:30-9:45        Trolley Leaves Log Visitor’s Center for Log Church Service 
10:00              Frontier Church Service – Log Church on new US 68 
12:30              Grace Church Choir – Town Square    
  1:30              Libby Estill
  2:00              “4 Heaven’s Sake” –  Lexington Group in Concert - Featuring Judy Gallenstein
  3:00              Stars of Renfro Valley Barn Dance
  4:00              Country Tap/Cloggers

Both Days:

10:00-5:00      Antique, Craft & Specialty Shops in Historic Buildings line Old Main Street
10:00-5:00      Antique, Craft & Food Vendors on Street
10:00-5:00      Frontier Encampment & Demonstrations & Various Frontier Skits & Indian Skirmishes on street
11:00-5:00      Articles from Duncan Tavern in Paris for Sale in Paxton Inn
                       John Parker Tobacco Press – Harriet Beecher Stowe Museum
                       Guided Tours by Costumed Guides from Log Visitors Center, Video, Souvenirs & Books
                       Museums: Simon Kenton Store, Albert Sidney Johnston & Mefford's Fort Open with Guide inside   

For more information: Mary Jo Chandler 606-724-5700 – E-mail: mjchandler_2000@yahoo.com  

The Historic Washington Shopkeepers Association sponsors this event. The City of Maysville and the Washington Shopkeepers are not responsible for accidents or injury. 

Simon Kenton Kin

On the third weekend in September from near and far, the Kenton Kin converge on Washington to honor their ancestor, the Frontiersman, Simon Kenton.  The Kenton family meets at 11am on Saturday to exchange genealogy and visit with family. Along with the Kenton family group, dozens of Living Historians will set up camps to represent the 18th century for the public. They will demonstrate frontier Kentucky life and skills of the pioneers including  tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, blacksmithing, firepit ironware cooking, candle making, games and much more.  Articles for sale include colonial clothing, antler knives and powder horns, children's games, jewelry and rock candy.  There will be a 1790's black powder competition featuring the Kentucky Flintlock Longrifle that won Kentucky. During the weekend will be various reenactments and frontier street skits. See Mel Hankla portray Simon Kenton for the presentation of a lifetime! Our 18th century Log Cabin Church Service begins at 10 AM on Sunday morning. Combine these special activities with the hourly entertainment, festival food and colonial tavern, Sunday parade, antique and craft shops. In the atmosphere of the beautiful pioneer village of Historic Washington you are guaranteed a wonderful time!
Come join us on September 16th and 17st from 10 a.m. both days at the 30th annual Simon Kenton Frontier Festival.  Free Admission to this Family Friendly Event.  Contact person is Jon Hagee, (pictured on left) at jhagee@mail.com or 
(859) 271-2918.
Web Sites: Simon Kenton Frontier Festival http://frontierfolk.org/festival.htm
                                              Kenton Kin: http://frontierfolk.org/k-kin.htm

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Simon Kenton Parade in Washington, Kentucky

Simon Kenton Festival Pet & COSTUME CONTESTS IN WASHINGTON, KY

   No Entry Fee.  All Classes.  
1st Prize $10, 2nd Prize $5, 3rd Prize Ribbon.

There is a contest for "The Cutest Cat". 

Dogs have more categories with winners for:

1. Smallest Dog

2. Largest Dog

3. Best Dog Trick

4. Cutest Dog

5. Any Animal in Cutest Costume

6. Exotic Pet (no snakes!)

COSTUME CONTESTS:

1. CHILD UNDER 12 IN FRONTIER COSTUME

2. WOMAN IN FRONTIER COSTUME

3. MAN IN FRONTIER COSTUME

4. COUPLE IN FRONTIER COSTUME

5. INDIAN COSTUME

 

 

 

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