Packed community events schedule offers fun-filled outlook for September

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Fort Knox community will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of happenings on the installation and within the surrounding areas throughout the month of September.

The month’s first big event is taking place over the Labor Day weekend Sept. 2-6, when the last fully operational World War II Landing Ship Tank will be docked and open for public tours at the Brandenburg, Kentucky riverfront.

Residents and visitors who drive down Eisenhower Avenue at Fort Knox will pass the historic LST building – the only one of its kind still in existence – which was used for training during World War II. Touring the ship offers the ability to see what Soldiers who once trained inside the LST experienced firsthand in the war. Event details and ticket information can be found at the Meade County Tourism Facebook page.

The following weekend, visitors are invited to honor those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Fort Knox has partnered with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs in hosting a Patriot Day ceremony at 8:15 a.m. at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks. The event will feature a ceremonial tolling of the Fort Knox Fire Station’s bell, a wreath laying, a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps and a speech from Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox.

Following the ceremony, there will be a one-day-only exhibit at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., showcasing military items from the wars fought in Afghanistan and surrounding regions over the past two decades.

In addition to the Patriot Day ceremony and museum event, area residents can attend two separate festivals in the city of Radcliff Sept. 10-11 – The Bourbon and Blades Festival, and the Radcliff Cultural Festival.

The Bourbon and Blades Festival will begin at noon Friday with an “On the Rocks” pre-show at the Boundary Oak Distillery. It will feature live music, food trucks, a beer and bourbon garden and knife show. The main event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it also includes a free concert by recording artists Billy Ray Cyrus, Allie Colleen and Ben Haggard. Special limited addition and commemorative knives will be available for purchase.

Also happening Saturday is the Radcliff Cultural Festival, which will include several activities beginning with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., a parade at 10 a.m., and various cultural events and cuisine offerings throughout the day.

More information about both festivals can be found at the Radcliff Fort Knox Tourism Facebook page.

The following weekend on Saturday, Sept. 18, the annual pet friendly PAWS United Pet Expo is taking place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Radcliff. Pet owners and animal lovers will have the opportunity to participate in a “Walk n’ Wag” dog walk to raise money for spays and neuters, along with viewing many animals in need of adoption. The online Facebook event also has location details and other information posted.

Later that evening, the city of Elizabethtown will host the sixth annual E-town Wine Fest at Freeman Lake Park from 5 to 10 p.m. The evening festivities will include wine samplings from local, regional and beyond vineyards, bourbon and beer, food and live music.

Visit the Elizabethtown events page for ticket information and additional details.

The final weekend of September will mark the 22nd annual Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival, featuring four days of scheduled performances at Optimist Park. The event will take place rain or shine, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and take advantage of the food vendors on site.

More information about purchasing tickets and other event details, including a list of performers, are available on the festival’s website.

On the last Saturday of the month, the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Glendale will host a multitude of songwriting artists at the noon to midnight Hills N’ Holler Music Fest – including Casey and Romy, who recently performed at the Fort Knox July 4th celebration.

Event information and the link to purchase tickets are available in the festival’s online Facebook event.

While the weekends are playing host to these many events, the military community can visit Barr Memorial Library anytime through the month of September to take part in the Star Wars Reads program, and view an exhibit of LEGO kits built by enthusiasts. Participants will have the opportunity to receive prizes and also be given a free t-shirt.

Additional details are posted HERE.

Whether searching for a family-friendly event or one perfect for an evening out with friends, September in Kentucky has an extensive lineup of activities providing something enjoyable for everyone.