RAIN DOESN’T DAMPEN ENTHUSIASM FOR ‘THIRD THURSDAY’

The July Music in the Park event started out warm and dry with the Louisa Boot Scooting Line Dancers getting everyone in the mood for some family fun while the band, 10 Minutes Ago, set up on the stage.  The food vendors were staying busy feeding the biggest crowd the event has had yet (appx 300 by the time the night was over). 

Just a few songs into the first set, the skies opened up on the crowd and people ran for cover!  But the band played on.  They even played a rendition of “Have you ever seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival as the crowd huddled under their umbrellas and tents. 

At 7 pm, the crowd was treated to a presentation by Grandpa Jones which was a part of the Kentucky Chautauqua project and sponsored by Kentucky Humanities and the Lawrence County Public Library.  Since it was still raining, David Hurt, aka Grandpa Jones, played his banjo and told his story under the Rotary Shelter to the people who were sheltered there.  For many people, this was their first Chautauqua show and they very much enjoyed hearing about the life of a Kentucky native.

After Grandpa Jones was finished, the band went back on stage for their second set and the rain had finally cleared up.  This newly formed band was very much appreciated by the crowd.  “I had several people in the crowd ask me who the group was because they were very impressed and loved to hear them sing”, stated Cathi Kise Wells, one of the coordinators of Third Thursday.  Wells continued, “Unfortunately they had to compete with the wind and the rain during their first set but we could hear them clearly after that and they definitely entertained the crowd!” 

10 Minutes Ago, is led by Addiction Recovery Care’s Marketing and Media Specialist, Stephen Edens from Lexington, KY.  Other members of the band include: Brett Harris from Georgetown, Ky, Tim Price from Lancaster, KY, Stevie Combs from Hazard, KY, Jessie Fuson from Middlesboro, KY and Jason Coker from Tampa, FL.  This group is made up of men who are successfully battling addiction and are in active recovery from substance use disorder.

Stephen Edens said, “It was so special for us to be up on that stage using our God-given talents for a positive purpose.  We are so thankful that Lawrence County Tourism allowed us to be a part of Music in the Park”.

The August Music in the Park is scheduled for Thursday, August 15^th.  Wes Kingsmore, Director of Lawrence County Tourism, stated, “This event continues to grow.  The number of food vendors have increased each month as well as other booths.  The music has been outstanding so far.  We already know that the Louisa Boot Scooting Line Dancers are coming back in August so we want a crowd here to join them!” 

Anyone interested in setting up a booth at the Music in the Park event can contact the Tourism Committee on their FB page: Lawrence County Tourism Commission – Kentucky.