Exciting Fall Events Are Coming to Nicholasville!
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, Nicholasville is gearing up for a vibrant fall season filled with festivities! Known for being one of the busiest times of the year, Jessamine County’s calendar is brimming with events that promise fun for everyone. From the Jessamine Fall Festival to Halloween-themed activities, and the inaugural Nicholasville Vibes Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the months ahead.
Jessamine Fall Festival: Join the Fun!
Mark your calendars for the Jessamine Fall Festival, set to take place from October 16 to 19. This festival, famous for its lively atmosphere, will feature a parade, carnival rides, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Ann Nip, the festival organizer, was present at the recent Nicholasville City Commission meeting to discuss preparations and what support she needs from the city.
Once funded by the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition, the festival is now under the wing of the Center for Growth and Hope, recently acquired by Christ Embassy Church. The parade, which draws large crowds, will follow the same route as last year—starting from Walgreens on Main Street and ending at West Maple. One of Ann’s primary requests from the city has been for security during the festivities to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Community Support for Security
During the meeting, Nicholasville Police Chief Michael Fleming expressed his concerns about the police department becoming overwhelmed by weekend events throughout the fall. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for officers. “We’re willing to provide security for the parade, but for a multi-day festival, it might be best to have private security,” he suggested. Organizers are currently evaluating options to hire their own security, following the model used by large events at other venues.
The New Nicholasville Vibes Festival
Also making waves this fall is the Nicholasville Vibes Festival, scheduled for October 26, 2024, at the City-County Park. This brand-new music festival is bound to be a hit, running from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with gates opening at 11:30 a.m. Johnny Templin and Roger Fields from the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition are organizing the event, and they’re already seeing positive interest, having sold around 130 tickets so far!
Johnny mentioned that their goal is to ensure a well-organized event by securing a solid parking plan and ample safety measures to reduce the burden on local police. They’ve obtained quotes from a private security agency, GuardLogic, and are in discussions with Griffin Security as part of their planning process.
Helping the Community
With their sights set on selling 1,000 tickets, the festival aims to raise funds not only for the upcoming festivals but also to support the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition shelter. “Our goal is to raise around $20,000 to keep the shelter running, and if we exceed our target, proceeds can also support local nonprofits,” Templin shared. This not only showcases the festival’s commitment to local initiatives but also underscores its potential to bring economic benefits to the community.
Planning and Permits
The city commission is optimistic about the festival’s success and recognizes the opportunity it presents for local restaurants and businesses. Organizers still need to navigate the application process for an alcohol permit, which they believe should be manageable given past events held at the park.
Concerns were also raised about the proximity of homes to one of the festival stages. Templin reassured everyone that the main stage is situated away from residential neighborhoods, and residents living nearby will receive complimentary tickets to appreciate the event without feeling left out!
What’s Next?
With the final approval from Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West and the Emergency Management Team still pending, there’s a sense of excitement in the air. As fall approaches, the community can look forward to celebrating, gathering, and creating cherished memories at these upcoming events. So, grab your friends and family, and get ready for a fantastic fall in Nicholasville!
