Department of Parks
Pops at the Park Set for Aug. 20 at White Hall State Historic Site

Richmond, Ky. -- White Hall State Historic Site will host the 2011 Pops at the Park, sponsored by Baldwin CPAs and Central Bank, on Aug. 20.

This year’s theme, “Three Decades with the Pops,” celebrates 30 years of Pops history and 30 years of providing the Madison County community a unique event enjoyed by all ages.

A signature of this annual event, the Eastern Kentucky University Symphony Orchestra, will perform, along with Ralph Curtis of the band “Cash,” who will perform a tribute to the late Johnny Cash. As in the past, attendees who purchase tables for the event are encouraged to decorate their tables according to any idea that attributes the “Three Decades with the Pops” theme, and select a menu accordingly. Purchasing a table does not require participation in the judging contest. Celebrity judges will evaluate the tables and food and present prizes for first, second and third place winners. Attendees who simply want to come without the competition aspect of Pops, can purchase blanket tickets.

A new staple to the event this year will be the Youth Art Exhibit, sponsored by the Richmond Area Arts Council and provided by youth in Madison County, as well as Horsin’ Around Family Art, sponsored by the Explorium of Lexington. As part of Horsin’ Around, children and families are invited to decorate and paint horse shoes provided by the Explorium. Event times are as follows:

·        Gates open at 5 p.m.

·        Art Exhibits/Horsin’ Around Family Art open at 5 p.m.

·        Table judging (for those who choose to participate) begins at 6 p.m.

·        Music begins at 8 p.m.

Supporting sponsors of the event include the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Richmond Area Arts Council, the Kentucky State Parks and the Explorium of Lexington. Blanket seating can be purchased at Central Bank (Main Street), Richmond & Berea Chambers of Commerce, Explorium of Lexington, Laura’s School of Dance and McDonalds (Richmond Bypass only). Table tickets can be purchased at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce only. Tables of six are $150, tables of eight are $200 and blanket seating is $10/person in advance or $15/person at the gate. Children under 12 admitted free in the blanket area (only).

If you want to make reservations for Pops at the Park or have other questions, contact Karmen Vaughn at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 859-623-1720 or events@richmondchamber.com.

White Hall served as the home of Cassius Marcellus Clay, an emancipationist who was a friend of Lincoln’s and served as his ambassador to Russia. The home near Richmond was built in 1798-99 and was renovated in the mid-1860s. White Hall is located off I-75 at exit 95. For more information about this site and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov