Source: The Pioneer News
By Stephen Thomas
October 15, 2018
CLERMONT – The foliage should be nearing its peak, which will make a beautiful backdrop for the annual ColorFest celebration at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
“The colors are just beginning to change,” said Bernheim communications and marketing manager Amy Landon. “We’ll have the event just a little before the peak.”
This year’s ColorFest event is scheduled for Oct. 20-21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The usual fun activities will take place along with a few new things, according to Landon.
A new initiative will be promoted during the event, My Big Little Adventure, a partnership with Bernheim, the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Science Center, the Family Scholar House, and Community Coordinated Child Care.
“The idea is to get kids ready for kindergarten,” Landon said. “It includes activities to enrich education. The fall theme for the event is change. There will be activities marked with specific signage that will be kid-friendly. We’re always educational here, but this year we’re tied in with the initiative.”
The kids will enjoy the hands-on educational activities and presentations from Bernheim’s naturalists, along with the fun and games. Landon said one of last year’s most popular attractions was the new corn pit, which was like a giant sandbox for kids.
“This year the corn pit will be bigger,” she said. “Also, we will have three giant slides instead of two, with a softer landing for each.”
A new activity at this year’s ColorFest is a rock climbing wall. Other fun activities include pumpkin rolling, the mud pie kitchen, face painting, hands-on music and nature games.
Landon said a new “free play” area will be added, with various items strewn about, allowing children to use their imagination while playing.
“It’s an opportunity to play without structure,” Landon said. “You’re using your own creativity.”
Art vendors will be displaying their works throughout the event, while craft spinners will be busy showing their talents in the Visitor Center. Meanwhile, there will be an artist carving pumpkins each day for a special fundraising promotion.
According to Landon, each pumpkin will be raffled off. Patrons may enter the contest for a suggested $2 donation. Anyone who completes a Bernheim membership will be entered free into one of the drawings.
A third pumpkin, a giant-sized gourd, will also be raffled off, with entry set at a suggested $1 donation.
Also as part of Bernheim’s fall membership drive, anyone signing up or renewing a membership at family level or above during ColorFest will receive a $5 discount.
Music has always been a part of the ColorFest fun, and live performances are scheduled for both days on the outdoor stage. The Juggerloos will perform Saturday from 12:30-2:30 p.m., followed by Jeff Hardesty from 3-5 p.m.
Sunday’s schedule includes Cull Hollow performing from 12:30-2:30, followed by the Troubadours of Divine Bliss from 3-5.
One of ColorFest’s most popular attractions is the hayride, available at a nominal fee. Landon advised purchasing hayride tickets early on in the day.
“Sometimes they sell out early,” she said. “We recommend that you buy tickets as soon as you arrive, and you can put your name down for a time.”
Two other activities involve pumpkin fun, including the pumpkin launch. Patrons may purchase pumpkins for $3 each and launch them across a field toward various targets with giant slingshots.
The pumpkins may also be purchased for the painting, with all paint supplies provided by Bernheim. Those feeling froggy enough may launch their painted pumpkins.
Boy Scout Troop 100 will return again to host their rope bridge, available to cross for a $1 fee.
With such a full day planned, one of the important components is making sure everyone has something to eat. Food vendors will be available near the Nature Center.
Some of the food vendors include Celtic Pig, Fresh Out of the Box, Jake’s Crab Cakes, Junior’s Firehouse BBQ, Kona Ice, Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice, Piggin’ Out Funnel Cakes, Real Deal BBQ, Smok’N Cantina, and Sweet and Savory. Landon added that kettle corn would be available.
Admission to ColorFest is $10 per carload, or free to Bernheim members. For more information visit bernheim.org.
The 2018 Bernheim ColorFest is sponsored by: Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, First Harrison Bank, Kindred Healthcare, Limestone Bank, PNC Bank, Santa Rosa Systems, Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourist and Convention Commission, Stock Yards Bank and Trust, Wilson & Muir Bank and Trust.