Town Events by sophia blanton In the city of Mount Washington, there are multiple events that help bring the community together. These events are for anyone and everyone who would like to attend.
trucks, this event is perfect for all ages. At this event, some are reminded of a vehicle their parents or grandparents may have had back in the day. “I have been stopped by people in their 80s who have told me my trucks make them think about their childhood,” Brown said.
The Spring and Fall Festival
The spring and fall festivals are two great events that are perfect for a fun night out with your friends or family. Before these two events were established, there had been community festivals throughout the years. The spring festival, as it is known today, has been a part of Mount Washington tradition since 1978. The Mount Washington Lions Club took over the spring festival in 1988. The Lions Club and Lioness Club are still primary sponsors for the festival to this day.
Fish Fry for Mount Washington Community
The fish frys have been put on by the Mount Washington Lions Club for the past 10 years. They take place on the second Friday of every month but have been a part of the spring and fall festivals forever. The Lions Club doesn’t just credit themselves though, everyone has an important part in keeping this tradition alive. “Volunteers make it possible and we work as a team to serve our community the best dinner that we can,” Frye said.
The Spring Festival Committee is in charge of it now. This committee is made up of volunteers from the Lions and Lioness Clubs, plus people throughout the community. Mike Frye is a chairman on this committee and gave a little insight to the struggle of this past year but his hopes for the future. “It has proven to be much more difficult to get folks to volunteer. We will have the spring festival this fall so maybe we can look at starting a new tradition again,” Frye said.
As for the set up of these events, it starts early the day of, picking up the fish and everything else. They start cutting the desserts and are ready to cook by 3 p.m. so they can be ready to start at 4 p.m. At the fish frys, which are held at 810 North Bardstown Rd., they generally sell 300 to 500 dinners or sandwiches per fish fry. However, it’s more than just fish. They also sell grilled pork chops, brats and hot dogs along with french fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. For dessert, they always have pies and cakes as a sweet treat.
When it comes to the actual event, it takes about six months of planning to be ready. “Actual setup starts the day of the festival and is utter chaos till it’s time to open. Then it’s just crazy till it’s over,” Frye said.
Frye feels the Lions Club fish fry is the same as the spring and fall festival just on a smaller level. “It is amazing how many people drop by to really just say hi and rekindle memories,” Frye said.
Around 15,000 people attend the spring festival from the Mount Washington community. They typically block off part of North Bardstown Road which is also known as Old Bardstown Road or Main Street. The morning of the festival, there is a big parade down Main Street. One side of the street, there are booths with anything and everything you can imagine, along with a stage for live music, all set up in between the Mount Washington Library and the First Baptist Church. Across the street are rides along with a car show over by Mount Washington Middle School. All in all, some may say the Spring Festival has a little bit of everything and for everyone. “The spring festival brings our community together like no other event. Time slows down and people take the time to visit and reconnect with friends and family. It’s also where memories are made that last a lifetime,” Frye said.
Anyone is welcome to stop by for any of these events and are urged to bring yourself, family and friends. Come eat some good food, listen to music and spend time with your loved ones. Have a good time with your friends and family surrounded by the Mount Washington community.
Mount Washington Car Show
Throughout the years, numerous car clubs have sponsored car shows in Mount Washington. The most recent ones have been put together by Magistrate Shaun Logsdon, in the center of town. There have been other car shows at the Mount Washington Spring Festival put on by Bill Brown. Brown has been involved with the car shows for about 20 years now. “I do it in memory of Matt Allan Scholarship Fund. He was a friend of my son and I,” Brown said. The car shows that take place at the Mount Washington Spring Festival takes place behind Mount Washington Middle school. There are around 100 to150 cars and trucks in these shows. The cars range from 1930 to 2000. People like old cars and
The Mount Washington car show behind Mount Washington middle school. The car show is put on by Bill Brown at the Mount Washington Spring Festival. “I took these two years ago. We have about 100 or 150 (vehicles) but weather plays a big part,” Bill Brown said.
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