A band plays at a previous year’s “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear – Pickin’ Life” music fest, located near Dawson Springs, Ky. COURTESY OF JEFF SMITH

BY BLUEGRASS ON BESHEAR ORGANIZERS, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

Co-sponsors Jeff and Laura Smith and the Knights of Columbus Blessed Trinity Council are delighted to announce that their annual one-day music fest to support pro-life crisis pregnancy centers will be held live this year – on Saturday, Oct. 9.

“We love using great music to bring people together, raise money and inform people about the life-saving work of our local pregnancy care centers,” said Laura Smith.

Since it began in 2014, “Bluegrass on Beshear” has raised more than $81,000 to benefit Door of Hope (Madisonville), Alpha PCC (Hopkinsville) and H.O.P.E. Clinic (Benton and Eddyville).

“We had to cancel the live event in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, but we still raised $24,054 for the pregnancy care centers,” said Laura Smith. “That was fantastic, but we missed the opportunity to gather people from our communities and spread the word about life-affirming alternatives to abortion. We’re so happy to get people together again this year.”

The pregnancy care centers are ecumenically faith-based. All services, including ultrasound imaging, counseling, parenting classes and baby supplies, are free to clients. The centers receive no government funding because if they did, the government – federal and state – would require them to refer clients for abortion.  Instead, the centers are independent and they depend on generosity of citizens, businesses and churches to stay open.

“Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear – Pickin’ Life” will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Oct. 9 at 307 Island Cove Ln. near Dawson Springs, Ky.

Laura Smith said, “We’ll have five bands and a choir this year, featuring bluegrass, gospel, country and rock & roll music. Admission is free and we’ll help you park and get down to the stage. You can bring lawn chairs and a cooler, if you wish. We raise money through sponsorships, donations, food, drink and merchandise sales. We’ll also have a fun raffle with more than $3,000 in prizes.  Grand prize is $500 cash. Other prizes include UK football and basketball tickets, lodging, food and recreation items. Check our website for early ticket sales, or you can purchase them the day of the event.”

This year, a benefactor has offered to match total donations up to $12,000 so every donation or purchase will be doubled! Several local Knights of Columbus councils provide manpower to help put on the event. More information about the event and how to donate can be found on www.bluegrassonbeshear.com and on facebook.com/bluegrassonbeshear. 100% of every donation goes to the pregnancy care centers and all donations are tax deductible.

Originally printed in the October 2021 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.