81-Year-Old Dragster Named Grand Marshal of Hot Rod Reunion

Now, I've heard of a lot of seniors continuing to do the things they love, defying the odds both physically and mentally. Take Bowling Green native Duncan Hines, for example. He didn't begin endorsing products, the thing that continues to make him a household name today, until he was 70. But check this out... the Grand Marshal of this year's 8th Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is 81 years old and still races his 7,000-horsepower Top Fuel Dragster! Read all about Chris "The Greek" Karamesines here on the NHRA Motorsports Museum's website.


The NHRA Reunion returns to the historic stands at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green this Father's Day Weekend, June 18-20. Purchase your three-day spectator credentials including a pit pass for just $55 by calling 1-800-884-NHRA (6472) or on the NHRA Museum's website here. Individual day passes will be available at the event. It should be a perfect weekend for the kids to test the waters of the huge Splash Lagoon waterpark expansion next door while dad is wandering among thousands of hot rods!

What's Happening in Bowling Green this Week

Concert for Hope
Beech Bend Park invites you to attend its Concert for Hope Tuesday evening benefiting eight different charities and featuring Beech Bend Superstar winner Landri Taylor. What better way is there to hear some new musical talent than at a FREE concert right here in Bowling Green?! Backed by some of country's finest musicians including Josh Turner's drummer T.J. Wilder and Lori Anderson on background vocals, Landri is sure to entertain. Beginning at 5 pm, the opening act will be Kentucky-based band the Warrior Poetes. Other performers include Kyle Whitaker from Morgantown, Kentucky and Elena Korol from Portland, Tennessee who were the first and second-runners up. A donation of a canned good or other non-perishable item is appreciated. For more information, call 270-781-7634. To learn more about Landri, visit www.landritaylor.com.

The Crucible
What would you do if were accused of being a witch? The Capitol is proud to present its fall youth production, The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. This play recounts the historic evets that led to the Salem Witch Trials. Join guest director Carol Herin Jordana and a cast of 22 of Capitol Arts Youth Theater's finest actors as they take the stage this weekend for three performances. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $7 for Students and Seniors and are available by visiting the Capitol Arts webpage at www.capitolarts.com or by calling the box office at 270-782-2787. This show is most enjoyed by ages 12 and up. Come and see what happens because "We burn a hot fire here, it melts away all concealment."

What's Happening this Weekend in Bowling Green?

Goodguys 2nd Nostalgia Nationals
It's another jam-packed week in South Central Kentucky, and this weekend marks a newer event for Beech Bend Raceway as the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association brings its 2nd Nostalgia Nationals to town! The autumn leaves will be an awesome backdrop for the shiny, colorful hot rods both on display and burning up the strip. Swing by the Convention Center for the TGIF Party Friday night and see these beauties all lined up if you can't make it out to the Bend. Featuring over 1,000 Racecars, Hot rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trick Trucks thru '72 vintage, you'll also be able to shop at 100's of vendor/exhibitor booths or take a trip to the Swap Meet for automotive related parts and Cars for sale. Gates open at 8 am and general admission is $20 each day, or $55 for the entire weekend. Kids 7-12 are $6 and free for 6 and under. Parking is FREE! Call 270-781-7634 or visit www.nostalgianats.com to learn more.

Civil War Living History Weekend
Bowling Green was the Confederate Capitol of Kentucky for a short while, and history buffs can even drive the Civil War Discovery Trial through town past forts, monuments, markers and attractions. One of those attractions is Lost River Cave & Valley, where thousands of soldiers camped and sought refuge from the heat near an ample fresh water supply. This weekend, you can experience what life was like for these soldiers at the 5th Annual Civil War Days. The Lincoln Mobile Museum will be there Saturday, joining the all-day camp life and period demonstrations. At 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, witness a battle/ skirmish reenactment, or participate in Saturday night's Cannon Night Fire at 6 p.m. before the Civil War Ball from 7 to 9 p.m. with music by Skip Jack. Special programs scheduled for this year include "Abe Lincoln: Gettysburg and Beyond" and music by the Lost River Dulcimers. Call 270-393-0077 or visit www.lostrivercave.com for more information.

Beech Bend's Holiday Lights Spectacular

My daughter and I have visited Beech Bend's Holiday Lights Spectacular twice this season and she always has a ball. A carload pass is only $15 ($14 if you buy it at a Jr. Foods, Houchens IGA store, or on the CVB's website), and once you get in the park the petting farm and mini golf are free.

First you drive through over 2 miles of light displays, which is nice - but she always wants to hurry up and get to the fun stuff. They have a hayride and bus that will take you from the parking area to the park. It isn't that far so we usually walk it.

Of course, we always have to "ride rides." I bought the family pack of tickets which is $20 for 50. It was more than enough. You could probably get by with this if you have 2-4 kids (depending on how many times they want to ride the Rumbler!) New Year's Eve they have a free fireworks show and live music. They also have outdoor ice skating for an additional fee.