Darryl Worley, Andy Griggs Highlight 9/11 Celebration in Muhlenberg County

Muhlenberg Remembers is coming to Downtown Greenville for a week-long celebration to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. It's a perfect way to honor local first responders! Here's the schedule of events brought to you by Greenville Tourism.

Darryl Worley and Andy Griggs Set to Perform

Tuesday, September 7th at 8 PM The "Never Forget Concert", brought to you by Greenville Tourism, will feature Darryl Worley and Andy Griggs on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021. Everyone will be so excited when the kicks off a full week of patriotic tributes and events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in Greenville, Kentucky. Tickets are just $15 for seats right in front of the stage. And, ticket sales benefit local first responders which is amazing! Gates open at 6:30 PM.

SOAR with First Responders

Wednesday, September 8th at 4 PM On Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 “SOAR with First Responders” around the Square beginning at 4 PM in Downtown Greenville. Emergency vehicles from across the region will be parked around the Courthouse for you to see and take pictures with! The kiddos will love meeting these heroes up close! SOAR will be providing free books and giveaways for the kids too.

“Red, White, & BOUNCE” at Joe B’s

Thursday, September 9th from 4 PM Until 8 PM “Red, White, & BOUNCE” at Joe B’s is happening Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Bring the family to Greenville’s newest event venue and get ready to have a ton of fun. The kids will enjoy “pay-to-play” inflatables action and various games from 4 PM until 8 PM. Come hungry as there will also be a delicious food truck offering snow cones, cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, and more. A magician will be on hand along with FREE live music on Veterans Plaza.

“Fire in the Hole” Cornhole Tournament

Friday, September 10th The Greenville Fire Department will host the First Annual “Fire in the Hole” Cornhole Tournament on Veteran’s Plaza. To enter a team, please contact (270) 338-3305. There will also be FREE live music provided by Joe B’s and Friends the Band.

Western Kentucky Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

Make plans on September 11th, 2021 for the Western Kentucky Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk starting at 8 AM. VETERANS PLAZA - 100 S. MAIN STREET GREENVILLE, KY 42345

"The Greenville Tourism Commission, local first responders, and volunteers will work together to host this event. The event will honor and celebrate Muhlenberg County’s first responders—fire, police, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatch—as well as military service heroes who serve, sacrifice, and protect us every day." The Western KY 5K Run & Walk is the latest of more than 70 events in a national series of 5k and tower climbs held all around the United States in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Western Kentucky Tunnel to Towers event has 3 goals: Honor Local First Responders, Remember 9/11, and raise funds to build smart homes for the most catastrophically injured service members. Tunnel to Towers is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services for the nation’s first responders and military.

Super Saturday Star-Spangled Bike Parade Get your bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, and wagons decorated for the Super Saturday Star-Spangled Bike Parade. Kids will cruise around Downtown Greenville in patriotic style on Saturday at 10 AM. No motorized vehicles or transportation devices will be allowed to participate. Prizes awarded and a free Twin Towers book. All participants will receive a gift bag.

Green River Mustangs Car Show

After the 5K, a car show will be happening from 2 PM until 8 PM. Starting at 4 PM you can enjoy live music on the Plaza, a kids’ bicycle parade hosted by SOAR, a free caricature artist, and bounce inflatables!

9/11 Memorial Luminary Tribute

September 11th at 7 PM Once the sun sets, a beautiful luminary display will happen. Bring a candle, tea light, or picture to place around the 9/11 Memorial. At 7 PM, they'll light the night with two beams of light, symbolizing the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, in honor of the 2,977 people who perished on September 11th, 2001. It's going to be an inspirational moment to close out the memorable week.

Other Tributes and Events Planned

Other tributes and activities include: a display of 2,977 flags placed at the Summerhouse Gazebo representing each victim of 9/11, the Kentucky Firefighter Association History Trailer and the Safety House will be parked downtown and available for tours several days that week, and there will also be a FREE patriotic fireworks show downtown that week. FOAM Parties downtown will also happen. Daniel’s Fun Foam Factory will be in town with a variety of entertainment fun. If you are interested in donating or volunteering at any event throughout the week, you can contact the Greenville Tourism Commission at (270) 338-1895 or director@tourgreenville.com.

9/11 Memorial in Downtown Greenville

On September 11th, 2016 I had the honor to attend the official unveiling of the 9/11 Memorial which at that time marked the fifteenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies. It's located on the southwest lawn of the Muhlenberg County Judicial Center and soars to eighteen feet in height at its tallest point. The Memorial features a 17-foot long box beam that fell from the North Tower (based on markings it's possible that it came from the 91st floor) of the World Trade Center following the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

Elements of the structure include a commissioned hand-carved bronze sculpture of an angered American eagle clutching a draping American flag. Two granite towers (one tall tower and one collapsing tower with a debris cloud) depict the Twin Towers. Various elements of the sculpture are dedicated to victims, heroes, and citizens who were directly impacted by the event. Other elements of the Memorial are dedicated to Muhlenberg’s own local first responders who daily serve and protect the community. It truly is a beautiful work of art sculpted by nationally recognized sculptor Gary Casteel.

The Muhlenberg Remembers week of events will be a perfect time to check out the memorial in person. It's such a sight to behold!

“Big Twigs” Exhibit at State Malone Park

Earlier in the year, the Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission revealed a new plan that could result in thousands of new visitors coming to Lake Malone Park. The unveiling of the “Big Twigs” exhibit will officially happen on Wednesday, August 11th, 2021.

“The MCTC is thrilled to bring this new attraction to the state park,” says MCTC Chairperson Mary Kate Kordes. “As a tourist attraction, many will be discovering Lake Malone State Park and beautiful Lake Malone for the first time and, after seeing the “Big Twigs”, will want to visit again and again creating a positive impact on the economy locally and regionally.”

How about a day trip? There's enough to see and do in a day for that quick getaway. Nature is the best way to spend time as a family so grab your swimsuit, make a picnic, and hit the road for some much-needed fun in the sun.

Teresa Wells, Lake Malone Park Manager stated, “We are looking forward to the park having new life later this summer. The park is well prepared and looking forward to the increased visitors the “Big Twigs” will bring. The park is a wonderful place to hike, enjoy the outdoors or have a picnic.”

Take in the sights and sounds of Lake Malone Park on Sunday, September 12th to wrap up a beautiful week of fun and inspiration!