The first County Court session in Boone County history commenced on June 1, 1799.
Two hundred twenty-five years later, the northernmost county in the Commonwealth of Kentucky has transformed from a rural, agricultural community into the fourth most populous in the state.
It has one of the most diverse economies in Kentucky, boasting the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and countless manufacturing and logistics companies. Despite the growth, it’s still home to rolling farmlands and scenic views of the Ohio River.
On Saturday, Boone County is hosting a grand celebration to honor the county’s 225th anniversary. Judge/Executive Gary Moore, who has served in the role for 26 years, heralded the event as a grand celebration of Boone County during a fiscal court meeting on May 21.
“A lot going on — a lot of good opportunities to participate in your community,” Moore said.
The theme of the celebration? Frontier to the Future – a nod to Daniel Boone, the pioneer and frontiersman, whom Boone County is named after. The free, all-day event starts at noon at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
Anthony Frolich, former chief judge of the Kentucky Circuit Court 54 and Boone County native, spoke at a fiscal court meeting in April, where he laid out the county’s plans for the June 1 anniversary celebration.
Frolich was heavily involved with the event’s planning through the Borderlands Archive & History Center, the Boone County Public Library’s historic research and archival division. Brigit Striker and Greg Larison are the event’s primary planners.
“Some of the events are historical entertainment, bands, touch-a-truck, classic car show, farmer’s market, animal shelter adoptions, arboretum on wheels — there’s going to be a children’s area where there’s going to be face painting, balloons, etc.,” Frolich said. “A chalk fest, fishing competition, community partner tables, historic demonstrations, and something very precious to the judge’s heart – there will be stump speeches.”
Several county agencies and cities are contributing their own special touches to the celebration. The Boone County Sheriff purchased commemorative badges for each deputy to wear throughout the event, and the Boone County Distilling Company created commemorative, limited-edition bourbon bottles for the event.
The celebration features a lineup of live music starting with the Florence Community Band at noon, followed by several local acts on the Lents Stage throughout the afternoon.
The evening’s entertainment will continue at the Midway with performances by Dave Lewis and DJ Adkins at 6 p.m. and John Morgen from 8 to 9 p.m. Square dancing enthusiasts can join the Rabbit Hash String Band, which will have dancers and encourage audience participation.
Kids’ activities include face painting, balloon art, games, and an exhibit featuring a range of vehicles, such as a water rescue boat, skid steer, and vacuum excavator. A Fishing Derby will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. The Fly Fisherman’s Group will provide tackle and poles, making it accessible for everyone.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy various performances, including historical reenactments by Don and Esther Drewry, a quilt presentation by the Cooperative Extension and Homemakers Group, a Revolutionary War parade by the Sons of American Revolution, and a choreographed equestrian show by the Young Guns Drill Team.
Food trucks, local vendors, and a farmer’s market will be available for visitors to explore. The celebration will culminate in a 20-minute fireworks display starting at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks display will be produced by Cincinnati-based Yokum Fireworks, the same company that puts on Thunder over Louisville — the nation’s largest annual fireworks event.
“There’s something for everybody,” Commissioner Cathy Flaig said.
The celebration isn’t strictly limited to June 1. Boone County plans to host a variety of events throughout the remainder of 2024 to mark the 225th anniversary.
