Festival Info
The Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival is a vibrant celebration originating from the rich agricultural history in the region. This annual event brings together locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, delicious food, carnival rides, circus events, wrestling, talent shows, a parade, and arts and crafts vendors. The festival showcases the community's pride and creates lasting memories.
Parking
Parking options are conveniently located around the town square in several parking lots, which include:
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Lancaster Elementary School
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Whitaker Bank
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First Southern
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Court House
Food
We are proud to offer a diverse range of food options at the festival. There truly is something for everyone, and even more! Be sure to indulge in one of these food or beverage vendors while you’re in town:
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Food Vendors Coming Soon!
How it all started..
The Garrard County Rural Heritage Tobacco Festival has been a cherished community tradition since the 1980s. For more than 40 years, locals have come together to celebrate our community and pay tribute to our agricultural heritage. Traditionally, the festival featured actual tobacco cutting, highlighting the skill and dedication of local farmers in their craft.
Community members gathered at a local tobacco farm to enjoy a friendly competition in the craft of tobacco cutting. This family-oriented event celebrated the deep agricultural heritage of Garrard County.
Following the tobacco cutting, the community kept the festivities alive in town. They indulged in all the beloved festival favorites, including vendors, games, rides, and much more. This cherished festival tradition has always been eagerly awaited!
Over time, the event has evolved to focus more on offering a fun-filled weekend for both our community and visitors eager to embrace our small-town charm. We remain committed to honoring our history and the traditions that have been established over the years.
Join us in 2025 as we continue to uphold traditions, honoring our history while celebrating the present.