If all goes according to plan, a world record will be set in Owensboro later this month at the second annual “John Lanham Day” at Yellow Creek Park. Organizers Barry and Randy Lanham are attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the biggest bluegrass band, so they need 250 people to show up with their guitars, banjos, fiddles, and voices to play and sing the song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” together in the key of G.
John Lanham Day will be held October 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jim Lambert Pioneer Village in Yellow Creek Park (5710 KY 144). A full list of what to expect, including vendors and a schedule, can be found below.
The Lanhams have been in touch with Guinness to make sure the world record attempt is official. They are asking participants to be ready at noon. A video invitation and explanation can be found on YouTube here.
“We need all bluegrass players of any age and any level to come out,” Randy said. “Anybody that wants to be a part of this, whether you’re playing, singing, or you’re just listening. Everyone is invited.”
The mini-festival is hosted by brothers Barry and Randy as a way to honor the memory of their grandfather John, who was an old-time fiddle player and a well-known member of the Knottsville community. John served as a firefighter for 24 years and was president of the Lions Club. He was also involved in the St. William Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, among other organizations.
Music and helping people were a common thread of his life.
Randy Lanham said the idea for what has become known as “John Lanham Day” originated 3 years ago, just after John died, when about 170 people came to a jam session in his honor at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
“I had always wanted to do some sort of event at the Pioneer Village at Yellow Creek Park because those cabins and barns have such a cool vibe, so I thought moving the jam session out there was the perfect opportunity,” he said.
So in 2022, the event was moved there as a free, all-day, community event with music, food vendors, and old-time arts and crafts. Local luthiers will be making instruments on site as well.
“I’ve invited vendors to not only have items available, but to also show people what they’re making and how they’re making it,” Randy said.
One more component that is special to the Lanham family is giving back to the community. Last year donations were collected throughout the day for two local shelters.
This year, those donations will be given to three shelters: St. Benedict’s Day Shelter, Crossroads to Hope, and My Sisters Keeper.
“I think Grandad would be tickled to see all these people playing music and helping people,” Randy said. “Nothing made him happier.”
There will be other activities as well. The Isaac Sterrett Adventure Foundation will have a petting zoo. Bluegrass performers are scheduled under the pavilion at certain times, including Barry’s “Footstompin express.” The Lanhams also expect impromptu jam sessions to pop up throughout the village.
“John Lanham Day is a free event for the whole family,” Randy said. “Everybody is invited. It’s a fun way for people to get together, enjoy a good time, and raise money and awareness for some local shelters while you’re at it,” Lanham said.
Food Vendors
- Food and drinks provided by the Knottsville Lions Club — free with donation
- Moon River Coffee Truck
- Kona Ice — 25% of sales goes to the shelters
Scheduled Entertainment under the pavilion
- 10 a.m. Open Mic
- 11 a.m. Fletcher Family
- 12:15 p.m. Barry Lanham and the Footstompin Express Open Dance
- 1 p.m. Kings Highway
- 2 p.m. Bluegrass Brothers
- 3 p.m. Shrimp N Grits
Activities
- All-day music jamming
- Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation will provide a petting zoo
- Walking trails scavenger hunt
- Pumpkin and rock painting
- Trick-or-treating candy bowls at different booths
Arts and Crafts
- Lucia Felty Soap Making
- Knotheads Custom Engravings
- Jessie Carter Unique Art
- Gholson Family art “Out of the Woods” and “Into the Meadow”
- Serendipity Farm1856/Sherry Dickens studio
- Wooden Painted Designs
- Artwork Orange
Daviess County Luthiers Club
Instrument makers Willis Howard, Mark Royal, Joe Christian, Rocky Northern, and John London will have live demonstrations and instruments for sale.
