COVINGTON, Ky. — Devou Park will play host to bicycle races, bluegrass, and food Saturday, Sept. 26 — all to benefit the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky’s substance abuse program for area youths.
“Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky is honored to once again be the beneficiary of the DevouGrass Music and Arts Festival,” shares Rick Wurth, CHNK Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful for the Devou Good Project’s efforts to raise awareness for not just CHNK, but also the hundreds of youth in Northern Kentucky who are battling behavioral health issues, including substance use. This event is a perfect opportunity to help CHNK build bridges with the community that we have been a part of for more than 133 years.”
DevouGrass held its first festival in 2014 and despite poor weather was able to raise more than $10,000 in donations benefiting CHNK’s substance abuse program that launched last year as well, according to DevouGrass spokeswoman Shannon Purkiss.
The Misty Mountain String Band
For its second year, the festival’s list of headline bands include Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass and Hickory Robot from Cincinnati, The Misty Mountain String Band from Louisville, and Bawn in the Mash from Paducah, Kentucky. The festivall starts at noon, with bands taking the stage in the park's outdoor band shell at 2 p.m. Circus Mojo, Joel the Singing Librarian and a host of hands-on activities will also be present to entertain children until the festival ends at dusk.
DevouGrass organizers have also partnered with the Devou Park Trails Collective this year to present the 5th Annual Devou Backcountry Bonanza for a weekend of extended entertainment. The Collective will host bike races, organized rides and bike demonstrations inside the park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from the bike events helps fund the expansion of the bicycle trails being built by volunteers inside of Devou Park.
“The DevouGrass Festival exists to create an opportunity for good things to happen as a result of bringing communities together through music and art.” said Rebekah Gensler, founder of the non-profit Devou Good Project behind festival. “We’re excited to include additional activities and bike races this year, and hope to see even more new faces to help us raise funds and awareness for CHNK’s programs.”
P&P Woodfired Pizza, Roll With It Cafe, and the Colonel’s Creamery ice cream food trucks will also be on hand Saturday.
The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky was founded in Covington in 1882 as an orphanage and has continued to evolve to serve children and families in the region. Nestled in Devou Park, CHNK served more than 400 children and families in 33 counties in the Kentucky, according to local non-profit.
For more information on the festival visit www.devougrass.com and see a map of where Devou Park is located below.
