The logo for this year’s “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” music festival, to take place Oct. 10, reflects America’s 250th anniversary. COURTESY OF PICKIN’ LIFE
Pro-life musical festival/fundraiser to be held in October
PRESS RELEASE
Catholics will lead the way in raising awareness of and funds for life-affirming pregnancy care centers in western Kentucky when they host the 13th annual “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” charity music festival on Saturday, Oct. 10. The Pickin’ Life Project, a 501(c)(3) established by Owensboro diocese parishioners Jeff and Laura Smith, organize and host the event at their home on Lake Beshear, near Dawson Springs.
Eleven Knights of Columbus councils, their family members and one Fourth Degree Assembly provide all support at the venue. During its 12-year history, “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” has raised more than $345,000 for pro-life pregnancy care centers in western Kentucky. In 2025, the music fest raised $62,352. The Knights of Columbus provided an additional $12,400 for the pregnancy centers through its national Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program.
The organizers defray all event costs up front and a benefactor will match the first $15,000 in donations and purchases. The Pickin’ Life Project donates 100% of money raised at “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” to Alpha PCC (Hopkinsville), Door of Hope (Madisonville), H.O.P.E. Clinic (Benton and Eddyville) and Pathway of Hope (Greenville). The pregnancy centers are faith-based and depend on private donations to remain open. They receive no government funding because the centers will never refer clients for abortion.
The music festival will be held, rain or shine, at 307 Island Cove Lane in Dawson Springs, on the shore of Lake Beshear. Grounds open at 11 a.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and are welcome to bring coolers. Volunteer staff members will direct parking and use golf carts to help make the short trip to the venue and back to cars. Five bands will perform bluegrass, country, gospel, rock and blues music beginning at 11:45 a.m. Hot food and cold drinks are available for purchase all day, with the addition of gourmet ice cream this year. There will be a raffle with many prizes, 15 winners and a $1,000 cash grand prize.
More information about the event and ways to donate can be found on www.bluegrassonbeshear.com , facebook.com/bluegrassonbeshear or (270) 399-5018. All donations go to the pregnancy care centers and are tax deductible.
