Join us as we celebrate the birthday of the award-winning musician who penned “Paradise” about Muhlenberg County, Ky. The Third Annual “Prine Park Birthday Bash” is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1 until 5 p.m. at John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam in observance of the singer’s birthday and John Prine Month in Muhlenberg County.
The event is themed “Birds of a Feather,” in reference to Prine’s love of Kentucky’s state bird, the cardinal.
The day’s activities will be somewhat informal, featuring a popular open mic music session, birthday goodies, giveaways, a silent auction, food trucks, and the camaraderie shared by Prine fans.
Prine was born Oct. 10, 1946, in Maywood, Ill., to William and Verna Prine, his parents native to Muhlenberg County. His internationally-known 1970 song “Paradise” was written for his father about the small town on the banks of the Green River. Prine was a frequent visitor to Paradise and Muhlenberg County throughout his life and brought Muhlenberg County to eternal international recognition with his music.
John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam was dedicated on Oct. 1, 2022, following the singer’s death on April 7, 2020. In accordance with Prine’s wishes, the family later spread his ashes into the Green River as he sang in “Paradise,” “When I die let my ashes float down the Green River/Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester Dam.”
John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam is located on Boat Ramp Lane in Drakesboro. While limited seating will be provided, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs to assure seating. Limited disabled parking will be available on-site.
For additional information, contact vice president Karen Harper Lain 270.993.8542 or secretary C. Josh Givens at 270.543.2405.