Raintree County Festival, Danville Kentucky

Things to Do
at Beaumont

Raintree County Festival 2007

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Schedule of Events: Raintree County Festival- July 24 - August 5
Background: Raintree County, a novel by Ross Lockridge, Jr. and screenplay by Milliard Kauffman, was the last epic film made during MGM’s fabled "Golden Era of Cinematography." In 1956 it was the most expensive domestic motion picture ever made. Danville/ Boyle County was carefully selected, over 16 other states, as location for 40% of the movie’s exterior shots. Three hundred Kentucky residents were hired as extras and worked with Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Eva Marie Saint, Agnes Moorehead, Lee Marvin, Nigel Patrick, Director Eddie Dmytryk, Screenwriter Milliard Kaufman, and one hundred of MGM’s brightest talents. Just about everyone alive in Danville during those times was touched by the movie’s stardust. There exists, buried in the back corners of people’s basements and attics, hundreds of dusty fragile home movies, photos and memories capturing the magic of those halcyon days when Danville became "Hollywood’s Hometown."

All locations for the festival are in Danville and most events are FREE, with the exception of the play, dinner, formal tea and wine tasting. If you are from out of town, plan on attending the weekend of July 26-29, as additional “One-Time-Only” events are scheduled for that weekend. For hotel or area attraction information, contact the Danville/Boyle County Visitors & Convention Bureau: www.danville.kentucky.com, Phone: 800-755-0076 or E-mail: info@danvillekentucky.com. Make your reservations early as hotels will be filling up! A campground is available at Pioneer Playhouse Outdoor Dinner Theatre

DAILY EVENTS - July 24-Aug. 5

Raintree County Memorabilia Displays
Where: Pioneer Playhouse Outdoor Dinner Theatre, 840 Stanford Road, Danville
When: Daily, 9am - 10:30pm
Where: The Danville Community Arts Center, 401 W. Main Street, Danville,
When: Tuesday – Friday: 10am-5pm, Sat: 10am-3pm

A Jarful of Fireflies, Comedy by Catherine Bush - An original comedy about the filming of Raintree County 50 years ago in Danville, full of nostalgic laughs and forgotten secrets! Produced by Pioneer Playhouse. Rated G
When: Nightly July 24-Aug. 5, with Sunday Matinees, visit www.pioneerplayhouse.com, reservations: (859) 236-2747, toll free: 866-597-5297. 7:30pm dinner & show ($25), 8:30 show only-$15, Sunday shows: 2:30pm & 8:30pm, July 29/Aug.5 (No dinner on Sundays, Concessions available)

Self-guided driving tour of movie locations.
Where: Danville - purchase a map of movie locations for $3 at Pioneer Playhouse or the Danville-Boyle Convention & Visitors Bureau, 105 E. Walnut Street, Danville

"The Making of Raintree County" in Kentucky -
Daily discussion & video presentation - TBA

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WEEKEND EVENTS – July

Raintree County movie screening (FREE)
Where: The Charles Vahlkamp Theatre - Centre College Campus
When: Friday, July 27 & Aug. 3 - 7pm / Saturday, July 28 & Aug. 4 - 2pm

Lectures and Presentations of the History & Making of Raintree County (FREE)- with Dr. Charles Vahlkamp, Stephen V. Russell, Holly Henson - TBA

Civil War Living History Displays (FREE) - Enjoy “Living History” shopkeepers, Civil War soldiers and authentic reenactments of Civil War life.
Where: Pioneer Playhouse
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 9am-5pm, both weekends of Festival (July 28-29, Aug. 4-5)

Raintree County Formal Tea - A two hour elegant tea, hosted by Old Crow Inn. Cost: $16, prepaid reservations are required and seating is limited. Reservations: Call (859)-236-1808, oldcrowinn.com
Where: Old Crow Inn
When: On Saturdays Only: Saturday July 28 & Aug. 4 - 2pm seating

Formal Wine Tasting - Old Crow Inn is home of Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Vineyard & Winery. During normal hours, one can drop in anytime. The “Formal Tea” is offered on weekends only. Sample six wines with complimentary wine glass, plus cheese and crackers. $10 with prepaid reservations required. Reservations: Call (859) 236-1808, oldcrowinn.com.
When: Friday & Saturdays, 6pm - (Friday July 27 & Aug. 3 / Saturday July 28 & Aug. 4)

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"ONE TIME ONLY" EVENTS
Whimsey/ Street Dance - sponsored by Heart of Danville. With picnic dinners, farmers market, dancing demonstrations, Look-Alike Contests (Downtown stores will remain open later).
Where: Main Street, in front of Boyle County Courthouse - Danville
When: Thursday, July 26 - 7pm- 9pm

Discussion of Novel Raintree County: The History & Hysteria - lead by Sarah Vahlkamp (FREE)
Where: TBA
When: Friday, July 27 - 2pm

Opening Night Celebration/ World Premiere of A Jarful of Fireflies
Where: Pioneer Playhouse
When: Tuesday, July 24 - Reception at 7pm, Dinner & Show ($25), 8:30 Show Only ($15), with after show party & reception (meet the cast & playwright!)
Reservations: (859) 236-2747, toll free: 866-597-5297

Front Porch Tours (FREE)
Where: 3rd Street (a.k.a. Beaten Biscuit Road) - Pre-Civil War homes, bed & breakfasts will be open, serving lemonade with live banjo music, leading to Nelson Rodes mansion (Elizabeth Taylor’s home in film) along a block and a half stretch.
When: Sunday, July 29, 1-5pm

Beaumont Inn
Historic Bed & Breakfast in the Kentucky Horse & Bluegrass Region
638 Beaumont Inn Drive / PO Box 158
Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330
Near Lexington & Frankfort
Call for reservations, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST: 1-800-352-3992 or 859-734-3381
Reserve Online!

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