Clarksville, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Over 1,400 butterflies will take flight and embark on their migration to the mountains of Mexico when they are released on Saturday.
The 11th Annual Oak Grove Tourism Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28 on the grounds of Valor Hall Conference Center at the War Memorial Walking Trail Park, at 101 Walter Garrett Lane.
The free event will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. It is a free, family event and there’s something for everyone to see, do and learn.
The event was created in 2008 and has continued to draw a larger crowd each year and release more butterflies accomplishing the goal to bring tourism to the city and an educational experience to families.
“The Butterfly Festival is a way to provide children with fun and educational activities at no cost,” said Britnee Ohmans, executive administrator for Oak Grove Tourism. “We do a live release of the butterflies to celebrate the monarch’s migration to Mexico.”
Those who attend will be able to interact with live butterflies in their habitat in the Butterfly House. Master Gardeners will give tours of the butterfly garden and children will have the opportunity to create environmental art and craft projects.
A stage show will occur three times during the day and will feature comic ventriloquist Steve Brogan, who has been featured on multiple national shows.
A Canine Star Stunt Show will also be featured and Sara and Hero, finalist from the 2017 America’s Got Talent competition, will be a part of the Canine Stars.
Max’s Hope Rescue will also be there with cats and dogs to adopt for a fee.
“We wanted the rescue here in honor of our show,” Ohmans said. “Many of the dogs in the show are rescue dogs. This is a way to support our local rescues.”
Train rides, face-painting, caricature artistry, a human gyroscope ride and fun photo ops will also be available.
The highlight of the event will happen at the conclusion when 1,400 live butterflies are released.
The annual butterfly festival is the only one of its kind in the state of Kentucky. The Oak Grove Tourism Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular events in the region.
Parking, admission and all activities are free. The only costs are for food vendors and pet adoptions. Coolers and oversized bags will be checked. No alcohol is permitted. Lawn chairs are welcome, but tents an canopies are not advised.
According to legend, the butterflies carry wishes with them as they are released.
“This is such a unique event and brings so many visitors to Oak Grove,” Ohmans said. “The tourism to our area is positive and we want people to see what Oak Grove has to offer.”
