HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As the weather warms up, Jeffers Bend Environmental Center is preparing to host a variety of activities in 2024 including the return of the beloved Hummingbird Festival.
The Hummingbird Festival began in 2022 and it was a huge success. “We had hundreds of people turn out for that,” said Charles Turner with Jeffers Bend at the Kiwanis meeting on March 14. In 2023, the festival was cancelled due to weather, but Turner said he’s excited to bring it back this August.
Activities at the bend will begin with a Kids Fishing and Water Activities Day on May 25. This fishing event started in 1999 where 200 people attended. In 2012, Turner says around 1,650 people fished on the lake. “Everyone was shoulder to shoulder, we were lucky no one got hooked,” Turner joked.
In June, Jeffers Bend will host their largest annual fundraiser, Benefit for the Bend. This year, their goal is to raise $32,000 for the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and 56 acres.
Returning in the fall is Naturefest, one of the biggest events at Jeffers Bend. Naturefest brings people from all over Kentucky and North Tennessee to enjoy a family day with canoeing, forestry, birding, and more. “We are trying to get more animals this year, with over 40 presenters” Turner said.
In October, local historian William Turner will share the story of the Bell Witch during Jeffers Bend Torchlight Tales and Witch Costume Affair. “It’s amazing the number of people that come year after year after year,” Turner said.
Jeffers Bend ends their year with Christmas at the Bend where families can take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Jeffers Bend Environmental Center is located on 1170 Metcalfe Lane. For more information call the Bend at 270-885-5600.