HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Jeffers Bend Environmental Center hosted their annual Naturefest event on Sept. 21 where families and the community could gather and explore the outdoors to kick off fall.

Diane Croney-Turner told Christian County Now that she looks forward to the event every year. Although the day is busy, she said it allows the community a chance to disconnect from screens and experience nature. Turner spent the afternoon driving back and forth with a big smile on her face, checking on vendors and ensuring attendees were satisfied.

Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Naturefest at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sept. 21, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)

Due to the impact of this growing event, there was an official proclamation from city and county officials earlier this month declaring September as Naturefest month.

With around 40 local vendors set up, people had the opportunity to learn about local pollinators and bugs, watch a science experiment from the Christian County Master Gardeners, make flower art with the Hopkinsville- Christian County Public Library, or take a ride in a canoe around the pond. A local beekeeper was set up with a buzzing swarm, and Visit Hopkinsville was serving up some pancakes and so much more so there was something for everyone.

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