Staff report
After more than a year of loving — and hard — labor, the Rabbit Hash General Store will reopen its doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1st.
The public is invited to stop by on Saturday for a rousing good time — and a celebration of the rebirth of one of Northern Kentucky’s most famous iconic destinations, destroyed by a fire last year.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The store will feature live music from noon to 8 p.m., including performances by
Cadillac Catfish and the Rhythm Gang 2-3:30 p.m.
The Modified 4-6 p.m.
The Star Devils 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Verona Vineyards Wine Tasting Room will be open and featuring a re-release of their “ID. Clare Sweet Concord American Wine.”
The town’s seasonal businesses, The Scalded Hog restaurant and Amber’s Antiques will also be open for the first time this year.
Rabbit Hash has limited parking and will be setting up remote parking areas with a shuttle service to and from town.
Organizers urge carpooling if possible.
Coolers are not permitted.
BRYNN, the new Mayor of Rabbit Hash, will be on hand for the festivities. Runners-up in the election, Bourbon and Lady, have official positions as Ambassadors to Rabbit Hash and will also be in attendance.
Rabbit Hash historian, Don Clare, president of the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, reports that the past few months have been a flurry of activity to get the General Store rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire last fall.
Clare reported on the Rabbit Hash website:
As you all know, irreplaceable artifacts were either consumed or completely ruined by the fire. It is so encouraging when people come up and say, “oh, I have this or that piece that belonged to my grandma that you can have to put in the store when it’s done.” We appreciate and cherish those offers and artifacts. Thank you all. I am also happy to report that Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, down in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is donating some of their artifacts that they no longer use or display there to permanently put in our store. How great is that?
“Work on the store (consists) of the installation of the fire suppression system; the rest of the electrical work and insulation in the ceiling; the interior door and window trim; and the washing of the walls and painting. All the art and memories are now sealed away safely and securely in their time capsule behind the walls, and the right shed room already has its primer coat of Rabbit Hash white applied.
“After all that comes the walk-in cooler, the two long counters, and the shelving —- again using the same vintage materials and craftsmanship and techniques.”
Terri Markesbery reports on the website: “Hats off to the diligence of Ed (Unterreiner) and his crew, Eddie Unterreiner, Dustin Boone Hagedorn, Duane Doyle, Don Clare and Brandon Ryle and their incredible efforts of the rebuilding of the store. It is truly been an epic effort to create such an architectural marvel. My deeply intense gratitude can never be conveyed nor can I express the pride I have. . .for support, donations and role in this epic event.”
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You may be interested in these NKyTribune stories:
Steve Flarity’s column, the feeling of coming home
I was a little confused when I read online that the Rabbit Hash General Store had live music on Sunday. I thought the place burnt down and was being rebuilt. I called and they explained they set up shop across the way in the barn . So we went down to check it out. The place had a neat vibe . Everyone was very friendly. The store was right on the river and like walking back in time. When the band took a short break, we walked across the street to the shop with free wine tastings. My only complaint, the band had a good sound, but played all slow songs. I think some upbeat, maybe blue grass music, would really have place jumping.