Bowling Green, August 9, 2025
News Summary
The 6th Annual Shake Rag Festival is set to take place in Bowling Green, showcasing the vibrant history of the Shake Rag Historic District, an African American community. Scheduled for August 9 at 5 p.m., the free event invites locals and visitors to enjoy activities like line dances, historic hayrides, and a petting zoo. Organized by Shalana Page, the festival aims to honor the community’s resilience and heritage while engaging attendees with its rich cultural legacy.
Bowling Green will host the 6th Annual Shake Rag Festival on Saturday, August 9, aimed at celebrating the rich history and heritage of the Shake Rag Historic District, an African American community established in the 1800s. The festival is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will take place at 415 E Third Avenue. Admission to the event is free, inviting community members and visitors to participate in honoring this unique cultural legacy.
The festival is organized by Shalana Page, who has dedicated the past six years to overseeing the event. She highlights that the history of Shake Rag is an integral part of Bowling Green’s overall history. Historically, Shake Rag was a robust community that featured its own doctors, teachers, diners, and various businesses—providing a safe haven for residents, especially during the segregation era. With the goal of celebrating both the resilience and ongoing vibrancy of the Shake Rag community, Page is eager to showcase its enduring spirit.
Throughout the festival, attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including line dances, historic hayrides, local vendors, and a petting zoo. These events aim to engage not just the residents of the area but also individuals from surrounding communities, helping to educate and share the historical significance of the Shake Rag neighborhood.
The Shake Rag area is historically significant, having prospered post-Civil War and served as a sanctuary for Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. Urban renewal projects in recent decades have dramatically altered the neighborhood, resulting in the displacement of many longtime residents. Nonetheless, the community’s stories, traditions, and legacies continue to thrive, largely supported by the efforts of institutions like the George Washington Carver Center—serving as a history museum dedicated to preserving the narratives of Shake Rag.
Long-time residents such as Bettie Turner have shared insights into the community’s importance and the tight-knit relationships that defined the area, where neighbors knew one another well and offered support. The term “Shake Rag” itself is believed to derive from the tradition of families hanging out laundry to dry, symbolizing the identity and character of this close community.
The Shake Rag Festival aims not only to commemorate the past but also to ensure that the rich heritage continues to be recognized and celebrated by future generations. It serves as a reminder of the community’s remarkable journey and the spirit of resilience that remains at its core.
FAQ Section
What is the date and time of the Shake Rag Festival?
The Shake Rag Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, starting at 5 p.m.
Where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place at 415 E Third Avenue in Bowling Green.
What types of activities will be available at the festival?
Activities at the festival include line dances, historic hayrides, local vendors, and a petting zoo.
Is there an admission fee for the festival?
No, admission to the Shake Rag Festival is free.
Why is the Shake Rag community historically significant?
Shake Rag was a thriving African American community that provided essential services and safe refuge for its residents during segregation. It has a rich history that contributes to the overall narrative of Bowling Green.
Key Features of the Shake Rag Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | August 9 |
| Time | 5 p.m. onwards |
| Location | 415 E Third Avenue, Bowling Green |
| Admission | Free |
| Activities | Line dances, historic hayrides, local vendors, petting zoo |
| Organizer | Shalana Page |
| Historical Significance | African American community established in the 1800s |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Shake Rag Festival Celebrates History
- Wikipedia: Shake Rag
- Spectrum News 1: Shake Rag Historical District
- Google Search: Shake Rag District
- BG Daily News: Preservation of Shake Rag’s History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shake Rag
- WNKY: Shake Rag Bar and Lounge Opens
- Google News: Shake Rag Festival
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
