Beech Tree News Network

Join us as we celebrate the birthday of the award-winning musician who penned “Paradise”

Muhlenberg County, Ky. – The Second Annual “Prine Park Birthday Bash” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam in observance of the singer’s birthday and John Prine Month in Muhlenberg County.

The event is themed “Honey, We Are The Big Door Prize,” in reference to one of Prine’s most beloved songs. The day’s activities will be somewhat informal, featuring an open mic session, birthday goodies, giveaways, a silent auction, food trucks, and the camaraderie shared by Prine fans.

 Prine was born Oct. 10, 1946, in Maywood, Ill., to William and Verna Prine, his parents native to Muhlenberg County. His internationally-known 1970 song “Paradise” was written for his father about the small town on the banks of the Green River. Prine was a frequent visitor to Paradise and Muhlenberg County throughout his life, and brought Muhlenberg County to eternal international recognition with his music.

John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam was dedicated on Oct. 1, 2022, following the singer’s death on April 7, 2020. In accordance with Prine’s wishes, the family later spread his ashes into the Green River at the dam as he had sang in “Paradise,” “When I die let my ashes float down the Green River/Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester Dam.”

John Prine Memorial Park at Rochester Dam is located on Boat Ramp Lane in Drakesboro, Ky. Parking and shuttle services will be available from Rochester Ballpark in Butler County, located at 636 Russellville Street, Rochester, Ky. While limited seating will be provided, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs to assure seating. Limited disabled parking will be available on-site.

For additional information, contact vice president Karen Harper Lain 270.993.8542 or secretary C. Josh Givens at 270.543.2405.