Assumption Fest to feature Kentucky Wings King

Start: Saturday, September 20, 2025 10:00AM
End: Saturday, September 20, 2025 6:30PM

Assumption Fest to feature Kentucky Wings King WALTON, KY – The annual Assumption Festival, whose proceeds help a traditional Catholic community in Walton, Kentucky, presents staples of many church fundraisers in the Tri-State. Emus at the petting zoo snatch ice cream cones from toddlers. Daughters toss ping pong balls into bowls to “win” goldfish. Dizzy teens become dizzier on rides that churn, turn, twist and swoosh. But this growing group of Latin mass faithful, about 20 miles south of Cincinnati off I-75, goes the extra mile in ecclesiastical entertainment. Don’t be surprised to see Our Lady of the Assumption priests, many of whom teach at the Assumption Academy for boys, crooning folk tunes from Old Kentucky, strumming Tamburican classics from the Old World, or in the case of the acclaimed Kentucky Wings King, Fr. Carl Sulzen, grilling heavenly chicken marinated in hellish hot sauce. Nuns from the neighboring Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy for girls will hand out homemade bourbon balls, sell raffle tickets for rare bottles of Pappy Van Winkle and host muscle cars in their parking lot at the Sunday auto show. The musical lineup includes Bluegrass banjo legends Jim and Valerie Gabehart; Irish folk acts Easter Rising as well as JD and the Stonemasons; the metal turned country Rick George Band from Dayton; and rising Cincinnati rocker and “The Voice” contestant Sam Dearie, joined by members of the Nies family, likened to the von Trapps of the Tri-State. A former Miss Ohio may join them on stage. Other highlights of the festival, founded in 2012, include a zip line, kids games, bingo, blackjack, hi-lo, strolling magician, Brothers BBQ, wood fire pizza, wine and margaritas, funnel cakes and fireworks. Nominal fees for amusement rides and drinks at the beer tent, where Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand may serve you complimentary home grown hot peppers. All fest proceeds go to the church and schools. Admission and parking are free. ASSUMPTION FEST SCHEDULE Fri Sep 19 6pm- 10 festival open 6pm-10pm- Main Stage: JD and the Stonemasons 9pm-Fireworks Sat Sep 20 10am- Cornhole tournament Registration at 9 2pm-10pm- festival open Main Stage 2pm-5pm- Jim & Valerie Gabehart 6:30pm-10pm- Easter Rising 3:30-6:30- Brett Sears strolling magic Sun Sep 21 10am-5pm-Car, Truck and Bike Show (Registration begins at 10am) 2pm-8pm-Festival open Main Stage 2-2:45- Magician Brett Sears 3-5- Rick George Acoustic 5-7:30- Dearie Nies Band 7:30- Sweepstake drawings for Side of Beef, Pappy Van Winkle, Gun and Cash Prizes