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Lincoln birthplace hosting night sky viewing event

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park invites you to join them for a look at the stars.

The park will host their Fall Night Sky Program at the Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek on Friday, October 11, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The tour will be conducted by Eastern Kentucky University Department of Physics, Geosciences, and Astronomy Professor Dr. Mark Pitts. Topics will include stars, planets, light pollution, and dark skies, and Pitts will demonstrate the workings of a telescope.

Admission to the event is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight, bug spray, and a blanket or chair, and visitors should wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Contact the historic park for more information, and stay tuned to the park’s social media sites for weather-related updates.

Hodgenville gearing up for Lincoln Days this weekend

Area residents are invited this weekend to visit what has been named by Kentucky Living as the best festival in Kentucky for four straight years.

The 53rd annual Lincoln Days Celebration will be held in the sixteenth president’s hometown of Hodgenville October 5 and 6.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Days has experiences for young and old alike including food, vendors, live music, unique exhibits and displays, nationally-recognized contests, and one of the oldest continually held art shows in the state.

The festivities get started at 7:30 a.m. on October 5 with the Women’s Club of Hodgenville’s traditional country breakfast. Opening ceremonies will then be held on the main stage at Lincoln Square at 8 a.m.

Other events scheduled for Saturday include the cookie baking contest, the antique tractor show, the quilt show, pioneer games, the Lil’ Abe and Sarah family costume contest, the Abe and Mary Todd Lincoln look alike contests, the ice cream eating contest, the 5k and 10k, the Lincoln Days Parade, and live music including The Perfect Fit Band and The Monarchs.

Events for Sunday include the car show, the community worship service, and gospel music.

Visit www.lincolndays.org for more information and a complete schedule of events.

Red Cross calls for blood donations amid shortage and hurricane response

The American Red Cross continues to urge eligible members of the public to donate blood products as the U.S. continues to deal with a national blood shortage.

According to the Red Cross, the organization experienced a significant shortfall in blood and platelet donations in August, which followed a July that saw a near 25 percent drop in the blood supply. The Red Cross says it must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month In order to meet the needs of hospitals and patients.

Further strain on the blood supply comes from natural disasters including Hurricane Helene, ahead of which the Red Cross sent hundreds of blood products from around the country to areas that were expected to be the most impacted by the storm. This can create additional strain on areas impacted by the blood shortage.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to schedule donations, especially Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets. As a thank you, all who donate from October 1 through 20 will receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card.

Learn more and schedule a donation appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org, by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.