As “Spirit on the Square,” a community event in downtown Winchester, draws closer, the John Templeton Foundation is announcing the full lineup of entertainment and activities.
“Spirit on the Square” is a festival celebrating the values embraced by the late philanthropist Sir John Templeton, a Winchester native, who was well-known for inspiring young people to draft essays based on his Laws of Life. Templeton compiled a list of spiritual laws that he said affected his personal attitudes and development.
The Saturday, June 23, event, scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m., will be headlined by the award-winning country music duo Joey+Rory. The husband and wife duo won the 2010 Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Duo and the 2011 Top Vocal Duo of the Year by the Inspirational Country Music Association. They are currently in production for a weekly television series “The Joey+Rory Show” that will begin airing on RFD-TV in July.
In addition to Joey+Rory, the main stage will feature Franklin County musician Jay Clark, Minnie Pearl and Dinah Shore impersonators, cloggers, and Irish dancers, along with bluegrass artist Tom Brantley and Missionary Ridge.
There will be an abundance of fun activities for children of all ages, from a scavenger hunt, face painting, storytelling and ring toss to woodworking and blacksmithing demonstrations, a balloon artist, photo booth, costume area, and sidewalk art, among others.
A welcome center will be open Saturday, June 23, from noon to 6 p.m., at the Winchester Garden Association Building on South College Street. Locals and visitors alike can stop by the center to learn more about Sir John Templeton, the John Templeton Foundation, “Spirit on the Square” and the history of Franklin County.
“Spirit on the Square” entertainment and activities are supported by Drs. John M. Templeton Jr. and Pina Templeton (Sir John Templeton’s son and daughter-in-law.)
For more information about the event, please visit www.acelebrationofspirit.org.