The annual Hart County Fair Basket Making Contest has reignited basket production in Hart County, KY over the course of the last several years. The contest was conceptualized and continues to be sponsored by Munfordville physician and local craft enthusiast Dr. James Middleton.

Through his contest, his collecting, and other forms of support, Middleton has made the perpetuation of the local basket making tradition something of a personal crusade, with much support from the community at large. His office, the Family Medical Center of Hart County, is a veritable museum dedicated to baskets and basket makers, quilts and quilters, and other local craft traditions. Middleton purchases the winning baskets from the contest each year to add to the magnificent display that adorns the walls of his office. He also buys other baskets from local makers throughout the year, pursuing his goal of having a basket on display from every basket maker in the area.

A true champion of this local tradition, Middleton has done much good work to ensure its continued vitality.

Program 536

A tour of the new Artisan Center in Berea, the best white-oak baskets in Hart County, Lexington’s Gallery Hop, and the music of jazz pianist Monika Herzig. (#536)

Program 817

Owensboro’s RiverPark Center, opera singer Laquita Mitchell, the Hart County Fair’s basket-making contest, and music by Wishing Chair and Steve Wogaman. (#817)