This episode of Kentucky Life starts in Breathitt County, where host Chip Polston learns how farmers are overcoming challenges to become a model for Appalachia. Using progressive practices and neighbors’ help, farmers are thriving in Jackson.  

He then heads to Joyland Park in Fayette County. Once known for rides, arcade games, a club and casino, Joyland also had a history of segregation, preventing Black families from swimming in its pool and only allowing them to enter on specific days. Through memories and historical insight, Chip explores Joyland’s complicated legacy of joy and exclusion.

Lastly, Kentucky Life journeys to Jefferson County to meet the organizers of the 65^th Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. They host an 11-week season of free theater performances in Old Louisville’s Central Park and offer programs to expose students to and engage them in the theater.

Kentucky Life
KET Saturday, March 28 • 8/7 pm
KET2 Wednesday, April 1 • 2:30/1:30 pm
Watch on-demand at KET.org and on the PBS Video app

Kentucky Life is a KET production, produced by Casey Harris. View more Kentucky Life episodes online, as well as those from KET’s archives, at KET.org/KentuckyLife.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, providing trusted programming, lifelong learning opportunities and essential services to more than two million people each week. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on X @KET and at facebook.com/KET.