Set in the trees near the Barren River in Warren County, Kentucky is the little strip of heaven known as Beech Bend Raceway. Part dragstrip, part amusement park, Beech Bend has a deep history to the Bowling Green region. Originally a popular picnic overlook, the property was purchased in the 1940s by Charles Garvin, who proceeded to add in amusement points to the park, like a swimming pool, a pony ride, and a dance hall. Racers started to make an impression after World War II, when the 3/8-mile oval track, then a dirt track, was added. The dragstrip was built in the 1950s, and for years Beech Bend was a large attraction in the area.

Dallas and Alfreda Jones purchased the race tracks in 1984 and brought NHRA drag racing into Beech Bend, which allowed them to purchase the amusement park side in 1987. Today, Beech Bend is home to Holley’s MoParty, Ford Festival, and of course, LS Fest East, the original location for the celebration of all things powered by the latest and greatest General Motors engines.