On September 6th, 2025, the annual Twilight Festival took place right here in downtown Versailles. The streets were filled with crafts, music, shopping, and entertainment, among other activities. The Versailles Twilight Festival is a delightful opportunity to support local businesses, connect with the community, and is a perfect way to kick off the fall season in Woodford County!
One highlight of the Versailles Twilight Festival was the group dance and acro demonstration performed by the students of Jane’s School of Dance (JSOD). There was also a Boosters Booth, which helps raise money for the dancers (especially for costumes, competition fees, and educational classes). Keli Back, a dance mom at JSOD, and her daughter, Talia, both sat for an interview with the Jacket Journal about how this year’s festival went.
When asked what she enjoys most about the Twilight Festival, Back stated, “I enjoyed seeing both my daughters in the same dance. I also loved getting to see the entire competition team together for the first time this season.” Talia, on the other hand, had input about the perspectives of dance students at the festival. She expressed, “I really enjoyed walking around with my friends as well as performing for the community.” As for myself, I loved getting the chance to entertain Woodford County. As a graduating senior, experiencing my last-ever Twilight festival performance was truly bittersweet.
I then asked them what part they played in the Twilight Festival and if they plan to attend in the future. Keli stated, “I was a dance mom and worked a 2-hour shift at the JSOD Dance Boosters tent, where I helped with face painting.” She also said she will continue to attend the Twilight Festival as she conveys, “It’s an enjoyable community event for everyone to attend!” Talia claimed, “I performed a group dance and an acro demonstration.” She also explained, “I will be attending the Twilight Festival in the future because I plan to keep dancing.” As for me, I participated in the Twilight festival as a JSOD dancer.
Visiting and participating in the Twilight Festival is a great way to support small businesses, connect with the Versailles community, and celebrate the autumn season. I asked Keli Back and Talia if they would recommend the Twilight Festival to others. Talia expressed, “Though I enjoyed performing and walking around with my friends, I really wished to see more variety of merchandise and shopping options.” Keli also voiced, “I would encourage others to attend because there was great food, amazing live events, and lots of local merch for sale.”
This year’s Twilight Festival was a huge success and was enjoyed by many. If you love fall festivities, entertainment, and the Versailles community, it’s the perfect event for you. If you didn’t check it out this year, it would definitely be worth attending in the future!
