OAK GROVE, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Patrons celebrated four decades of art, history, community and culture with the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center on Saturday during Flying High 40, an annual fundraiser gala.

Presented by Joan and Ernie DeWald of Clarksville Dental Center, this year’s event was held at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.

The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Frank Lott and Christina Clark at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Sandra and Louis at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Randy and Allison at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Carolyn Loyd and Brian Duerr at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Kevin Kennedy and Christina Clark at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Daniel and Charlotte at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Robin Davis and Ben Howard at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Regina, Donna, and Rossana at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Bob Jordan and Kenny Hummer at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
John Maher and Holly Maher at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Deborah and Holly at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Chip Hoback at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Billy and Amy at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Chip Hoback at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The Kennedy’s at the 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
The 40th Flying High event hosted by the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on August 25, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)

The evening featured silent and live auctions with original art from a variety of local artists. Each year, the museum asks an artist to create a signature artwork as the grand finale for the live auction event. Kay Drew, the signature artist in 2002, was selected again for 2024.

“We raised the bar this year; it’s more elegant, celebrating 40 years. A lot of our past chairs and guild members are here, so it is a very important night to celebrate the arts in Clarksville,” said Christina Clark, chair of Flying High’s 40th Anniversary.

“This event is just such a grand tradition, and it means so much to the museum as an institution to have folks who are so loyal, committed, and dedicated to come to these events year after year,” said Frank Lott, Customs House executive director. “There are some people here tonight who have been to every Flying High. It is such a remarkable legacy and tradition, and we hope it continues on in the wonderful way it has.”

For more, visit the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center website.

NEW TO CLARKSVILLE? Check out our Newcomer’s Guide