Hardin Local S2026E09: Tattoo & Food Festival, Events & Business Buzz

What We Covered This Week

The OG crew was back at the table — Phil Taul, Scott Lucas, Jon O'Brien, and Nate Bryan — for a fast, focused Hardin Local Weekly. With Rachel Brantingham out and Britten and Michele McDowell off as well (all three back next Tuesday), there was no housing update and no Experienced Eater review this week, which made for a tighter show built around three things: a packed events calendar, a major downtown weekend, and a full slate of business news.

The throughline was momentum downtown. Jon O'Brien's events rundown was one of the deepest in recent memory — he counted at least seven venues hosting live music across the weekend, which he suggested might be a record and a sign of "how far we've come as far as offering entertainment." The centerpiece of the show was the E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival, landing at the Haycraft Friday through Sunday, with organizer Tyler Casey joining Jon to talk it up. And Nate Bryan's Business Buzz pointed to real growth on the south side — new development at Sullivan's Business Park, a gutted Movie Palace fueling a Big Sandy theory, and Boot Barn's new Starlite Center store.

Phil opened with announcements, reminding candidates that Hardin Local's free election interview registration closes February 28 and clarifying the policy so city races with later filing deadlines get a fair window. The segment also marked a community loss: the passing of Clark Jewelers co-founder Martha Clark at 100 years old.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPuNSvY6Ap8

In This Episode

Hardin County Events: February 24 – March 1, 2026

Hardin County This Week — with Jon O'Brien

Jon O'Brien delivered one of the fullest event weeks of the season. It opens with Family Tuesday at Social Food Hall, where a same-day vendor receipt earns 30 free minutes of duckpin bowling, and runs through a Lenten Friday of fish fries and stacked live music into a deep Saturday — a blood drive, a Crusade for Children chili supper in Upton, a Texas Hold'em tournament at the American Legion, and a Father–Daughter Sweetheart Dance. Sunday winds down with Cecilia Valley PTO Movie Day, a Sip & Craft ladies' day at J & H Farm & Winery, and an open mic at Flywheel. With near-70-degree weather expected Saturday, Jon's pitch was simple: get out and enjoy it.

E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival — Special Guest Tyler Casey

Tyler Casey on Hardin Local — with Jon O'Brien

The anchor of the show was a conversation with Tyler Casey of Triple Crown Tattoos about the E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival at the Haycraft, Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1. The festival features more than 70 artists — about 70% local or regional, with Black Heart Tattoo Company sponsoring — plus food trucks every day and daily tattoo competitions. Tickets are at the door only ($20/$30/$50), you can walk up and get tattooed the same day, and while you must be 18 to get inked, family and friends of all ages are welcome. A Hardin County native, Tyler made the case that it's a high-energy, all-walks-of-life event for everyone, tattoo or not.

Hardin County Business Buzz — South-Side Growth & Boot Barn

Nate's Business Buzz — with Nate Bryan

Nate Bryan opened on the south side, where dirt is finally moving at Sullivan's Business Park (207 East Dixie) — one of at least four south-side projects announced for 2026. The gutted Movie Palace has him convinced a Big Sandy Furniture Superstore is on the way, though it's not yet confirmed at that site. Radcliff's restaurant boom continues with WingStop, Dairy Queen, and General Pho's, and a new Boys & Girls Club just opened. Boot Barn opened at Starlite Center ahead of next weekend's Grand Opening. Nate closed by honoring Clark Jewelers co-founder Martha Clark, who passed at 100.

Episode Highlights

"This is a great meeting spot for everybody from all walks of life. Whether you're getting something tattooed that's super meaningful or just something silly — even if you're on the fence about that first one, it'll mean something to you at some point in your life." — Tyler Casey, Special Guest, on the E-Town Tattoo & Food Festival

"Nice solid week, something for everybody. There's at least seven different places having live music this weekend. That may be a record for us, and it also shows just how far we've come as far as offering entertainment." — Jon, Events Host, on the weekend's live music

"I would be shocked if it's not Big Sandy Furniture Superstore. Big Sandy has told me twice that they are coming, and they plan to be open by the end of 2026." — Nate, Business Buzz Host, on the Movie Palace

"Clark Jewelers has been a cornerstone of this community for so long. Our thoughts are definitely with the family." — Phil Taul, Primary Host, on the passing of Martha Clark