By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

Terrie Markesbery-Young, owner of the Rabbit Hash General Store, holds her daughter, Ruby, as she chats with Robert Feldhaus on the porch of her business. (Patrick Reddy/The Enquirer)

RABBIT HASH - This 3.5-acre town along the Ohio River has been without a mayor since Goofy the dog died, but that's about to change.

The 25th annual Old Timers Day festival, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, will feature the kickoff of a political election like no other.

Goofy, a 15-year-old mixed breed, was elected mayor in 1998. He died a couple of years ago and was never replaced.

"We've decided that the mourning is over," said Don Clare, president of the Rabbit Hash Historical Society. "We've taken our flags down from half-staff. This town needs a mayor."

There are two candidates so far, with more expected to announce their candidacy at the festival. One of those running is Clare's mini-donkey, Higgins.

"I'm running him as a Republican," said Clare.

The election is simple. Each vote costs $1. You can vote as many times as you'd like between Saturday and Nov. 2. Bribing is legal and there will be plenty of beer around the polls, Clare said. Money raised goes to the historical society.

"The person who turns in the most money by Election Day on Nov. 2 is the mayor," said Terrie Markesbery-Young, who runs the Rabbit Hash General Store. "It's a true mercenary election."

The festival will include food, drinks, games for kids and four bands throughout the day.

A couple of thousand people are expected and parking is limited.

"We're asking people to car pool if they can," said Markesbery-Young.

The only other declared candidate for mayor is LuLu, a pot-bellied pig owned by Clare's wife, Sue.

"I think her campaign is, 'No more hog killings in Rabbit Hash,' " Clare said.

The festival will include a hog roast.

E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com

If you goWhat: Rabbit Hash Old Timers Day festival.

When: Noon-11 p.m. Saturday.

Directions: Take Interstate 75 to the Burlington Pike (Ky. 18) exit. Go west on Ky. 18 about 16 miles (past the Boone County Courthouse, McVille and Belleview) until you see the Rabbit Hash signs.