Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Thursday December 18, 2025
Local Connection
Louisville Parks and Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its ten golf courses over the Labor Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 1; Sunday, September 2; and Monday, September 3.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
Bobby Nichols Golf Course, 4301 E. Pages Lane, 502/937-9051 (9 holes)
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course, 10207 Mary Dell Lane, 502/267-9958 (18 holes)
Cherokee Golf Course, 2501 Alexander Road, 502/458-9450 (9 holes)
Crescent Hill Golf Course, 3110 Brownsboro Road, 502/896-9193 (9 holes)
Iroquois Golf Course, 1501 Rundill Road, 502/363-9520 (18 holes)
Long Run Golf Course, 1605 Flat Rock Road, 502/245-9015 (18 holes)
Seneca Golf Course, 2300 Pee Wee Reese Blvd, 502/458-9298 (18 holes)
Shawnee Golf Course, 460 Northwestern Parkway, 502/776-9389 (18 holes)
Sun Valley Golf Course, 6505 Bethany Lane, 502/937-9228 (18 holes)
Quail Chase Golf Club, 7000 Cooper Chapel Rd, 502/239-2110 (27 holes)
WorldFest, the region’s largest international festival, will take place Labor Day weekend, marking its 16th year with four days of international food, music, crafts, and culture.
The festival, which runs Friday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 3on the Belvedere, will feature a revamped layout to enhance the visitor experience, including new locations for both the West Lawn and Fountain Stages, as well as the addition of a third stage on the Overlook.
More than 70 local and regional entertainers will offer a variety of music, dance styles and beats ranging from African drumming to Reggae to Indian, Celtic, Arabic, Latin, Caribbean music.
Complete schedule and more information
Headliner acts include Etnopolis, featuring Luca Ciari in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Chicago, the British Invasion Experience, Ville Casineras, The Pearls and more. The Overlook Stage will host Noche Latina, or Latin Night, with song, dance and sizzling Latino sounds from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1
More than 100 vendors will participate, with 30-plus food vendors serving a global sampling of cuisine and culture. Along with food, attendees can purchase unique international crafts and visit the World of Information to learn about various international agencies in the area.
“Louisville is a city of compassion, a global and welcoming city whose population growth has largely been fueled by internationals,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “WorldFest is a terrific way to celebrate and experience Louisville’s diverse and vibrant cultures.”
Admission to WorldFest is free all four days because of Passport Health Plan, and other sponsors’ generous support.
“Passport is proud to once again sponsor WorldFest, which helps recognize the diverse community in which we live, work, and play,” said Passport Health Plan CEO Mark Carter. “Louisville is known for having a vibrant mix of people representing different backgrounds and cultures. Together with our community partners and healthcare providers, we can help all Louisvillians live healthier, happier lives.”
WorldFest highlights include:
- Global Village – A kaleidoscope of Louisville’s culture, where you can interact with representatives of more than 20 nations. All nine of Louisville’s Sister Cities will be represented again this year. Located on the Overlook.
- WorldFest Children’s Area – Will feature activities from WKU’s Confucius Institute, Home Depot and Parks & Recreation’s Rec on the Go all located on the Overlook on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Parade of Cultures – On Saturday at noon, more than 50 units will march from Metro Hall to 6th Street to Main Street to the Belvedere wearing traditional attire in this colorful showcase of heritage and cultures from around the world. The parade is presented by the UK Confucius Institute.
- Stella Biergarten – This new feature on the Overlook will feature a selection of international and domestic beers, plus a great view of the festival.
- WorldFest Selfie Station – Nestled within the Stella Biergarten on the Overlook, this photo opportunity spot offers a sweeping view of all the WorldFest activities to share on social media.
- World of Information – A one-stop shop showcasing international agencies and services available to all immigrants and citizens. Located on the West Lawn.
- Naturalization Ceremony – A Naturalization Ceremony where more than 300 immigrants will become full U.S. citizens will take place the following Friday, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Hosted by the WKU Confucius Institute for a second year, the children’s area on the Overlook will include more than 20 interactive activities highlighting specific aspects of the Chinese culture, including: calligraphy lessons, fan painting and Tai Chi demonstrations. Children can stop by the Home Depot tent to participate in construction projects.
WorldFest has been recognized by the International Festival and Events Association as among the best in North America. In 2011, it was named a Top Ten Fall Festival by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, and in 2015, the International Festival and Event Association named Louisville the Top Festival City in North America.
In addition to Passport Health Plan’s Gold Sponsorship, WorldFest is brought to you by: Silver Sponsors – Kentucky Lottery, Stella Artois, ValuMarket, Western Kentucky University Confucius Institute and the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute. Bronze Sponsors – Anthem Medicaid, CareSource, Ford and Papa Murphy’s. Media Sponsors – Al Dia, Louisville Public Media, Outfront Media and WLKY.
For more information about WorldFest, visit www.worldfestlouisville.com. Let us know if you plan to attend, via our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!
When You Visit:
WorldFest runs through Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, on the Belvedere, at Fifth and Main streets. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission is free; international food, spirits, beer and crafts available for purchase. Parking is available on nearby streets, below the Belvedere in the Riverfront Garage. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday and Monday. Additional parking garages and lots are also nearby.
Naturalization Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center. Parade of Cultures: Saturday, Sept. 1, Noon. Parade assembles at Metro Hall, and begins at 6th & Market streets, heading north to Main Street to the Belvedere, ending at the Overlook Stage.
Overlook Activities (Top of the Belvedere): Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 1-2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. This area includes the Global Village and the WorldFest Children’s Activities. The Overlook Stage and Stella Biergarten will be open Friday through Monday.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
As summer winds down, Central Park in Old Louisville is the perfect place to enjoy what continues to be a nice tradition of great jazz music in a great setting. President David James (D-6) once again presents “Jazz in Central Park” on Sunday, August 26th.
“This is a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with a wide variety of music and entertainment, and best of all its free and open to any and every one,” says James. “Bring some friends or the family to Central Park and back and listen to some of the best artists in jazz the area has to offer.”
“Jazz in Central Park” will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This year’s event is hosted by Dawne Gee of WAVE TV, Miss Krystal of 104.7FM.
The following artists will be featured this year:
- The Groove Masters
- Jamey Ambersold
- Syreeta Thompson & TRI+ADD
- Marcus Click & Friends
- Kiko Serbrian & Band
- The Urban Jazz Coalition
Local Food Vendors will also be on hand for the afternoon.
“If you have a love of jazz and want to kick back and enjoy a nice Sunday evening, Central Park is the place to be with these great artists and the hospitality of the people of Old Louisville,” says James. “So please, come and join us.”
Joining President James as sponsors of this year’s event are Brown-Forman, Clariant, and Walmart.
Central Park is located at1340 South 4th Street in Old Louisville.
For more information about “Jazz in Central Park”, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
The California Neighborhood is ready to come together with pride and unity as one of Louisville’s oldest communities when Councilman David James (D-6) hosts the Annual California Day Celebration on Saturday, August 25th.
“The people of the California Neighborhood take one day in August to show everyone what makes it a great neighborhood in Metro Louisville. It’s a spirit of togetherness pride and unity in the community,” says James. “So on this day there will be time for the community to enjoy that with local community vendors, fun for children of all ages, music, entertainment and food in the natural beauty of California Park.”
The 2018 California Day Celebration will be held from 12:00pm until 10:00pm. There will be fun activities for the kids and families with a bouncy house, tug-of-war and kick ball.
Free food will be served from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Local Food Trucks will be available, with separate business rates, for those who want something more.
As for music, DJ and the LFW Band from Nashville, Tennessee will be providing music and fun throughout the day.
There will be information vendors on hand from the Chestnut Street YMCA, Passport, Wheatley elementary PTA and Neighborhood Place. The Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness will be providing Hepatitis A vaccines as well.
“As the summer winds down, the California Neighborhood is ready to come together, kick back and relax and enjoy an old fashioned neighborhood get together.”
All events are free and open to the public.
California Park is located at 1104 South 16th Street
If you would like more information about California Day, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
On Saturday, August 25th more than 300 motorcycles are expected to hit the road as “Riders for Heroes” begins its fund raising efforts to help local first responders and veterans organizations.
It is the beginning of an event to honor those who put their lives on the line every day with an afternoon of fun and live music.
“I am honored to join UAW Local 862 and its members in celebrating the third year of this event,” says President David James (D-6). “Riders for Heroes is a chance for all of us to say thank you to dedicated police officers, fire fighters EMS workers and veterans. They sacrifice so much for us, now is the time to give them a helping hand.”
The Third Annual Riders for Heroes will feature a bike ride, bike rally, bike and car show, live music and fun for a full day events on the last Saturday of August.
“This event began as a way for the UAW’s members, who enjoy riding motorcycles, to help people in the community and we don’t believe there has ever been a ride for the first responders in our area,” says Todd Dunn of UAW Local 862. “This is way to raise funding for their organizations and charities to help take care of the needs of those who serve and protect our community.”
The event beings at 8:00am at Bluegrass Harley Davidson on Blankenbaker Parkway with registration for a ride to Elizabethtown to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Kick stands up at 9:00am.
Then, the rally gets underway at2:00pm at Expo Five located at 2900 Seventh Street Road. The entry fee to the show is $10. Preregistration is $20 and includes a rally shirt. It costs $10 if you would like to place an entry for the Bike and Car Show.
“The UAW has been working with us on Operation Victory, which is a program of unions, community groups, and businesses working together to renovate homes for homeless veterans in Metro Louisville,” says Tim Morris of the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council. “We owe it to our veterans, to help them through this ride and through programs like Operation Victory.”
Schedule of events for Riders for Heroes:
- 8:00am register for the Bike Ride to Elizabethtown
- 9:00am Riders depart Bluegrass Harley Davidson
- 12:00pm Bike and Car Show Registration begins
- 2:00pm Rally Begins at 2900 Seventh Street Road
- 3:00pm Bands Begin
The event will be held rain or shine. Proceeds raised will go to local first responder groups and local veterans.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ridersforheroes/ or contact President James office at 574-1106.
Mayor Greg Fischer joined partners from across public and private sectors today to announce the development of Kentucky’s first Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, known as LEAD, to divert opioid addicted people from jails in favor of case management and treatment.
The LEAD program, which was first launched in Seattle in 2011, is an innovative pre-booking, community-based program focused on routing individuals suspected of committing low-level drug-related offenses away from jail and prosecution into treatment.
The Mayor announced the city has been awarded a $400,000 federal grant to fund a pilot project, serving 50 qualifying individuals who come into contact with police in the Portland and Russell neighborhoods over the next 18 months.
“The Opioid crisis remains a vital concern to public safety in this community,” said Mayor Fischer. “But incarceration cannot be the only option for those struggling with addiction. We must find ways to divert people to treatment and stem the tide of drug-related crime. This program is one more option for our community.”
For the past several months, the LEAD planning team has been putting together the framework for the pilot program, which is expected to be fully launched by Oct. 1.
Here’s how the program will work:
- LMPD officers working in the targeted beats in the Russell and Portland neighborhoods will use discretionary authority at the point of contact to divert eligible candidates into intervention for offenses driven by substance use disorder.
- The LMPD officer will determine eligibility for the LEAD program based on established offense criteria and criminal history exclusions. Eligible crimes will include felony possession of an opiate and possession of heroin under two grams, as well as low-level property crime stemming from opiate addiction.
- Instead of taking them to jail, officers will take those volunteering to participate to the Volunteers of America Mid-States triage location on West Broadway to be connected with a case manager.
- Within 72-hours a potential participant must complete an in-depth assessment before becoming one of the 50 pilot project participants to receive treatment and wrap-around services.
- Volunteers of America Mid-States will assume responsibility for the case management of the individuals.
- The Commonwealth Institute of Kentucky, housed at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, will conduct the evaluation of the program.
“So often, officers come into contact with members of our community who are committing crime as part of their addiction to opioids and other drugs,” said Col. Michael Sullivan, deputy chief for Louisville Metro Police. “This gives officers a tool to divert people into treatment, rather than taking them to jail, where they may or may not get to address the underlying issue leading them to crime.”
Volunteers of America Mid-States will work with pilot program participants to coordinate services they need to get themselves back to a healthy and productive lifestyle.
“We know that we can change people’s lives when we surround them with professional care and treatment and access to comprehensive support and services,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States. “Opioid use and addiction is a public health crisis and LEAD will be successful because it offers a public health solution.”
University of Louisville’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences joins the partnership to help ensure the program is working as it should. Liza Creel, PhD, and Susan Buchino, PhD, both scholars of the Commonwealth Institute of Kentucky, will conduct the evaluation.
“Our evaluation will aim to measure outcomes in the areas of recidivism, public safety, cost savings, and fidelity to the Seattle LEAD model,” Creel said. “By following an evidence-based intervention that has shown success in other communities and designing it to meet Louisville’s needs, the Louisville LEAD pilot has great potential to positively impact participant lives and our community.”
Members of the planning team working to set up the pilot include:
- Jamie Allen, Louisville Metro Criminal Justice Commission
- Debora McGill, Project Coordinator, DFM Consulting
- Todd Felty, Louisville Metro Police Department
- Lisa Langford, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office
- Ebert Haegele, Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Sarah Moyer, Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness
- Liza Creel, Commonwealth Institute, University of Louisville
- Susan Buchino, Commonwealth Institute, University of Louisville
- Mane Martirosyan, Louisville Metro Department of Corrections
- Margaret Pennington, REACH of Louisville
- Dan Goyette, Louisville-Jefferson County Public Defender Corporation
The Solid Waste Management Services Enforcement Department has impounded its 4th vehicle of 2018 for illegal dumping.
With the help of employees from Bulk Waste, last week a Uhaul truck in the 2500 block of W Jefferson was seen illegally dumping. The employee took pictures of the vehicle and waited until SWMS Enforcement was able to investigate.
“Once again, I commended the officers and Bulk Waste for helping us crack down on this crime,” says Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5). “Our streets and alleys are not a landfill, if you are going to remove trash and debris do it the right way or it will cost you.”
SWMS officers say once confronted, it was learned one of the individuals lived in the area and knew Bulk Waste would be in the area soon for bulky item collection. They were working at another property and hauled debris from that location and placed at a vacant property in the 2500 block of W Jefferson.
The responsible party will receive a $500 fine plus the cost of cleanup and pay approximately $500 in impound and storage fees.
Over the last several years, SWMS officers have been impounding vehicles involved in illegal dumping after the Metro Council approved a change in the Metro Code of Ordinances. The change also allows anyone who sees illegal dumping and can identify the vehicle or shoot pictures of it. Those pictures have lead officers to impound the vehicle. Eighteen vehicles were impounded in 2017.