Tuesday March 19, 2024
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Held in conjunction with the annual National Farm Machinery Show, the Championship Tractor Pull runs nightly (and twice on Saturday) as powerful trucks and tractors roar through Freedom Hall.

Drivers compete to win their share of a $200,000 purse in 10 divisions based on the weight of their machine. Competition begins when weighted sleds are attached to the machines. Competitors then “gun for a full pull” – pulling the full length of the track for a win. If two or more drivers in a division nail a full pull, more weight is added. The driver who pulls the farthest wins.

The event kicked off last night with 6,350lb Modified 4×4 trucks, 9,300lb Super Farm Tractors, 7,500 Modified Tractors, and 10,200lb Pro Stock Tractors – a variety of machines powered by everything from powerful turbo diesel engines to four high-horsepower alcohol burning performance engines bolted together.

You’ll definitely want to bring ear protection for this event! Fans in attendance for the first night’s event were treated to a sparkling shower as the noise of the powerful tractors shook loose from the rafters leftover confetti from bygone events. They got to see several “full pulls,” the celebration of drivers making their way down the track, the disappointment of short pulls, and even a couple of exciting – and likely quite expensive – equipment mishaps as the massive machines gave every foot-pound of effort to drag the weighted sled.

The Championship Tractor Pull continues at 7PM each night through the Saturday night finals, with a special afternoon performance at 12PM. Ticket prices vary by event:

  • Thursday, Feb. 13 7 p.m. $10, $30 and $40
  • Friday, Feb. 14 7 p.m. $15, $35 and $45
  • Saturday, Feb. 15 12 p.m. $10, $30 and $40
  • Saturday, Feb. 15 7 p.m. $25, $35 and $45

Tickets went on sale today for the must see show of the holiday season. The Winter Woods Spectacular will make its debut the Saturday after Thanksgiving in historic Iroquois Park. The Louisville Parks Foundation and the creators of the wildly successful Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular are partnering again to bring a new event to Louisville which is sure to be a hit with families during the 2019 holiday season.

From November 30 through December 31, a section of Iroquois Park will transform into a winter wonderland where event goers will enjoy a ½ mile drive of lighting and artistry that will explore and celebrate the holidays. The event promises to bring the same magic to the holiday season that Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular does for Halloween.

If you and your family have been delighted by the sights and sounds of the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, you’re going to truly love the Winter Woods Spectacular.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation, which supports Louisville’s public parks and community programs not funded by other local non-profits. The event will be open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday. Guests will enter at Southern Parkway and New Cut Road.

To reduce the impact to the neighborhood and park, a limited number of tickets will be sold each night. Guests must purchase their tickets online and in advance at WinterWoodsSpectacular.org. Payment will not be taken at the event. Sold out nights are to be expected.

Tickets (Sunday – Thursday)

  • Car/SUV/Van – $25
  • Passenger Van – $75
  • Tour Bus – $5 (per occupant/20 person minimum)

Tickets (Friday & Saturday)

  • Car/SUV/Van – $35
  • Passenger Van – $85
  • Tour Bus – $5 (per occupant/30 person minimum)

All bus tour operators need to pay in advance by contacting: contact@winterwoodsspectacular.com

Afternoon Lecture Series
Frank Kelderman | Afloat at Locust Grove: Traversing Indian Diplomacy on the Ohio River
Wednesday, November 6, 1:15 pm

In 1842, the Choctaw diplomat Peter Pitchlynn had a chance encounter with the author Charles Dickens on a steamboat on the Ohio River, between Cincinnati and Louisville. Pitchlynn was returning from diplomatic business in Washington; Dickens was traveling the country to write his “American Notes” (1842). In this talk, Frank Kelderman takes Dickens’s account of their meeting as a starting point for exploring the Ohio River as a thoroughfare for Indian diplomacy, connecting the eastern United States to Indian country. Drawing on literature, visual art, and archival materials, this talk will give an account of indigenous presence in a region where that presence has long been unrecognized.

Frank Kelderman is an assistant professor of English at the University of Louisville, where he specializes in 19th-century Native American literature. He is the author of “Authorized Agents: Publication and Diplomacy in the Era of Indian Removal” (SUNY Press, 2019), which examines Native American writing and oratory from the Upper Missouri River to the Great Lakes. His research has also been published in the journals “American Literature,” “American Studies,” “J19: The Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists,” and “Great Plains Quarterly.”

This program is part of the city-wide program Afloat: An Ohio River Way of Life.

The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.

Richard Bell | Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home
Thursday, November 7, 6:30 pm

Richard Bell, associate professor of Early American History at the University of Maryland, returns to Locust Grove with his new book, Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. Stolen recounts the gripping and true story about five boys who were kidnapped in the North and smuggled into slavery in the Deep South—and their daring attempt to escape and bring their captors to justice, reminiscent of Twelve Years A Slave and Never Caught. Dr. Bell will speak about how their ordeal—an odyssey that takes them from the Philadelphia waterfront to the marshes of Mississippi and then onward still—shines a glaring spotlight on the Reverse Underground Railroad, a black market network of human traffickers and slave traders who stole away thousands of legally free African Americans from their families in order to fuel slavery’s rapid expansion in the decades before the Civil War. http://bit.ly/richardbell

Admission is $15/$12 for members. Reservations required; visit http://bit.ly/richardbell for tickets. Cash bar available; doors open at 6:00 pm.

Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Concert Series
Armonia e Passione: “Concerto alla Rustica”
Sunday, November 17, 5:30 pm

Enjoy a feast of Italian music for Baroque string band, with the music of Vivaldi, Marini, Bertali, and more from Armonia e Passione, a 17th-century Italian string band based in St Louis featuring Celina Casado, Stephanie Hunt, and Jeff Noonan, and led by William Bauer.

Locust Grove’s Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Series offers concertgoers a unique opportunity. Patrons delight in music that the Clarks and Croghans would have heard in the room where they most likely would have enjoyed it — the second-floor Great Parlor of the historic house.

Refreshments at 5:00 p.m.; concert in Locust Grove’s Great Parlor begins at 5:30 p.m. Individual concerts are $20 each. Pre-paid reservations are required–please call (502) 897-9845.

Season subscriptions may be purchased by calling Locust Grove at (502) 897-9845. Categories are Patron, $200; Supporter, $100; and Subscriber, $70.

Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville today announced the sixth annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families.

Coinciding with Veterans Day, the 2019 Week of Valor will feature 27 educational, patriotic, community or civic events from Nov. 2 through Nov. 13.  Residents are encouraged to participate and recognize, support and honor veterans.

Events include a 22 Push-Up Challenge on Nov. 2, a Women Veterans Town Hall on Nov. 7, and a Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk on Nov. 9.

Also on Monday, Nov. 11, the city’s Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville this year on Jefferson Street, between Fourth and Seventh streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. (There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact ltbrockman@gmail.com or call 502-552-1131.)

“Our freedoms are here for us because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Fischer said. “We’re asking residents from across the community to come out and show support during the Week of Valor to honor the people who’ve helped keep our country free.”

A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.

 

2019 Week of Valor Events

  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — 22 Push-up Challenge. Waterfront Park, North Lawn, 129 River Road. Contact: Sarah Jemison at (502) 589-8600 or sarah.jemison@centerstone.org.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m — Veterans Appreciation Day at BeeHive Memory Care Home. 8800 Smyrna Pkwy. Contact: Bob DeVore Jr. at (502) 619-8877, (502) 966-6129 or superdevore7@yahoo.com
  • Monday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — 2019 Kentucky Veteran of the Year Banquet. The Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Road.  Tickets are free but registration is required.  Contact: Donald Bow at (502) 907-1536 or dbow@efky.org. or visit www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
  • November 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Business Ownership Workshop. Fort Knox, Kentucky, Building 1378, Graham Hall.  For eligibility information and to register visit https://sbavets.force.com/s/login/SelfRegister.  Contact: Tommie Causey at (502) 582-5588, ext. 237 or tommie.causey@sba.gov.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Military Veteran Housing Certification (MVHC). Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 295 North Hubbards Lane. The MVHC offered by the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guarantee Program. Contact: John Miller at (502) 779-0944 or louisville@varep.nethttps://www.varep.net/mvhc/index.php/about1 Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Veterans Day Celebration. Engelhard Elementary, 1004 South First St. All veterans and service members are invited to celebrate in a schoolwide assembly and reception. RSVP at (502) 485-8246.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — WWII Army Veterans’ Inaugural Art Exhibit. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave. This event showcases the artistic works of 94-year-old WWII Veteran Robert Enders and his collection of more than 100 pencil sketches. Contact: Judy Williams at (502) 287-5502 or judy.williams@va.gov
  • Thursday, Nov. 7 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Dogs Helping Heroes, Be at Ease. Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.  $30 ticket must be purchased in advance. Contact: Adressa Collard at (812) 329-0244 or adressa@dogshelpingheroes.org.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. — Women Veterans Town Hall. Bellarmine University, Centro Building, 2001 Newburg Road. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Women Veterans Town Hall with a women veterans’ panel.  Contact: April Brown at 502-782-5735 or april.brown@ky.gov
  • Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. — Fall Clean-Up with the Volunteers of America Mid-State. Unity Home, 1321 S. Preston St. Contact: Michelle West at 502/815-2907 or michellew@voamid.org.
  • Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Kentucky Opera presents Glory Denied. The Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway. One of the most important new works of present-day opera follows the saga of Jim Thompson, America’s longest-held prisoner of war. For ticket information and show times, contact Aubrey Baker at (502) 584-7938 or aubrey_baker@kyopera.org|http://www.kentuckycenter.org/all-shows/glory-denied
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. — Honor Flight Bluegrass, Humana Top-Flight Stair Climb. Humana Tower, 500 W. Main St. Individuals and teams may climb the 25 stories or participate as a relay team. There is no charge to sign-up; team members are encouraged/expected to donate to Honor Flight Bluegrass via its web site at http://honorflightbluegrass.org. Contact: Jeff Thoke at (502) 645-5421 or jthoke@yahoo.com
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Take the Hill 5K. Hogan Fountain, Cherokee Park. This race is inspired by the gallant efforts of our U.S. Armed Forces. All donations will be provided to The Order of the Purple Heart: For sign-up information and fees, contact Justin Edell at (504) 301-5673 or https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/TaketheHill5K.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. — USA Cares March of Valor. Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park. Walk, ruck or roll with your family, friends or unit as we raise awareness for veterans and military families struggling at home, and abroad. Minimum $5 donation to participate. Contact Cory Speicher at (270) 872-4422 or cory@usacares.org|http://www.usacares.org
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave., Room E005 (inside West Entrance).  Contact: Patricia Weiter at (502) 419- 4912. or patricia.weiter@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov/hpdp
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Rock Painting for Veterans. American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244, 3408 College Dr., Jeffersontown, KY  40299.  Contact:  Linette Hatfield at 502/500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — All Veterans Breakfast. Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921 at 2902 Seventh Street Road.  Come and enjoy a breakfast for all veterans and military personnel. Free for Marine Corps veterans, $2 for all other veterans and $5 for non-veterans. Contact: John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Clean Sweep Ruck. Kentucky Highway 10913 KY-1447. Assemble at the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the bottom of the ramp on Westport Road on the north side in front of the Bob Evans restaurant. Groups will ruck/walk one side of the road approximately two miles picking up trash and debris. Contact: Richard Rush at (812) 987-7874 or Richard.rush@teamrwb.org
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. — Churchill Downs Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Races. Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave.  General admission is free or discounted tickets for Millionaires Row with military ID. Contact: Patty Frazier at (502) 636-4400 or patty.frazier@kyderby.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Meet the Therapy Horses at the Veteran’s Club. 375 Normandy Heights Road, Taylorsville, KY 40071. Veteran’s Club would like to welcome the public to meet the therapy horses used for their nationally recognized Equine Therapy Program. Contact: Jeremy Harrell at (502) 310-2303 or Louisville.veterans@gmail.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. — Yoga with Team Red, White and Blue Louisville. Infinite Bliss Yoga, 1507 Bardstown Road. Team RWB Louisville is hosting a free beginner-friendly yoga class. Contact: Linette Hatfield at (502) 500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m.  — Veterans Day Observed with American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244. Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road. The American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244 and the City of Jeffersontown will host veterans, active duty military and the general public for the 24th Annual Veterans Day Program at Veterans Plaza, Veterans Memorial Park.  Contact John Wright at (502) 548-3143.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. — Veterans Day Observance Program with Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921. 2902 Seventh Street Rd. This program will celebrate and commemorate our military veterans and the sacrifices they made in the defense of this great nation. Contact: Past Post Commander John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — 9th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Jefferson St., from Fourth to Seventh streets. Contact: Treva Brockman at (502) 552-1131 or tpbrockman@gmail.com or visit www.louvetparade.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 1:30-3 p.m. — Veterans Day Salute. Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. This event honors the accomplishments of Colonel Charles Young including a tour of the new Colonel Charles Young Media Arts Center. Sponsored by The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the National Coalition for Black Veteran Organizations and National Association of Black Veterans.  Waving the Flags activities continue through 6 p.m. Contact Region VI NABVET Commander Shedrick Jones at (502) 592-1475 or sjjsr@aol.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 12-2 p.m. — Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Veterans Day In-Service. Edison Center, 701 West Ormsby Ave., Edison Room 1st Floor.  This event will honor RSVP volunteers who are veterans and give information about VA benefits and services. Contact: Bill Clark at (502) 574-7305 or william.clark2@louisvilleky.gov
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Veterans Appreciation Basketball Game. Bellarmine University.  Bellarmine military and veteran students and alumni are invited to attend a free pregame reception with food and drinks and cheer on the Knights as they face Kentucky Wesleyan University.  To RSVP, contact: Lindsay Gargotto at (502) 272-7027 or lgargotto@bellarmine.edu or RSVP at alumni.bellarmine.edu/veteran.

Photo: Louisville Metro Council

President David James (D-6) invites everyone to start their Halloween celebration a little earlier than usual by taking advantage of the haunted history of one of the city’s most unique and in this case scary neighborhood’s: Old Louisville.

“We are offering a great way to experience the beauty of Victorian Old Louisville this weekend by adding a little something extra to an annual event which may surprise some folks in a fun way,” said President James.

The Victorian Ghost Walk is an annual production of outdoor theater that celebrates the ghostly past of “America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood” amidst a stunning backdrop of gas-lit walkways and beautiful mansions. It is a progressive porch play bringing together a wide variety of talent and visitors every year in October as the Old Louisville historic district becomes a stage where haunted history comes to life.

“The South 4th Street Neighborhood Association is proud to partner with local author, chef, and professor David Dominé to celebrate “America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood.” A cast of real-life actors bring ghosts and characters from his books to life in this outdoor theatrical walking tour in the heart of historic Old Louisville,” says Susan C. Coleman Layman of the Association.

Among the highlights of this ghost walk the casual walker will see on the tour are the Resurrectionist, the millionaire and the woman who claimed she was “Queen of America”.

Along the way there will be goblins and the Witch at the Witches’ Tree, where a neighborhood witch from the 1800s shares the tale of how a curse led to its gnarled and twisted appearance; The Stick Witch, a crazed old hags jealously guards a cart full of sticks in the park; Jennie Bowman, a ghost of a young Irish woman who returns to tell the sad tale of a deadly encounter; Annie Whipple, who’s spirit returns to the mansion to warn against the dangers of trying to communicate with the dead; Lady Ross, a phantom who returns to her childhood home to recount the details of her unhappy marriage to an aristocrat.

Part walking tour, part porch play, David Dominé’s Victorian Ghost Walk brings together local acting talent to showcase the Old Louisville Preservation District and raise funds for neighborhood organizations.

“This is just one of the many great community events that Old Louisville sponsors as a way to continue this special neighborhood,” says James.

The Victorian Ghost Walk gets underway at 6:00pm on Friday, October 18th, Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th beginning at 1402 St James Court.

For more information about this event or if you need ticket information go to: https://louisvillehistorictours.com/victorian-ghost-walk/

President David James (D-6) and several Members of the Louisville Metro Council on Thursday, October 10th officially unveiled the 2019 Edition of the “Art in City Hall” Exhibit which features the work of Louisville Visual Artists.

“There was a very positive response throughout the year when the public got the chance to see the wide range of artists and visual talent, we have in Metro Louisville,” says President James. “Art in City Hall will once again allow us to showcase beautiful works of those artists in an historic setting.”

“Art in City Hall” works in partnership with the Commission on Public Art to use the public lobby areas and hallways of all three floors in Historic City Hall as a display area to showcase these visual arts.

“We are excited to welcome an amazing group of Louisville artists to exhibit their work at City Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience visual art in a civic building where the community gathers and shares dialogue,” said Sarah Lindgren, Public Art Administrator for Louisville Metro Government.

Louisville has a strong history of arts and cultural expression. When City Hall was built in the 1870s artists and craftsmen created a detailed façade including a locomotive with billowing steam and animals to represent the city’s identity and economic strength. Now, 150 years later, we still look to artists to communicate the distinctive identity of our city with many creative voices.

Over the summer, two members of the Louisville Metro Council, Councilwoman Paula McCraney (D-7) and Councilman Anthony Piagentini (R-19), volunteered to be part of a committee to review works of visual artists for the program.

“I was honored to serve on this year’s selection team. Art is a unique expression of an artist’s complex imagination. Artwork has different meanings to different people, and it will be interesting to hear comments throughout the year about how these chosen pieces speak to the heart and soul of employees and City Hall visitors,” said McCraney.

“Louisville is home to so many great artists such as our musicians, actors and ballet company to our visual artists who we recognized today.  Our use of City Hall to share these wonderful works is an excellent way to remind the public that it is government’s job to create a safe and vibrant city so that all of our citizens have the liberty and freedom to enjoy the beauty and majesty of great art,” said Piagentini.

Art in City Hall includes six Louisville artists showing a wide variety of techniques in painting and mixed-media collage.

Those artists in the exhibit are:

  • Ann Adamek
  • William Duffy
  • Beverly Glascock
  • Jill Gross
  • Shawn Marshall
  • Yunier Ramirez

“Art in City Hall is a yearlong exhibit. The Council is honored to be part of an effort that we hope it continue in the coming years as we join many areas where Louisville artists show their talent and remind us that the arts have a very important place in our society,” said President James.

To learn more about Metro Louisville’s Commission in Public Art and its mission, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-art/commission-public-art

It is one of the oldest community events in Southwest Jefferson County and this weekend, the 89th Annual Fairdale Community Fair will get underway with fun for everyone.

“This Fair has such a special place in the hearts of the people of Fairdale and this area and I want to commend the Fairdale Fair Board for another year of hard work and dedication,” says Councilman Mark Fox (D-13). “This experience is much like the old county fairs where people would come out to just see what’s going on, talk to friends and see exhibits, ride some rides and have a good time.”

The theme of this year’s event is “It’s Fall Y’all”.

The Fairdale Community Fair gets underway on Thursday night, October 10th with rides and then continues through Saturday night October 12th.  All events are located at Fairdale Elementary and the Fairdale Playtorium, 10104 Mitchell Hill Road.

One of the highlights of the Fair every year is Saturday’s parade which begins at 12:00pm at Fairdale High School. There are some 21 entries in the parade this year which will leave the high school and continue down Fairdale Road then on to the fair. One of the special things about the parade is candy thrown by various groups to the crowds on the sidelines.

At the Playtorium, there will be a Homemakers Contest, Sweet Shoppe and Book Sale. Booths supporting local youth leagues, churches, cub scouts, the 4H, National Guard, local PTAs and of course the Fairdale Fair info booth will also be on hand.

On Stage for the Fairdale Community Fair:

  • Friday, October 11th
    • Step-N-Out Dance
    • Hard times and the Big Nickle Band
  • Saturday, October 12th
    • Jeff Thomas
    • Legacy School of Dance
    • Turning Point
    • Jenni Carr

 

“Fall is in the air and I want to encourage everyone to come out and join us for fun, entertainment and rides this weekend,” says Councilman Fox.

For more information about the 89th Annual Fairdale Community Fair, contact fairdalefair2019@gmail.com .

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