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The North American Championship Rodeo comes to Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center November 10-12 for the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo finals.
Held during the North American International Livestock Expo, rodeo contestants vie for over $80,000 in prizes and the title of Regional Champion. Winners will go on to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida, for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.
During the North American Championship Rodeo, top cowboys and cowgirls from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota. Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin will compete in a number of events, including:
- Bareback riding
- Bull riding
- Saddle bronc riding
- Steer wrestling
- Team roping
- Women’s barrel racing
- Rodeo clowns
The rodeo will feature special promotions on Friday and Saturday:
- Friday, November 11: Tough Enough to Wear Pink, fans and contestants are encouraged to wear pink and show their support for the fight against breast cancer, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Horses for Hope.
- Saturday, November 12: Kid’s Cowboy Hat Night, the first 500 children in the lobby after 6 p.m. will receive a free straw cowboy hat.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Admission ticket prices vary:
- Thursday, November 10 $25, adults $5, children (ages 2-12)
- Friday, November 11 $30, adults $10, children (ages 2-12)
- Saturday, November 12 $32, adults $10, children (ages 2-12)
Tickets are available at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle.
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville announced today the third annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a week-long series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, Week of Valor events focus on honoring veterans’ contributions to their country and facilitating their successful transition back to civilian life.
“The willingness of brave people to serve and sacrifice for this country is an essential part of the American character,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I’m encouraging citizens from across the city to attend Week of Valor events and to show support for military members, veterans and their families.
“It’s our goal to make Louisville the most supportive and responsive community in the nation for our veterans.”
The 2016 Week of Valor will feature 14 educational, patriotic, community or civic events in Louisville from Friday through Nov. 13. Citizens are encouraged to recognize, support and honor veterans.
Events include a Veterans Wellness Expo on Saturday and the Run With Our Heroes 5K on Sunday.
On Friday, Nov. 11, the Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville from Third to Sixth 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 Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 to register.)
A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.
2016 Week of Valor Events
Veterans Thank You Day
- Fri., Nov. 4, 1 – 4 p.m. at Sullivan Campus-3901 Atkinson Square Dr.
- Contact: Deena Madison at (502)-213-8224 or dmadison@sctd.edu | http://SCTD.edu
Veterans Wellness Expo
- Sat., Nov. 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Beargrass Christian Church-4100 Shelbyville Rd.
- Contact: Dr. Patricia Weiter at (502)-287-6442 or Rhonda.Parero@va.gov | www.louisville.va.gov
Night of Heroes for Veterans with PTSD
- Sat., Nov. 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Louisville Executive Aviation,2700 Gast Blvd. Tickets are $20 each.
- Contact: Freda Chapman or Laura Wright at (502) 245-0404 or middletownchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
Run With Our Heroes 5K
- Sun., Nov. 6, 12 – 3 p.m., U of L Campus, behind Ernst Hall, 216 Eastern Pkwy.
- To register, contact: Susan Norsworthy at(502) 589-8600 or snorsworthy@sevencounties.org | http://www.runwithourheroes.org/
2016 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Brown & Williamson Club, 2800 South Floyd St. Tickets are $35 each.
- Contact: John Mustain at (502) 544-5926 or jmustain@efky.org | http://www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
Kentucky Veterans of Vietnam War Film
- Mon., Nov. 7, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Science Center, 727 West Main St.
- Contact: Fred Johnson at (803) 741-4540 or fjohnson@ket.org | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be8pueNPwN
Veterans Appreciation Event
- Wed., Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Hwy.
- Contact: Tracey Pruifoy-Moneypenny at (502) 964-9204 or purifoyt@erau.edu
Veteran TSES Job Fair
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Robley Rex VA Medical Center, West Entrance, 800 Zorn Ave.
- Contact: Stacy Norris; (502) 287-4162 or stacey.norris@va.gov
Man on TV/Shakespeare with Veterans
- Thurs., Nov. 10, 7 – 8:15 p.m. at Louisville Main Public Library, 301 York St.
- Contact: Rachel Smith at (502) 574-1676 or gshelby3@gmail.com | http://lfpl.org
6th Annual Veterans Day Parade
- Fri., Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Main Street, from 3rd to 6th St.
- Contact: Dell Courtney at (502) 228-5237 or dellcourtn@aol.com | http://www.louvetparade.com
Pearl Harbor Commemoration and Exhibit Opening
- Fri, Nov.11, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Frazier History Museum, 829 West Main St.
- For ticket information, contact Andy Treinen at (502)753-1692 or atreinen@fraziermuseum.org
Veteran Charity Walk & Screening of the New Documentary: The USS Indianapolis
- Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd.
- For registration information, contact Andrew Hagerman at (502) 272-7027 or ahagerman01@bellarmine.edu | http://bellarmine.edu
2016 VA Welcome Home Event
- Sat., Nov. 12, 12 – 2 p.m. at Papa Johns Stadium, 2800 South Floyd St.
- Contact: Crystal Woodard at(502) 287-5606 or crystal.woodard1@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov
Family, Food, & Fellowship Dinner
- Sun., Nov. 13, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at 4019 Dixie Highway
- For registration information, contact Chris Johnson at(502) 222-3477 or csncfj05@aol.com | http://www.mentalhealth.com
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 by a group of young professionals participating in Leadership Louisville’s IGNITE program in conjunction with Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Seven Counties Services. Now operating with an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations,VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about Mayor’s Week of Valor events and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world, returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center November 1-17. The event draws nearly 30,000 entries across 10 livestock divisions, all under one roof. Representing the 48 contiguous states, NAILE exhibitors show cattle, mules and donkeys, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas, sheep and horses, as they compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. The expo also attracts livestock breeders and agriculture professionals from around the world, contributing an estimated $8 million to the area’s economy.
NAILE strives to prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s breeding challenges, hosting the National Collegiate and 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contests. The exposition’s premier event, the Sale of Champions, benefits young exhibitors who often go on to pursue careers in agriculture. In 2015, the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion auction of steers, hogs and lambs brought in a record-breaking $110,000. Through the years, more than $1.75 million has been raised to promote youth involvement in agribusiness and fund charitable endeavors.
The expo kicks off with the North American Quarter Horse Show in Broadbent Arena November 1-9. Consistently ranked as a top five show by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this competition features events such as halter, reining, cutting and team penning. The North American Championship Rodeo is also held in conjunction with NAILE, November 10-12 in Freedom Hall. Top cowboys and cowgirls compete for $80,000 in prize money and the title of Regional Champion in events ranging from bull riding to steer wrestling and women’s barrel racing to team roping. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night and tickets range from $25-$32 for adults and $5-$10 for children, depending on the evening.
The Giant Country Store draws shoppers interested in browsing the latest in western wear, livestock gear, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture, art, jewelry and more. The Farm City Luncheon is also a NAILE tradition. Produced by Louisville’s Agribusiness Industry Network, the program includes the presentation of the “Agribusiness of the Year” award and “Wing Tip Rodeo.” Ticket order forms are available at www.agribusinesslouisville.com/farm-city-luncheon.html.
Prices for NAILE admission and parking are:
- Children (ages 2-12) $3
- Adults $6 Seniors (age 55 and older) $3
- Parking (per day) $8 Admission passes and parking passes valid throughout the expo can be purchased for $25 each.
For more information about NAILE, the North American Quarter Horse Show and the North American Championship Rodeo, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
George Ella Lyon’s term as Kentucky Poet Laureate has only a few months remaining, but the Harlan County native’s story collection project, “‘Where I’m From’: A Poetry of Place,” will live beyond her tenure as the state’s literary ambassador.
Lyon’s goal with the project is to collect, from each of Kentucky’s 120 counties, individual stories fashioned on “Where I’m From,” her iconic 1993 poem that has been used as a model for poetry writing in communities around the world.
Groups in several Kentucky communities have accepted Lyon’s challenge with enthusiasm. Janine Musser of the Appalachian Heritage Alliance in Campton has collected a dozen poems from women of a wide range of ages and backgrounds. She also leads a group of senior women that meet once a month to collaborate on a group poem.
“‘Where I’m From’ is a beautiful way to realize that each of our personal stories is a poem, and the simplicity of the format gives the encouragement to write it,” Musser said. “In my community, where the oral tradition is the standard of remembering, ‘Where I’m From’ has served as a reminder that it is important to write it down to preserve a way of life that is no longer common. It also reminds us that you don’t have to be a scholar to write your own story.”
Suszanne Jones, a paraeducator for the Morehead Youth Development Center, which serves at-risk young women between the ages of 15 and 18, said the poem has been helpful to her students. Jones herself wrote a “Where I’m From” poem, adding hers to the 11 contributed by young women at the center. The exercise was enlightening for students and staff.
“In the students own words, their lives were a touchy subject, and for others it forced them to remember things that they had forgotten, and it made them cherish them even more,” Jones said. “Our greatest and most appreciated responses, though, were from our staff. It opened a door for many of them into our students’ backgrounds.”
The project has been helpful in educating the community at-large about her students, Jones said.
“Many people, though I cannot speak broadly for all, see our students as criminals, truants and sometimes bad kids. This project isn’t going to change that overnight, but it did allow some people to see, through their written words, that these students are just like any other teenager. They remember sweet memories of where they came from. It also allowed us to see a small glimpse of the hurt and feeling of being unwanted.”
People interested in participating in the “Where I’m From” project can do so by emailing their county contact. If there is no contact listed for your county or you are interested in being the county contact, email Tamara Coffey, individual artist director, at tamara.coffey@ky.gov.
Storytellers and activities are set for the 2016 Corn Island Storytelling Festival.
The University of Louisville, Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead and the International Order of E.A.R.S. will present the Corn Island Storytelling Festival Oct. 21-22 with events kicking off at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21.
Named after Louisville’s first settlement, the Corn Island Storytelling Festival was a nationally known autumn fixture that drew thousands of fans for three decades before ending its run in 2007. This will be the fifth year that UofL and the Corn Island organizers have partnered on the event. Blackacre joined the event last year.
Additional sponsors include Louisville Metro Government and Kentucky Homefront.
Storytellers and musicians for the weekend include:
- The Juggerloos, a local jug band that uses a mix of early jazz and ragtime tunes mixed with a few more modern covers.
- Leigh Ann Yost, Louisville storyteller and songwriter
- Graham Shelby, writer and professional storyteller. He’s performed in hundreds of venues including Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Texas Storytelling Festival and the Moth Mainstage in New York City.
- Roberta Simpson Brown, “The Queen of Cold-Blooded Tales,” a paranormal investigator and author of more than a dozen books and tapes of ghost stories.
Details for each day of the festival are below:
Friday, Oct. 21
Storytelling begins at 7:30 p.m. with a mix of family-friendly stories and spooky tales in the George J. Howe Red Barn, Belknap Campus. Col. Bob Thompson, storyteller and writer for the Kentucky Homefront radio program, will be the master of ceremonies.
Organizers will also host a series of free storytelling and music workshops during the afternoon on campus. Led by Brown, Yost, the Juggerloos and Louisville musician and storyteller John Gage, the workshops will cover topics including writing and performing.
All Friday events are free but registration is required at http://cornisland16.eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Storytelling will be held at Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead, 3200 Tucker Station Rd.
Kids activities begin at 6 p.m. and storytelling begins at 7 p.m.
Saturday’s events are $7 for adults and $3 for children and tickets may be purchased onsite.
For more information on the festival, contact Bob Thompson, 502-553-2406.
5K Race, Outdoor Adventure, Guided Hikes, Food Trucks & Music Highlight Event
Families can enjoy fall color at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants can get a pumpkin, take a hay ride, and hike trails of various lengths through the Forest at the height of fall color. The event is free to the public.
Activities include a children’s nature exploration area, Alpine Tower climbs, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, archery, and fishing. The Forest’s volunteer trail team and staff will lead hikes at various skill levels and introduce visitors to the native plant gardens, bird blind and animal exhibits.
The event will also feature a 5K trail run through the forested knobs starting at 9 a.m.
“The annual Forest Adventure is the perfect opportunity for families to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is thirty minutes away, or less, no matter where you live in Louisville,” Park Administrator Bennett Knox said.
With 6,600 acres, Jefferson Memorial Forest offers many opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy and explore the outdoors. The Forest features more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails, fishing, and primitive camping. It is also home to one of Louisville’s most exciting new attractions, the Go Ape treetop adventure course.
Theresa Zawacki, Chair of Wilderness Louisville, the non-profit supporting Jefferson Memorial Forest, stressed the importance of Louisville’s community forest and the general role natural areas contribute to the city’s quality of life.
“All of us, young and old, benefit from being outdoors,”Zawacki said. “Being active in nature benefits us in so many ways from helping us manage stress, to creating opportunities for families to bond, and of course, just plain fun.”
The hiking Saturday will be through the Horine Reservation of the Forest, located at 12304 Holsclaw Hill Road. Nine different trail routes in four sections of the Forest will be featured, providing a range of options for hikers of all abilities. The trails range in length from one-fifth of a mile up to five miles, and have terrain varying from relatively flat to rugged.
The Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure is presented by Quest Outdoors.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced a new three-year
partnership that will keep the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Affair fantasy camp in Louisville
through 2019, as well as dates for next year’s event and a national search for a KBA Director.
KDA President Eric Gregory also said Whisky Live, an international celebration of the world’s
finest whiskies, will return as the KBA’s closing event, capping off the week-long intimate,
immersive dive into Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Dates are June 6 through June 11, 2017. A limited amount of Golden Tickets will go on sale
later this year at http://www.kybourbonaffair.com/, with single tickets available afterwards.
Information about Whisky Live also can be found at http://www.whiskyliveusa.com/.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has become a signature
event for Bourbon lovers and Louisville is honored to be its home.”
Gregory praised the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau for the three-year pact as Official
Host City. “The Kentucky Bourbon Affair has quickly become one of the industry’s most
revered events, due in large part to our friends at the Louisville CVB.
“Now, thanks to their vision, long-term commitment and collaboration with our legendary
distilleries, the KBA will strengthen its position as a world-class event, and the only one
produced by the actual distilleries themselves. “We deeply appreciate the support of the LCVB and its Board.”
Launched in 2014, the KBA is hailed for featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s
most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes starring Louisville’s historic
Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.
The KBA has grown each year, with 35 events in 2016 and attendees from 40 states. Nearly all
events sell out quickly, with prized Golden Tickets – allowing first access to activities –
disappearing in minutes.
“Visiting Louisville for a festival or event is the number one driver for tourism in the city,” said Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville CVB. “Having world-class events like the Kentucky Bourbon Affair that tie in to Louisville’s authenticity and Bourbon tradition are especially attractive and will benefit the city both culturally and economically.”
To learn more about Louisville and all its offerings, visit http://www.gotolouisville.com/.
Whisky Live Founder Dave Sweet said, “Coupled with the week-long celebration of the
Kentucky Bourbon Affair, Whisky Live Louisville 2016 was our most successful first launch
event ever with attendees from more than 20 states, coast-to-coast.”
“We’re looking forward to 2017 and adding an ever greater array of Scotch, Irish and other
international whiskies, alongside the best Bourbons that the industry has to offer. Whisky Live
Louisville is a national success and we’re just getting started.”
As part of its growth strategy, Gregory said the KDA is conducting a nationwide search for a
dynamic, full-time director to coordinate the annual showcase. A job posting is listed the KDA’s
website, http://kybourbon.com/about/careers/. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.
“The KDA staff has done an incredible job in building this event from scratch,” Gregory said.
“But it has easily become a year-round position that needs dedicated resources, much like the
KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences.”
Gregory said KDA distilleries are hard at work on building once-in-a-lifetime events for 2017.
The 2016 Affair featured private distillery tours, personal barrel selections, limited special
releases, rooftop dinners with renowned Bluegrass chefs, skeet shooting with a legendary Master
Distiller, custom cocktail parties, receptions at the homes of famed Bourbon Barons and more.
“One of the most attractive aspects of the Kentucky Bourbon Affair is that it changes from year
to year,” he said. “And while we’re always looking for opportunities to grow, the KBA is
committed to maintaining the intimate distillery atmosphere that guests clearly love.
“Kentucky is the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Affair
features our Southern hospitality and genteel spirit in a way that makes it unique from any other
whiskey event in the world. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.”
