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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
Visitors began flocking to the Kentucky Expo Center starting yesterday to see the latest equipment, tools, and products from around the agricultural industry at the annual National Farm Machinery Show.
Running through Saturday, February 15, the NFMS features exhibitors showcasing everything from fencing tools and fertilizer to the heavy equipment that our nation’s farmers use to get the seeds into the ground and the food out of the fields and onto our tables.
There is a little bit of something for everyone, including live demos and seminars covering topics such as market and weather outlooks, technology in the ag industry, materials handling, herbicide systems, and more.
The show also features a Gift & Craft Marketplace offering all sorts of decorations, home goods, clothing, and more that represent the rural lifestyle.
While the event is free, parking at the Kentucky Expo Center is $10 for cars and $20 for buses. Visitors will also have the opportunity to register for free to win some great prizes such as a John Deere Gator, 1 of 2 Bobcat CT1025 with Front End Loader and Mower, or one of two Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel, 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless 12 Hammer Drill/Driver Kit with Two 5.0 Ah Batteries and Hard Case.
Each year farmers, equipment manufacturers and agribusiness professionals travel to Louisville to get a first-hand look at the latest equipment, technology and educational seminars at the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS).
“Kentucky is honored to be home to the largest indoor show in the nation,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The National Farm Machinery Show brings visitors from across the nation to the Bluegrass state, and the economic impact that this event has on our state’s economy is truly beneficial to all Kentuckians.”
The National Farm Machinery Show spans 1.2 million square feet and features more than 900 booths of the agricultural industry’s latest and most comprehensive display of equipment, services and technology. The event features free seminars with topics ranging from market strategies to the future of precision planting.
“It’s important to know who is attending the National Farm Machinery Show. There are many facets of the agribusiness industry and we want to make sure we’re offering seminars and exhibitors that align with our customers’ needs,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
This annual event is the largest indoor farm show in the country and the premier winter show within the industry. In an effort to help the show continue to grow and improve the guest experience, Kentucky Venues is adding attendee registration this year.
Held in conjunction with the Farm Machinery Show is the Championship Tractor Pull – four nights of raw horsepower featuring numerous classes of trucks and tractors. Tickets for the Championship Tractor Pull much be purchased separately and are available online.
As part of the registration process, attendees will have the option to enter for a chance to win some giveaways sponsored by Wright Implement, Bobcat Company and Milwaukee Tool. Event giveaways include a John Deere Gator, Bobcat Compact Tractor with front-end loader and mower, or a Milwaukee drill/driver kit.
As the nation’s largest indoor farm show, NFMS brings an economic impact of $17 million to Louisville annually, filling local hotels and restaurants with attendees from across the country and around the world. For more information, visit www.farmmachineryshow.org or register online at cvent.me/VNmbKm.
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
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.net | https://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.
Louisville Metro’s Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability, the Louisville Sustainability Council, and the Louisville Zoo will co-host the sixth annual Sustainability Summit on Friday, Nov. 1.
“For all of us, as individuals, as organizations, as a community and a nation, reversing climate change has to be a factor in our decisions every single day,” said Mayor Greg Fischer, who declared a climate emergency during a local Global Climate Strike event in September. “Please join the 2019 Sustainability Summit to work with community leaders and stakeholders on ways we can take on climate change with a sense of urgency, purpose, and focus.”
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Dr. Robert Brinkmann, the vice provost for scholarship and research and director of sustainability studies at Hofstra University, as well as a panel of local leaders on tackling greenhouse gas emissions in Louisville.
“The summit is our annual opportunity to gather together under one roof as concerned individuals, nonprofit organizations, school groups, faith-based groups and sustainability professionals from the public and private sectors,” said Alicia Hullinger, Board Chair of the Louisville Sustainability Council. “It is a day for celebration, collaboration, and exploration that cannot be missed if you are concerned about creating a local climate action in Louisville.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Brinkmann, is the author of several books and articles, including Introduction to Sustainability, the first major textbook on the topic. His new book, Environmental Sustainability in a Time of Change, will be published early next year. During his speech, he will present seven ways to advance your sustainability agenda in a time of change.
The Summit will also feature a panel of local leaders from Louisville Metro Government, TreesLouisville, Harshaw-Trane, and the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Programiscussing how their organizations are working to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Youth activism and performance group The Mighty Shades of Ebony also will debut their new song on climate change, titled “Anthropogenic.”
The Sustainability Summit is proud to receive support from Patron Sponsor Yum! Brands; Champion Sponsors Genentech, TARC, Humana, and PNC Bank; Summit Friend Sponsor CMTA; and Supporting Sponsors Harshaw Trane, K. Norman Berry Associates, Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District, the Partnership for a Green City, WestRock, and Stantec.
The summit will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Louisville Zoo. Tickets are available to Louisville Sustainability Council members for $45, to the general public for $60, and to college students with an ID for $30.
More information and registration can be found on the Louisville Sustainability Council website: http://louisvillesustainabilitycouncil.org/2019-sustainability-summit.
The work of more than 450 retired and senior volunteers in the Louisville area will be honored at a special event on Tues., Oct. 29. The Louisville Metro Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) annual recognition event will take place at The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave., from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The theme will be centered on “Fall & Halloween.”
As part of the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), RSVP connects persons age 55 and over with their choice of over 40 public service and non-profit locations, including American Red Cross, Hosparus Health, Senior Nutrition Centers, Dare to Care, Community Ministries and the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
RSVP members will be joined by volunteer site representatives, Senior Corps Advisory Council members and RCS staff.
“Through their volunteerism, these senior citizens are making a real and positive difference in their communities and demonstrate every day how our city is compassionate and resilient,” said Eric Friedlander, director of Louisville Metro RCS. “We look forward to this event so we take time to applaud all these volunteers who share their time and talents.”
During this year’s celebration, 51 RSVP volunteers who reached their dedicated, volunteer service milestones of five to 25 years will receive special recognition. Also featured will be a salute to the 85 veterans who serve as RSVPs. Other honors include acknowledging two RSVP members who received the Jayne Thomas Grassroots Volunteerism Award from the National Community Action Partnership Annual Convening this past August. Another 27 RSVP volunteers were honored last month at the University of Louisville Trager Institute’s Gold Standard Optimal Aging Award Luncheon for being 85 years of age and older and continuing their volunteerism.
Stephon Dingle, WLKY 32 News anchor, will serve as the master of ceremonies.
“RSVP volunteers generously give their energy, skills and caring dedication toward providing over 75,000 hours annually resulting in more than $1.2 million in savings/service impact for their agencies. This celebration is their public ‘thank you’. Everyone with RSVP makes a difference in this community touching lives daily,” said RSVP Program Coordinator, Chris Clements.
RSVP is federally sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and this year’s event sponsors include UofL Trager Institute and AARP Kentucky.
For more information on RSVP activities or to learn how to become a volunteer, call (502) 574-1530 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/retired-and-senior-volunteer-program-rsvp.