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

Free fun, exercise and teamwork is in the mix this spring as Louisville Parks and Recreation is offering a free tee-ball league for children ages six and under.

Sign-ups will continue through March 6, and again, participation is free. Parents can sign up at louisvillerbi.leagueapps.com or at the following community centers:

  • Beechmont Community Center, 205 Wellington Avenue, 40214
  • California Community Center, 1600 W. St. Catherine Street, 40210
  • Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court, 40213
  • Douglass Community Center, 2305 Douglass Boulevard, 40205
  • Molly Leonard Community Center, 640 N. 27th Street, 40212
  • Newburg Community Center, 4810 Exeter Avenue, 40218
  • Parkhill Community Center, 1703 South 13th Street, 40210
  • South Louisville Community Center, 2911 Taylor Boulevard, 40208
  • Southwick Community Center, 3621 Southern Avenue, 40211
  • Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane, 40272

Games begin April 11 and will be played at Wyandotte Park, 1104 Beecher Street, 40215. Louisville Parks and Recreation is also seeking coaches and volunteers to help run the league. For more information, call (502) 574-4515 or e-mail Brady Buckley.

Louisville Parks and Recreation is partnering with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities (RBI) program to increase interest and participation in the game of baseball and softball as well as to encourage academic participation and the value of teamwork. RBI operates in 200 cities worldwide.

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

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 .

Families can enjoy fall color and outdoor fun at Jefferson Memorial Forest during the Wilderness Louisville Forest Adventure on Saturday, October 19, beginning at 4 p.m.

And, for the first time ever during this annual event, families are encouraged to pitch a tent and stay overnight. $25 will reserve one of the Forest’s family campsites and for $15, campers can set up in the field in the Horine Reservation.

Daylight activities include a children’s nature exploration area, a climbing wall, pumpkin decorating, guided hikes, activity at the nature center and more. Music will be performed by Grandma’s Boys, and food trucks will be on site.

Nighttime activities will include storytelling by the campfire along with night hikes and stargazing with the Louisville Astronomy Society and the Louisville Free Public Library. Camping set-up and registration will take place from 3-4 p.m. October 19.

“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.  The hiking 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.

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