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Subscribe5,000 artistically carved pumpkins to light walking trail
In what has become the must-see event of the Halloween season, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is returning for the fourth consecutive year to south Louisville’s Iroquois Park, where 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins will greet visitors from Oct. 13 through Nov. 6.
The pumpkins will illuminate a 1/4-mile trail adjacent to the Iroquois Amphitheater, and Metro Parks officials estimate up to 90,000 people will visit.
The trail is open from dusk until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets range from $9 to $15, with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation.
“The event has grown by leaps and bounds each year, and it’s become one of the city’s signature events during the Halloween season,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “These beautiful pumpkins are a unique way to take advantage of the landscape of one of this city’s most beloved parks. We’re delighted to have the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular back again for a fourth year.”
The wooded trail begins just outside of Iroquois Amphitheater (1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214) and weaves its way through the trees with themed vignettes set to music. The carved, lit pumpkins rotate on a weekly basis, creating a different experience each weekend.
“We appreciate the vision of Passion for Pumpkins, which transforms this small section of Iroquois Park into a terrific attraction the whole family can enjoy,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I encourage all Louisville residents to visit, maybe even more than once. You will see something new each time you walk the trail.”
The event is held rain or shine. Coach drop-off and on-site parking is available.
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is produced by Louisville Metro Parks and the Louisville Parks Foundation in conjunction with Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company with more than 25 years’ experience in redefining fall by transforming any landscape into an illuminated organic gallery.
This year’s Sponsors include Papa John’s, Delta Dental, WellCare,LG & E, Republic Bank, Wendy’s, KFC, Muhammad Ali Center , Kentucky Select Properties and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.
TICKET INFORMATION
Sunday – Thursday
- Adults $12
- Seniors (62+) $10
- Children (3-12) $9
Friday – Saturday
- Adults $15
- Seniors (62+) $13
- Children (3-12) $12
Individual tickets may be purchased in advance for specific nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or online at www.jackolanternlouisville.com. Visitors are also encouraged to use the hashtag #502Pumpkins on social media to share images or experiences they enjoy while touring the show.
Tickets for groups of 25 or more can be purchased in advance by calling 502/368-5063, or in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, and Saturdays from 12 – 4 p.m. The Ticket booths will open at 5 p.m. beginning October 13.
Group tickets are discounted at $10 Sunday through Thursday and $12 on Friday and Saturday.
The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but advanced purchased tickets may be exchanged for another day.
Parking is available at the Iroquois Amphitheater lot, throughout the park, and at DeSales High School, which is located adjacent to the park on Kenwood Drive (recommended). In addition, TARC Route #4-Fourth Street has a stop in the Iroquois Amphitheater parking lot: regular fares apply.
CycLOUvia, the popular event showcasing alternative transportation, is returning to Bardstown Road for the fifth time on Sunday, October 16, Mayor Greg Fischer announced. Additionally, to honor Councilman Tom Owen, a lifelong advocate for bicycles and pedestrians in our community, the CycLOUvia event on Bardstown Road will now be known as The Tom Owen CycLOUvia in the Highlands.
Bardstown Road from Douglass Boulevard to Broadway will be closed to vehicular traffic from 2-6 p.m. Police will facilitate a motor crossing at Grinstead Drive and Eastern Parkway. Many businesses along the corridor will be open and engaging the street with specials events.
“CycLOUvia is a fantastic, community gathering event that breaks the norm of cars on the street,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “While you are at CycLOUvia enjoying the road on your bicycles, be sure to stop and support our local businesses.”
This event will include the first CycLOUvia kids parade. Kids of all ages can ride with their bikes, scooters and skateboards for a parade at 2:30 pm from Douglass Boulevard to the Louisville Fire Station at Bardstown Road and Maryland Avenue. Tom Owen will serve as grand marshal of the parade. Following the parade, LMPD will be at the fire station offering kids IDs and The Diaper Fairy Cottage (1811 Bardstown Road) will have a bubble bash and sidewalk chalk for the kids. Park Community Credit Union will be stationed at Douglass Boulevard handing out water.
CycLOUvia is designed to encourage more communities to close streets to cars and open them to people. The return to the Highlands marks the tenth CycLOUvia event and fifth on Bardstown Road. Previous events have been held on Frankfort Avenue, West Broadway and in Three Points (Germantown, Schnitzelburg and Shelby Park).
Commercial establishments with frontage along the Bardstown Road corridor are encouraged to open their businesses during event hours and to engage participants, creating an atmosphere that is uniquely Louisville.
Streets account for a substantial amount of public land in all cities. CycLOUvia repurposes these public spaces by temporarily replacing traditional vehicular traffic with pedestrian traffic.
Since 2012, CycLOUvia events have attracted tens of thousands of people to various neighborhoods across the city. In addition to being part of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement, CycLOUvia promotes healthy lifestyles, alternative transportation, bike/pedestrian safety and economic development.
For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/advanced-planning/cyclouvia
Hopkinsville expected to be prime 2017 viewing spot
image: Brocken Inaglory
A former NASA astrophysicist known as “Mr. Eclipse” for his many books and predictions on the phenomenon will visit the University of Louisville to preview the 2017 total solar eclipse for which Kentucky will be a prime viewing spot.
Fred Espenak will speak at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 about “The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017” in Comstock Hall, School of Music. The free, public talk is the 2016 Bullitt lecture in astronomy. The annual lecture and reception afterward are intended for the general public.
Espenak, who has witnessed 26 total solar eclipses, will discuss expectations for the Aug. 21 total eclipse, which will be visible from the contiguous United States for the first time since 1979. The maximum viewpoint for the totality of the moon covering the sun will be near Hopkinsville, Ky. Viewers can expect a daytime twilight effect and a glimpse of the sun’s corona.
The scientist retired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and now lives in Portal, Ariz., where he operates the Bifrost Astronomical Observatory and runs three eclipse-related websites. His numerous books include “Eclipse Bulletin: Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 August 21,” “Totality: Eclipses of the Sun” and “Get Eclipsed: The Complete Guide to the American Eclipses.” The American Astronomical Union named an asteroid after him in 2003.
UofL’s physics and astronomy department and the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium present the annual Bullitt lectures through an endowment established by the family of former U.S. Solicitor General William Marshall Bullitt.
For more information, contact Gerry Williger at 502-852-0821 or gmwill06@louisville.edu or check the physics and astronomy department’s website.
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.”
With great fall weather underway, another great Old Louisville tradition takes place this weekend highlighting some of the best blues music to be heard in Metro Louisville. And no one can argue with the Cost: it’s FREE.
Councilman David James (D-6) and Four Roses Bourbon invite the community to the 2016 Garvin Gate Blues Festival to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th at The Gate on Garvin Place at Oak Street in historic Old Louisville.
“The Garvin Gate Blues Festival is yet another reason why Old Louisville is the place to be during the fall season. It began as a simple idea to bring a little music to a neighborhood and then grew into a wonderful community event,” says James. “I can think of no better place where you can sit back and enjoy some great music from some of the best in our area and across the country.”
Among the headliners for this year is Castro Coleman aka Mr. Sipp “The Mississippi Blues Child” who is the 2016 Best New Blues Artist Album Award Winner; along with Hector Anchondo Band and Karen Lovely.
It began in the parking lot of the Rudyard Kipling in 1988; a simple jam session that became popular to the people of the area. Over the years, the Garvin Place Association experienced grwoth with new expanded boundaries and before long became the Garvin Place Neighborhood Association.
The Association extended an invitation to those in the jam session to be an accommodating host and create a new neighborhood event. Since then, legendary blues musicians that have performed at the festival through the years.
“The Garvin Gate Blues Festival continues a great month of October for the Old Louisville Neighborhood,” says Howard Rosenberg, Chairman of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council. “We began the month with the St. James Court Art Show, now the Festival and will finish the month with the Victorian Tales of Terror on October 13, 14, 15 and 16th. It is a great time to be in Old Louisville.”
Garvin Gate Blues Festival Schedule
Friday, October 7
Four Roses Stage on Oak St. @ Garvin Pl.
6:30-7:30 Sheryl Rouse and the Bluez Brothers
8:00-9:00 Mark Telesca
9:30-11:00 Karen Lovely
Info+ Stage on Oak St. @ Fourth St.
7:30-7:55, 9:00-9:25 Robbie Bartlett
Saturday, October 8
Four Roses Stage on Oak St. @ Garvin Pl.
2:00-2:45 Tyrone Cotton Band
3:15-4:00 The King Bees
4:30-5:15 Louisville White Lightning Curtis
5:45-6:30 daMudcats
7:00-8:00 Southern Avenue
8:30-9:30 Hector Anchondo Band
10:00-11:15 Mr. Sipp, The Mississippi Blues Child
Info+ Stage on Oak St. @ Fourth St.
2:45-3:10, 4:00-4:25 The Tarnations
5:15-5:40, 6:30-6:55, 8:00-8:25 Laurie Jane and The 45s
In addition to continuous live entertainment from two stages, the festival has an array of food and drink vendors and over 50 craft booths.
This free blues music festival is presented by Four Roses Bourbon and The Garvin Gate Neighborhood and is sponsored by Louisville Metro Councilman David James, Genscape & FMS Commercial Cleaning.
“This Festival is also one way we can help preserve the historic nature of the Garvin Gate Neighborhood in Old Louisville,” says James. “I want to thank Four Roses Bourbon for partnering with us as we keep Old Louisville unique. Help yourself to some great blues this weekend,”
Proceeds benefit the Garvin Gate and Old Louisville neighborhoods and A Recipe to End Hunger, a charitable cookbook started by WAVE3 television personality, Dawne Gee. Proceeds help schools raise the funds needed to feed every child in need.
For more details, contact Councilman James’ Office at 574-1106 or Howard Rosenberg at 502-445-4193 or visit the website at http://www.garvingatebluesfestival.com/.
The Louder Than Life Music Festival is set to rock Louisville fans in Champions Park this weekend. The jam-packed lineup for the two-day festival features mainstream headliners and newer groups from across the spectrum of rock and metal genres.
Bands will be playing on Louder Than Life’s three stages from 11AM until well into the night on both days of the festival.
Headline acts on Saturday include heavy hitters like Anthrax and Slayer, who have been rocking metal fans since the 80s and 90s; Brit rockers, The Cult, recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Cheap Trick; and powerhouse rockers Avenged Sevenfold. Other acts throughout the day include Pierce the Veil, Hellyeah, The Amity Affliction, Sick Puppies, and others.
The music and fun continues on Sunday with massive headline acts that include Slipknot, Disturbed, Korn, Clutch, and Sevendust. Earlier shows on the second and final day of Louder Than Life include Alter Bridge, Ghost, Zakk Sabbath, Crobot, Trivium, and many more.
Weekend and single-day tickets are still available starting at $80 with multi-day, VIP, camping, and hotel packages also available.
Admission to the festival also includes access to the Gourmet Man Food dining options and the various other entertainment, refreshment, and Louder Than Life Experience opportunities.
So, Are You Ready to ROCK, Louisville?