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Kentucky State Fair: They’re Going ALL Out this Year!

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Kentucky State Fair 2011

The Kentucky State Fair, a tradition since 1902, is merely days away. The 2011 Kentucky State Fair will run from Thursday, August 18 to Sunday, August 28. I couldn’t possibly go into all of the different attractions, performances, shows, rides, food, and exhibits, so I’ll just hit on a couple and leave you with links to more information. After all, it took the Kentucky State Fair an entire website to cover everything, it’d be crazy for me to attempt it within one post!

One of the exhibits is called Main Street Kentucky and sounds like something every Kentuckian would really enjoy:

Housed inside the air-conditioned South Wing, Main Street Kentucky offers exhibits that represent the cultural heritage and diversity of the Bluegrass State. The exhibit’s creative displays provide numerous hands-on activities for fair-goers of all ages and interests. Main Street Kentucky’s exhibitors offer information on anything from education and government to the environment and arts. – Ky State Fair.org

Free Concerts at the Kentucky State Fair 2011:

  • The Oak Ridge Boys with The Grascals
  • Ted Nugent
  • Joe Nichols with special guest Phil Vassar
  • Boyz II Men
  • Candlebox with Cowboy Mouth
  • John Michael Montgomery with special guest Lorrie Morgan
  • Luke Bryan
  • And more!

Main Stage Concerts:

(Tickets for the Kentucky State Fair Main Stage Series events will be available at Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office, KFC YUM! Center Ticket Office, Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.)

  • Jason Aldean with Chris Young and Thompson Square
  • Lady Antebellum with Lee Brice
  • Def Leppard with Heart
  • Maroon 5 and Train with Matt Nathanson

Civil War Buffs, You’re Going to Love This:

Visitors will be able to watch a Civil War re-enactment as  a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the war. The exhibit is titled “United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Kentucky and the Civil War + 150,” and will include a 10,000-square-foot exhibition featuring encampments as settings for living history re-enactors.

Other features will include touch-screen interactive stations, a communication exhibit outlining major advances such as the development of the telegraph and a floor map that is 32 feet wide and contains graphics and images of state-specific Civil War scenes and sites.

What’s more, an original mini-musical, “Kentucky’s Civil War Song: From Reveille to Tattoo,” will be performed on an adjacent stage. The production was written and produced by faculty, alumni and students of Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School.

For more information, head over to the colorful and fun Kentucky State Fair website.  You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Filed Under: Country Music, Entertainment, Events, Kentucky's History, Louisville, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

The 2011 Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville Kentucky

May 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville Kentucky

 

One of the most beautiful golf courses in the country, Valhalla, will host the 2011 Senior PGA Championship later this month.  The field includes Paul Azinger, Fred Couples, Chip Beck, Bobby Clampett, Kentuckian Russ Cochran, Mark Calcavecchia, Angel Franco, David Frost, Jay Haas, Hale Irwin, Fred Funk, Mark O’Meara, Peter Fowler, Scott Hoch, Larry Mize, Tom Kite, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Corey Pavin, Steve Lowery,  Andy North, Kentuckian Kenny Perry, Hal Sutton, Craig Stadler, Loren Roberts, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoehller, and many more.

Legends of the game, that’s all.

The star-studded 72nd Senior PGA Championship will run from May 26 (Thursday) to May 29 (Sunday). Click HERE for more information and to order your tickets.  Show these legends of the game how hospitable we are in the Bluegrass.  I have a feeling this championship will be a magical win for one of our Kentucky boys – either Russ Cochran or Kenny Perry. Fingers crossed!

Filed Under: Golfing, Louisville

Louisville Astronomical Society at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park

March 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Louisville Astronomical SocietyThe 2011 stargazing season at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville begins on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. as the Louisville Astronomical Society opens the doors of the nation’s only state park-based astronomy center to the public.

The Urban Astronomy Center is located in the Root Cellar Building at the back of the park next to a four-acre field where society members set up their telescopes for free viewing of the stars, moon and planets.

“Think of us as an oasis of darkness surrounded by city lights,” LAS President Ken Alderson said. “We want to bring the stars to the public by offering them views through our instruments or teaching them how to use their telescopes.”

The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with an orientation lecture “What’s Up?” in the UAC, a heated facility with a state-of-the-art classroom where participants can take a virtual tour of the solar system on the Star Ship Unbridled Spirit.

Plenty of free parking is available. Take the second entrance into the park from Frey”s Hill Road. The UAC is located at the end of the road past the soccer fields.

For more information and to see all of the 2011 Star Party dates, go to www.louisville-astro.org.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a 580-acre park within the urban landscape of the city of Louisville. Recreational facilities include an Olympic-size outdoor pool; fully functional gymnasium with basketball, badminton and pickleball courts; athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse and flag football; a three-field softball complex; tennis courts; archery range; radio-controlled airfield; and BMX bicycle track.

Meeting space is abundant in the park with small classrooms in the administrative building or the large reception hall and conference room found at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center. The park also has three picnic shelters.

To visit E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, take the Gene Snyder (Interstate 265) to Exit 32. Go west on Westport Road to Freys Hill Road. Take Freys Hill Road into the park.

Filed Under: E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, Events, Louisville, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With:

Louisville Native Jennifer Lawrence, aka Oscar Nominee!

February 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Jennifer Lawrence

Louisville, Kentucky native Jennifer Lawrence is causing quite a stir in Hollywood. The beautiful young actress has been nominated for an Oscar (Best Actress) for her role in Winter’s Bone. She reminds me a little of Renee Zellweger. If she goes on to have a career similar to Zellweger’s, she’ll soon have more movie offers than she can keep up with!

Winter’s Bone Synopsis: An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl named Ree (Jennifer Lawrence) hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.

Winter’s Bone, which was released in early 2010, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and earned Jennifer Lawrence several awards including Best Newcomer Actress at October’s Hollywood Awards.

Winter’s Bone was listed on IMDB as one of the 10 best films of 2010.

The talented 20 year old actress has several exciting upcoming movies:

  • The Beaver, directed by the amazing Jodie Foster.  Co-stars include Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson and Anton Yelchin (2011).
  • X-Men: First Class (2011).
  • House at the End of the Street (2012). Co-stars include Elizabeth Shue and Max Thieriot

Jennifer Lawrence is the second youngest Oscar nominee for best actress in a leading role. The Oscars will air February 27, 2011 on ABC and I know every Kentuckian in the world will join me in pulling for this amazing young actress. Win or lose, being nominated is an incredible honor. An honor, I have a feeling, that she should get used to.

Winter’s Bone Trailer:

X Men First Class Trailer:

Filed Under: Blog, Entertainment, Famous Kentuckians, Louisville Tagged With:

Kentucky’s Christmas Attractions and Activities

November 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

With the holidays LITERALLY just around the chilly corner, activities throughout Kentucky are set to mark the season. Here are just several examples of special attractions with a few new twists to visit as you travel around the state and welcome visitors to the Bluegrass.

KaLightoscope at the Galt House, Louisville

Nov. 18, 2010 to Jan. 3, 2011
KaLightoscope – coming to the U.S. for the first time – is a landscape of larger-than-life, lighted holiday sculptures inspired by ancient Chinese art. Made of sheer, painted fabrics, each figure towers more than 20 feet high, enhanced by light, color and an imaginative setting. Santa’s Midnight Flight over the World, Toyland and Nativity are just some of the 12 areas designed to awe and delight. Holiday music, aromas and surprises combine inside a temperature controlled, 16,000 square foot pavilion at the Galt House Hotel on the riverfront in downtown Louisville. Special packages with overnight accommodations at the hotel and KaLightoscope tickets are available.
www.kalightoscope.com
800-775-7777 or 502-584-7777

Christmas in the Valley, Renfro Valley

Nov. 19, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2011
The wonders of the season this year at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center include a Santa train, children’s choir and carolers. An original stage production that combines Christmas music and comedy will be performed Friday and Saturday nights from Nov. 19 through Dec. 11. More than 10,000 twinkling lights await visitors with one of the largest light displays in Kentucky, through Jan. 1, 2011. Put country flair in your shopping and pause for a holiday meal at the historic lodge restaurant or shop in nearby Berea (only 11 miles away).
www.renfrovalley.com
800-765-7464

Winter Wonderland, Owensboro

Nov. 26, 2010 to Jan. 2, 2011
Owensboro’s RiverPark Center comes alive for the holidays with Winter Wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights, ice skating, choirs and other live musical entertainment, and a giant screen showing classic holiday movies. Visit with Santa and enjoy carousel and other rides for children and adults.  Nibble on pizza, hot dogs and other tasty snacks accompanied by hot chocolate and holiday spirits. Open Friday through Monday until Dec. 19, then daily except for Christmas Eve and Day. Free Mondays.
www.riverparkcenter.org
270-687-2770

Lights Under Louisville

Nov. 19, 2010 to Jan. 2, 2011
For the second year, the Louisville MEGA Cavern transforms into a Christmas light spectacular for the entire region to experience. Last year, Lights Under Louisville featured 35 displays and 300 LED light characters with more than 1 million points of light, and this year the attraction has almost doubled in scope. The attraction allows the public to drive their own vehicles through the cavern’s passageways and experience this 30-40 minute Christmas wonderland.
www.louisvillemegacavern.com
877-614-6342

Winter Wonderland of Lights, Ashland

Nov. 25, 2010 to Jan. 2, 2011
Stroll through Ashland’s 52-acre Central Park ablaze with 50 magical holiday displays containing more than 800,000 lights. The Winter Wonderland of Lights brings holiday cheer to downtown for the entire five-week celebration.
www.winterwonderlandoflights.com
606-324-6860

Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, 2010
The annual Southern Lights attraction at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is an electrical wonderland with lighted displays recreating famous horses racing to the finish line, Cinderella driving to the ball and an array of other exciting themes. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, you’ll have the opportunity to get in the holiday spirit by driving through the lights displays and then continue the experience indoors with petting zoos, model railways, arts, crafts and Santa Claus.
www.southernlightsky.org
859-255-5727

Noble Park Holiday Light Display, Paducah

Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, 2010
Enjoy a drive-through experience of one of the region’s premier holiday lights displays at Bob Noble Park in Paducah.
270-575-4000

For more ideas of things to do in Kentucky during the holidays, visit www.kytourism.com and click on “Holiday Events.”

Filed Under: Holidays in Kentucky, Louisville, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Louisville Zoo: The Best Halloween Party in Town

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The greatest zoo in the world will be holding the greatest Halloween party in the world.  How’s that for appropriate?

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo October 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30, 2010

Be seen, not scared. The sweetest Halloween party in town is almost here.

For 14 nights in October (October 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30, 2010) Meijer will present “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo where little ones can dress up in their wildest costumes and set off on a magical journey through the Zoo.

This beloved annual community tradition provides not-so-scary fun for families and features costumed characters to meet and greet and fanciful, larger-than-life storybook scenes throughout the Zoo. Plus there’s trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. (In an effort to be “green,” we are asking children to bring their own trick-or-treat bag to the event.)  New this year is Toyland, where everyone’s favorite toys come to life – but they are really larger than life!

As a special treat, on October 22-23, PNC’s Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure at the Zoo’s front entrance will be taking free photos of little ones in their costumes. On October 28-30, the fun will start before guests even enter the party when they visit Meijer’s Mobile Virtual Playground at the Zoo’s front entrance.

Also be sure to check out:

  • Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove
  • Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin
  • Super Hero City
  • PNC’s Grow Up Great Storybook Land
  • Subway’s Land of Oz
  • Ogre’s Swamp
  • And much, much more!

All main Party festivities are included with regular party admission.

Several special “thrilling” experiences will be available for the adventuresome (special fees and some restrictions apply). These include:

  • Dinosaurs! at Night.  16 super life-like animatronic dinosaurs are amazing during the day but they are spectacular at night! ($4 per person)
  • Spooktacular Haunted Carousel ($2 per person)
  • 4-D ride with SpongeBob SquarePants ™($4 per person)
  • NEW Zip Line over Meijer’s Pirate’s Cove at Waterfowl Lake ($10.80)
  • Sky Trail ® High Adventure Course ( $6.30)
  • The  Headless Horseman of Sleepy  Hollow Tour sponsored by Councilman Jim King, District 10 with additional support from Councilman James Peden, District 23 ($2)

The Zoo closes to daytime visitors at 3 p.m. on event days and Halloween Party guests can enter from 5 to 8:30 p.m. A special ticket for the event is required for visitors age 3 and up.

Ticket price is $8 per person at the Zoo or online now at www.louisvillezoo.org. Advance discount tickets are available at area Meijer stores for $6.50 ($1.50 off full-priced tickets).  Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets for $6.50 per person online at www.louisvillezoo.org or by contacting the Zoo’s Group Sales department at 238-5348 at least 72 hours in advance.

The party is free for Louisville Zoo members (and any persons covered by their membership) on select nights—October 8-10 and 14-17.  Louisville Zoo Members must purchase half-price tickets ($4) for other nights. These tickets are only available at the Zoo or online.

This event is one of the Zoo’s major fundraising events, so encourage friends and family to support the Zoo by attending this time-honored family activity.

There are various parking options for the Halloween event. To park in the Zoo’s main parking lot, there is a $5 parking fee per car. Free parking and shuttle bus service is available at the Derby City Ball Field (from I-264, drive north toward the Zoo on Poplar Level Road and turn right at Taylor Avenue by Wendy’s Restaurant. Go to the end of the block and follow the signs.) Shuttles start about 15 minutes prior the beginning of the event and do not stop until the last car leaves the ball field. Shuttles are handicapped accessible and can handle strollers and wagons.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the party, visit http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/halloween.htm.

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer is also made possible by the sponsorship of Momslikeme.com, PNC Grow Up Great and Subway.

Additional sponsorship is provided by Councilman Jim King, 10th District, Gattiland, Kentucky State Fair Board, Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust, UPS and White Lion — the movie.

With additional support from All About Kids, Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches, Caring for your Smile – Dr. Westerman, Carnes and Setzer Transportation, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Delta Dental, Hartland Equipment Company, Lead Safe Louisville, Philpott Hay Company, Sysco, Tumbleweed Southwest Grill and Wolter Chiropractic.

Please Note:

Costumes/Masks: Kids are encouraged to wear costumes but they are certainly not required.  Adults may also wear costumes but we ask that they be family-friendly (not scary).  And since this event caters to small children we must require that adults NOT wear masks that cover the face.

Animals:  For their health and safety most of the Zoo animal exhibits are not guaranteed to be open beyond dusk with the exception of the HerpAquarium.

Road Closings: The following road closings begin at 4 p.m. on event days: Illinois Ave. from Trevilian Way to Taylor Ave., Russell and Grenade. There will also be signs posted for no parking on Illinois Ave. from Trevilian Way to Taylor Ave., Russell, Grenade, Ridgefield, Tycoon and Oak Hill.

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, Events, Holidays in Kentucky, The Louisville Zoo Tagged With: , ,

Louisville Kentucky Restaurant, Cake Flour, to Be Featured on Food Network

September 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

As a Food Network addict (seriously, I’ve got it bad), I find this to be pretty outstanding:  The Louisville Kentucky restaurant Cake Flour will be featured on an upcoming episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  The flourless chocolate cake at Cake Flour will be highlighted on a September episode.

Chef Aaron Sanchez taped the segment at Cake Flour, 909 E. Market St., in July.

Cake Flour owner Claudia DeLatorre told the Courier Journal that she was skeptical at first. “I didn’t really believe it was the Food Network when they called and said they wanted to feature my cake. But when they started talking about scheduling, I knew they were for real!”

Visit Cake Flour’s Website to learn more about the Restaurant and their culinary mission!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Food, Louisville, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: ,

Kentucky.gov and Louisvilleky.gov Honored in ‘Best of Web’

September 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that the state’s Web portal, Kentucky.gov (http://www.kentucky.gov), has been recognized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) as one of the top five sites in the nation for 2010. The nonprofit agency ranked the site fifth among state Web portal entries in this year’s Best of the Web contest based upon innovation, functionality and efficiency.  Louisville’s website, Louisvilleky.gov, placed second in the nation for city websites.

“My administration’s firm commitment to keeping government accessible and open to the public has once again earned Kentucky national recognition for its online resources,” said Gov. Beshear.  “We work very hard to maintain and improve the site as new technology and resources evolve.  This ensures Kentucky.gov is a reliable resource for our citizens to gain information in a timely and accurate manner.”

This award completes a trifecta of national recognition for the state’s websites.  The Open Door e-transparency site was recently named best in the nation and the state’s stimulus reporting website, Kentucky at Work, garnered a national second-place award for excellence in accountability for citizens.

Site Offers Services, Accountability for Citizens
CDG is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.

According to Cathilea Robinett, executive director of CDG, Kentucky.gov successfully provides government leaders with a way to effectively communicate with citizens while increasing public trust.

“Kentucky.gov, with its increased focus on transparency, is achieving the essence of what it means to be a more open and accountable government,” said Robinett.  “The portal gives Kentucky constituents a view into the government’s budget and allows them to see that their tax dollars are put to good use. The site’s increased usability features ensure citizens can conduct their business with the state quickly, efficiently and hassle-free by taking advantage of the multitude of services and transaction options the site offers.”

The site offers multiple services for users.  Citizens can use the site to renew driver licenses, register vehicles, find voter information, buy hunting and fishing licenses, register businesses and review the state’s budget.

“Kentucky’s continued commitment to improve service to the businesses and citizens it serves through improved and streamlined technology methods is reflected in this improvement to number five in the nation for this year’s Best of the Web award,” Kentucky Chief Information Officer Phil Baughn said.  “Kentucky.gov offers a variety of government-related services and information around the clock.”

History of Excellence for State Websites
Kentucky.gov is the official website of the Commonwealth.  The site is managed and operated using no tax dollars through a public-private partnership between the Commonwealth and Kentucky Interactive, the Frankfort-based official eGovernment partner for the state.  Kentucky Interactive helps state government entities Web-enable their information services, and is part of eGovernment firm NIC’s family of companies. (NASDAQ: EGOV)

In April 2010, Kentucky was the only state in the nation to receive an ‘A’ rating for openness in government spending for its Open Door website, online at http://opendoor.ky.gov, based upon a report issued by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.  The site was also named one of the best of its kind nationally by the Center for Study of Responsive Law, a nonprofit organization that researches government and corporate accountability.  The Commonwealth was recognized as a national leader for transparency in state contracts for publishing the full text of state contracts.

Similar to Open Door, the Commonwealth’s stimulus spending site, Kentucky at Work, online at http://kentuckyatwork.ky.gov, received national attention in January 2009.  In a report issued by Good Jobs First, a national policy resource center, Kentucky was recognized for receiving the second highest rating nationally for accountability to taxpayers.

“This most recent reward for a Kentucky government website continues to highlight Gov. Beshear’s persistence for transparency and openness in government,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.  “A critical element for providing that transparency is making our internet presence as user friendly and comprehensive as possible and that’s what this award indicates.”

Kentucky at Work and Open Door are both maintained by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.

Congratulations to each of these Kentucky websites for the honors they’ve received… may the recognition continue to roll in!

Filed Under: Fun, Louisville, News Tagged With: ,

Summer Family Vacations and Kentucky Go Hand in Hand

May 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

Lake Barkley – A Personal Favorite

Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, Kentucky's Lakes, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, Louisville Tagged With: , ,

Louisville Teen Finalists Headed to San Diego

April 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

From the Louisville Zoo:

Louisville Zoo volunteers Emily Goldstein, an 18-year-old University of Louisville freshman; Sam Leist, a 18-year-old Senior at Saint Xavier High School; and Kaitlin O’Bryan, a 15-year-old sophomore at Atherton High School, have made it to the final round in the international Project Polar Bear contest sponsored by Polar Bears International (www.polarbearsinternational.org/project-polar-bear).

The contest challenged teens to find ways to reduce carbon emissions in their home communities. The four finalist teams—from Louisville, Ky.; Tulsa, Okla.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Winnipeg, Canada—will travel on an all-expense paid trip to the San Diego Zoo in California at the end of April where the winning team will be announced.

“Our teens are downright inspiring,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “I am so proud of their accomplishment and dedication to the Zoo and our mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet. These teens exemplify conservation leadership and they are working hard to educate others to make a difference. Polar bears illustrate the beauty of the Arctic, and we must do all we can to save them.”

While in San Diego, the teens will get a VIP tour of the San Diego Zoo, including a behind-the-scenes stop at Polar Bear Plunge and a trip to Sea World. The grand prize for the winning team will be a trip to see polar bears in the wild in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada—the polar bear capital of the world.

“While we are very excited,” Leist said, “what is important is not the recognition of our achievements, but the fact that the recognition itself means people are beginning to care about the world.”

For the contest, the teens developed a free Energy Use Evaluation Kit for local businesses and organizations that evaluates the business’ energy use and offers easy energy-saving options to implement.

“Our team was able to convince dozens of companies to commit to saving 17 million pounds of CO2 per year!” Goldstein said. “If three teenagers from Kentucky can do this, think of what could happen if everyone would do their part?”

In addition to the kit, the teens made presentations to local businesses to educate employees on the importance of using less energy and asking them to sign a carbon emissions reduction pledge.

“I was amazed at how many people were saving CO2 but didn’t realize it,” O’Bryan said. “Some things are so easy to do and when we gave them suggestions, they were happily surprised that they were already doing it. It inspired them to do more.”

The teens have a website, www.louisvillezoo.org/projectpolarbear that features information and resources on polar bears and climate change in the form of quizzes, a photo gallery and journal.  At the end of the contest (which ran from June 1 to December 31, 2009), the team reduced more than 17 million pounds a year of CO2 though pledges.

This is the second year a team of Louisville teens entered Polar Bears International’s Project Polar Bear contest. Last year, the team of Goldstein and Brandie Farkas won the grand prize—a 6-day, 5-night trip to the polar bear capital of the world in Canada to see polar bears in the wild and go dog sledding. (Read more at http://www.louisvillezoo.org/news/press/MR/2009/MR%2009-05-04_polar.htm.)

For detailed information on all four finalist projects in this year’s Polar Bears International’s Project Polar Bear contest, visit http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/project-polar-bear/winners#2009-winners.

*************************

Congratulations to all of the young, conscientious, and compassionate people who aren’t just TRYING to make a difference – they ARE making a difference.  Also, Kudos to the Louisville Zoo.  The success of Louisville teens reflects on the zoo and the education it provides.

Filed Under: Famous Kentuckians, Louisville, The Louisville Zoo Tagged With: ,
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