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This sounds awfully fun! If the Murder and a Meal at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater is even half as entertaining as the Comedy Dinner with Marty Pollio at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, we’re all in for a night to remember!

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater series presents a murder mystery where the audience tries to figure out whodunit!

“Check-out Time,” a murder mystery about a troubled innkeeper and her staff, will be performed by Laughing Corpse Production Company out of Nashville, Tenn., with lots of audience participation.  So grab your magnifying glass and mystery solving skills and head out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

While piecing the clues together, guests will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, including salad bar, parmesan crusted chicken and beef tips, dessert and more.  Tickets are on sale now for $40 a person until Sept. 15 after which prices will increase to $45 a person.  Limited seating is available, so get your tickets now!  For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov

Besides the  lodge with a spectacular view of the lake, the park includes cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop and recreational and nature programming.  The park is near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24.  Exit at Highway 68.  From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, which includes not only the infamous Mammoth Cave, but the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky as well.Within Mammoth Cave National Park lies the longest, and most remarkable cave systems on earth, with over 350 miles of passageway mapped and surveyed.  Little wonder it was named Mammoth.

Did You Know?
Stalactites grow downward – they hang “tight” to the ceiling – while stalagmites grow upward – they “might” reach the ceiling someday. Mammoth Cave’s formations include many types of calcite formations.

Even after 4,000+ years of eager exploration, this water-formed labyrinth still remains a mystery. It’s this fact, of course, that adds to its beauty and excitement.  Mammoth Cave National Park should be on everyone’s MUST SEE list – and maybe it’s because I’m a Kentuckian, but I think it should be at the top.

This is one extra, extra special place.  The type of place you have to see to believe. The photography opportunities, alone,  make a family trip to Mammoth Cave National Park more than worth it.

Mammoth Cave National Park: Cave Tour!

The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. Many of the most famous features of the cave, such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man’s Misery, can be seen on lighted tours ranging from one to six hours in length. Two tours, lit only by visitor-carried paraffin lamps, are popular alternatives to the electric-lit routes. Several “wild” tours venture away from the developed parts of the cave into muddy crawls and dusty tunnels.

The park’s tours are notable for the quality of the interpretive program, with occasional graphics accompanying artifacts on display at certain points in the cave. The lectures delivered by the National Park Service cave guides are varied by tour, so that in taking several tours the visitor learns about different facets of the cave’s formation, or of the cave’s human history and prehistory.

The Echo River Tour, one of the cave’s most famous attractions, used to take visitors on a boat ride along an underground river. The tour was discontinued for logistic and environmental reasons in the early 1990s.  -  Wikipedia

A trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park could include:

  • Cave tours
  • Surface hikes
  • Canoeing on the Green River
  • A cruise on Miss Green River II
  • Picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more.

If You’re Planning to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park:

  • Visitor Center Hours – Daily: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
  • Click HERE for the Summer Cave Tours Schedule.
  • All cave tours and nature walks are pretty strenuous, so be sure you’re up to a particular tour before setting off.  Ask questions, the rangers can let you know exactly what will be involved.
  • Trails can be slick, so be certain to wear appropriate shoes.  All tours have a strict policy requiring the visitors to wear shirts and shoes.
  • Camera tripods and monopods, child strollers and infant backpack carriers are prohibited in the cave for visitor safety.
  • For further safety advice and tips, be sure to read the literature available at the park.  Most of it’s common sense, but read it all to be on the “safe side,” literally.
  • For all the information you could possibly ask for about Mammoth Cave National Park, Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/

Did You Know?

  • Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place.

Mammoth Cave National Park, 1887

Many believe that the best way to experience Mammoth Cave National Park is to camp out amongst the beauty. The park offers camping in three developed campgrounds and in more than a dozen primitive sites in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm for more information regarding the different campgrounds.

Did You Know?

  • The Green and Nolin Rivers course more than 30 miles through Mammoth Cave National Park, offering hours of boating, canoeing, fishing, and floodplain camping.

    Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave. As for the competition, if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet’s longest cave.  But that’s not all, there’d be over 100 miles left over. Now tell me that’s not something you want to see close up and personal?

    The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.

    All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.

    The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.

    Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.

    For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

    Sept. 3

    Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum

    While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

    Sept. 4

    Labor Day Blood Drive

    You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.

    General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

    Sept. 4

    Goldenrod Gala

    The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.

    Fort Boonesborough State Park

    Sept. 4

    CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
    The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.

    Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

    Sept. 4

    Civil War Flag Exhibit

    Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.

    John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

    Sept. 3-4

    Plein-Air & Studio Workshop

    Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.

    John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

    Sept. 2-6

    Labor Day Weekend

    John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6.  There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice

    Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.

    Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

    Sept. 3-5

    Labor Day Weekend Activities

    Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun.  The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors.  There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.  Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011.  Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

    Sept. 3-5

    Labor Day Getaway

    Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy.  Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.

    Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

    Sept. 3 – 5

    Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”

    Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities.  Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening.  The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing.  Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.

    Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

    Sept. 3-5

    Labor Day Weekend Activities

    The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family.  The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell.  For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

    Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

    Sept. 3-6

    End of the Summer Celebration

    Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.

    Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

    Sept. 3-6

    Labor Day Weekend

    Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more.  The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m.  800-325-0063.

    E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

    Sept. 3-6
    NBL/BMX Grand Nationals

    Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org.  502-429-7270.

    Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

    Sept. 3-6

    Labor Day Weekend Celebration

    Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation.  Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

    Sept. 3-6

    Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

    Sept. 3-6

    Labor Day Celebration

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration.  Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge.  The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer.  For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

    Sept. 3-6
    Labor Day Weekend Celebration

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.

    Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

    Sept. 6

    Pickin’ at the Caves
    Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.

    The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

    My oldest daughter, Emily, and I ate lunch at Olive Garden this afternoon.  That’s actually pretty much a given.  Owensboro’s Olive Garden is one of our favorite places to have lunch.  Sometimes one or both of my other daughters (Brittany or Stephany) will join us.  Their dad (aka the husband) always has to work…  poor guy…. so he never partakes of the Lunch at the Garden.

    Emily and I, like clockwork, order the Soup and Salad lunch.  It’s so good, I can’t even describe it.  First of all, Olive Garden’s salad is super special – fresh, crisp, light, delicious.  The bread sticks?  Forget about it – nothing should be that wonderful.  I always, always, always get the Chicken & Gnocchi soup (A creamy soup with roasted chicken, Italian dumplings and spinach.) – it’s just the most wonderful soup. It’s stupid good.  Emily loves the Zuppa Toscana (Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo greens in a creamy broth). I think she just likes showing off the way the name rolls off her tongue.

    Needless to say, Olive Garden is freaking amazing for dinner as well as lunch – what with beef, seafood, spaghetti, lasagna, and a whole arsenal of other delectable meals. Maybe if we ate lunch somewhere else we’d have enough room left for dinner.

    Just a thought.

    Our servers at Olive Garden – as well as the hosts and hostesses – are always extremely professional and friendly. The manager of this particular Olive Garden is completely on their game. The restaurant is always impeccably clean and beautiful and the staff can’t be beaten.

    However. Our server today just raised the bar. Alex was his name and he was simply outstanding. On the drive home, I put my finger on what made him extra-special. He made you feel like you were a guest at a relative’s house rather than a customer in a restaurant. He was very warm and friendly. What’s more, he brought us everything we needed before we even asked. Our drink refills came before our first ones ran out (it feels like 150 degrees outside, Alex must’ve known we were parched), he brought our soup along with our salad (sometimes we have to request the soup), and he even brought us a second bowl of soup without our having to ask for it.

    We loved this guy.

    He was so on his game that I wasn’t surprised he passed the final “server’s test” with flying colors. As a gal with an incredible sweet tooth, I HATE when servers bring your check without even asking if you’d like dessert. It’s a small thing, but I can’t tell you how many times I was planning on getting dessert but didn’t because I didn’t want them to have to add it to the bill after they’d already rang it up.

    Alex asked before even thinking about bringing the bill. Bonus points!

    The next time you’re looking for a remarkable place to eat – promise me you’ll go to Olive Garden in Owensboro, Kentucky. It’s gorgeous, the food can’t be beaten, and everyone who works there seems to love their job.  They’re special people in a special place.  What’s not to love?

    The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team’s three exhibition games in Windsor, Ontario will begin on August 15th. I, for one, am more than ready to see UK Basketball back in swing!

    The exhibition games will be televised in the Owensboro area on channel WTVW.

    Be sure to check your local television channels for details in your area.

    The Wildcats play the University of Windsor at 6 pm on August 15, the Western Mustangs at 5 pm August 16, then face a rematch with Windsor at 10 am on August 17. All games will be played at the St. Denis Center in Windsor.

    The 2010-2011 Wildcats have the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class as announced by ESPN Recruiting, Rivals.com, and Scout.com. The class includes freshman Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter, Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Stacey Poole Jr., and junior college transfer Eloy Vargas.

    Lots of new faces, numbers, and names to memorize but I’m pretty sure Big Blue Nation is up for the task. I’m sure that you, like my husband and me, will have your guide ready. We’ve got the drill down in our household:

    • Popcorn with M&M’s
    • Coke and Diet Coke
    • The player’s guide
    • UK t-shirts
    • Game faces on!

    You can feel the excitement building around Kentucky – not only for the college basketball season, but for our guys in the NBA as well. The upcoming months will be filled with fun, excitement, drama, and blue.

    And popcorn. Lots of popcorn.

    Kentucky Speedway fans, buckle up and hold on.  According to a story today on Bleacher Report.com, Kentucky Speedway will get a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in July, 2011.

    The source apparently opted to remain anonymous because the decision wasn’t exactly official yet.  The words “anonymous” and “exactly” are enough to keep me from marking my calendar in ink just yet – BUT, being a born-optimist, I’m penciling it in.

    And crossing my fingers.

    From Bleacher Report:

    The 1.5 mile racetrack has been home to some of the best Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races over the last several years. Also housing IRL races, and even a few festivals. The track sits almost exactly halfway between Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH, on I71, and the surrounding area is ripe for expansion.

    Follow Kentucky Speedway on Twitter – Best way I can think of to stay on top of the news!

    Sushi Combo

    Sushi Combo Giclee Print
    Buy at AllPosters.com

    One of my favorite places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky also happens to be one of my ALL TIME favorite restaurants. Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant is one in a billion.

    The decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is so relaxing you never want to leave. The staff at Ninki’s is one of the most friendly and helpful staffs in any restaurant I’ve ever visited. Everyone is totally and completely on their toes.

    As for the food.. well, it’s just out of this world, that’s all. The edamame is something I enjoy every single time I dine at Ninki’s (which, let’s be honest, is quite often). If you’ve never tried edamame, give it a try when you visit Ninki’s. Addictive!

    If the weather’s a little on the cool side, I have a bowl of their extraordinary Clear Soup (more about this VERY special soup in a minute). If the weather’s warm (and I don’t succumb to ordering the soup anyway!), I go with a salad. The dressing has this delicious, exotic flavor that you WILL NOT find anywhere else.

    I’ve looked.

    Another menu item I consistently order is the Kentucky Sushi Roll – my favorite of their many, many Sushi Rolls. Ninki’s has the most beautiful and delicious Sushi Rolls anywhere. What’s more, the price is a lot lower than you’d expect. Truth be told, everything at Ninki’s is lower than most Japanese restaurants. Japanese restaurants often have a reputation for flattening your wallet and making your purse tremble. Ninki’s is the exception.

    I also order the fried rice whenever i go – it’s ridiculously good. They offer an exceptional, tangy “Yum Yum” sauce that simply makes time stand still.

    I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve gotten at Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant in Owensboro. Even their tea is amazing!

    Now. Back to the Clear Soup. It’s one of the most inexpensive things you can get in any restaurant but it’s so full of flavor that it boggles the mind.

    Here’s the thing: I cook a great deal. Love cooking! I even have a food blog where I celebrate this favorite pastime. I have, over the years, achieved a great knack for tasting food served in restaurants and, then, being able to recreate the dish at home. Ninki’s Clear Soup has me stumped. I’ve tried COUNTLESS times to come up with a soup even close to their Clear Soup, but it simply can’t be done.

    I’ve deduced that they have a large sack of magic in their kitchen and that magic is the secret ingredient.

    Well played, Ninki’s. Well played.

    My family members know that:

    1. If anyone is going to Ninki’s, they must, first of all, give me the opportunity to accompany them.  If for some reason I can’t go (flu, ice storm, bronchitis, broken ankle..) they know the drill:
    2. They must bring me a large container of Clear Soup.  If they fail to do so, I’ll cry for days.  True story.

    Ninki’s Sushi Rolls, Fried Rice, Hibachi grill, salad, steak, chicken, Clear Soup, edamame, tea, and service are all extraordinary and you MUST treat yourself to the experience.  It may be your first time but I guarantee it won’t be your last.

    I might just see you there.

    What you need to know:

    Ninki’s Japanese Steakhouse is located at 3500 Villa Pt Ste 103.

    Directions: Go out Highway 54, past Walgreen’s and just past Kohl’s.  Ninki’s is located next to the old Quizzno’s (miss them…sigh). Map.

    Phone: (270) 685-9913

    Wow! So, Do-it-yourself projects now include fishing boats. See the details come together on Kentucky Afield television this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1.

    On the upcoming episode, we’ll learn that for sculling creeks and ponds, nothing tops a flat-bottomed boat. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources craftsman John Akers shows host Tim Farmer how the vessels are built with little effort and money.

    The construction of the KY AFIELD 09 was quite popular when first aired last fall. Now, the three-part series is combined into one full episode. DVR users take note – this is one for the archives.

    “Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.

    If you love NASCAR like we do, and you’re anywhere near Owensboro, Kentucky on Sunday July 18, 2010, grab your Hermanator t-shirt and head to Windy Hollow!

    Windy Hollow Speedway and the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross have teamed up for a night of great racing and fund raising! This Sunday night Windy Hollow Speedway will host the very popular NASCAR driver and Speed TV personality Kenny Wallace at the Owensboro, KY race facility. Wallace will be on hand racing his Federated Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Series open wheel modified as well as helping the Red Cross. Wallace will also step into a car he has never seen before and battle it out with some well known locals from the racing world in the Prelude to the Box Car Nationals to benefit the Big Rivers Chapter.

    Wallace will step into a custom built box car replica of his Federated Auto Parts modified and run on foot against the following entries:

    Richard Cunningham from www.circlesville.com (a national dirt track media source)
    Malcolm West from Racing Radio Live and the Nashville Super Speedway
    Angie Baird- American Classifieds/Thrifty Nickel
    Alan Slaton- EZ Buy Auto Sales/EZ Graphics
    Jay Velotta- Windy Hollow Speedway announcer/Radio Goes Racing
    Billy Egeler- Windy Hollow Speedway announce/Radio Goes Racing

    These racers will run a small race on foot inside their custom built cardboard creations in an effort to raise funds for the Red Cross. Donations will be accepted before the event, which will be held during intermission on Sunday. There will also be an autographed door from Kenny Wallace’s modified up for grabs to the highest bidder during an auction held at intermission. Wallace will be available for autographs during the evening’s intermission festivities and after the racing events.

    Gates will open at 4pm with racing starting at 6pm at Windy Hollow Speedway. It will be an action packed night of stock car racing and box car racing at its best!

    For more information on the Box Car Nationals presented by Circlesville.com and the Carousel Child Care Center visit www.circlesville.com .

    Windy Hollow Speedway is located just 9 miles southwest of Owensboro, KY off of Kentucky Highway 81 on Windy Hollow Road.

    GATES OPEN AT 3:30 PM
    DRAW CLOSES AT 6 pm
    RACING AROUND 6:15 pm

    About Kenny Wallace

    Kenny Wallace, who won the first race he ever entered, thank you very fast, was born in the hometown of my favorite baseball team – St. Louis, Missouri. Kenny is the youngest of three brothers and, and Kenny Wallace.com points out, racing was a household reality before any of the boys could wheel a car.

    He currently lives in North Carolina with his High School sweetheart, wife of 25 years, Kim. The couple have three daughters (something we have in common).

    One of the very best things about Kenny is that he’s as big of a St. Louis Cardinals fan as I am.  I love you, man.

    From Kenny Wallace.com:

    After winning that first race in 1982, Kenny decided that his place in racing was in the driver’s seat.  That day was a preview of things to come.  In 1986, Kenny joined the ASA ranks winning Rookie of the Year honors.

    In September of 1988, Dale Earnhardt gave Kenny the seat for his first-ever NASCAR start.  He finished seventh in his first Nationwide Series start at Martinsville, Virginia. The following year, Kenny raced the full Nationwide Series schedule in a car owned by brother Rusty, earning the 1989 Rookie of the Year award and finishing sixth in driver point standings.
    Kenny’s Nationwide Series accomplishments include nine wins, ten poles, and nine seasons in the top ten in driver points.  Kenny has over 425 Nationwide starts, making him only the second driver with this distinction.  Kenny is the only driver to have won the Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver Award three times, in 1991, 1994 and 2006.
    Kenny also has over 340 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He has grabbed three poles, six top-five, and 27 top-ten finishes, including three career high second-place runs.  Kenny’s most well known finish probably came when he pushed the late great Dale Earnhardt to his final Cup victory at Talladega in 2000 in a thrilling last lap shootout.  Kenny also has two Budweiser Shootouts to his credit.  In 1998, Kenny and his brother Rusty Wallace staged a thrilling one-two finish on the last lap with Kenny pushing Rusty across the checkers for the win.  In 2002 Kenny finished ninth in the Shootout.
    Kenny has also found success in the world of television.  He is the co-host of two programs for SPEED TV each week; NASCAR RaceDay, which airs before the Sprint Cup race each week, and NASCAR Victory Lane, which extends post-race coverage.   With Kenny’s competitive battles on the racetrack and popularity on television, he has become one of the most sought after drivers in NASCAR racing today for sponsor endorsements and speaking engagements.
    Kenny Wallace is a driver that is well respected by owners, drivers and sponsors throughout the garage area.
    In 2008 Kenny Wallace drove for Jay Robinson Racing in the #28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet Monte Carlo.  The highlight of the year was a last lap battle for the win in Memphis, TN with Carl Edwards and David Reutimann, with Kenny finishing third.  The Team ended the year on a strong upswing.
    In 2009, Kenny is back in familiar colors of the #28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet  Impala for Jay Robinson Racing as he competes for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship.
    Kenny is not only an asphalt race car driver.  He is the winner of the Tony Stewart 2005 Super Late Model Charity Race “Prelude To The Dream” at the Eldora Speedway “on dirt”.
    On almost any weekend, you can find Kenny getting back to the roots of short track racing in his #36 Jegs dirt modified.  He just may be tearing it up at a local dirt track near you!

    Links for Kenny Wallace Fans

    Kenny Wallace Racing

    Kenny Wallace on Facebook

    Kenny Wallace on Twitter

    If at all possible, make it out to  Windy Hollow Speedway Sunday night.  Great Speedway. Great cause. Great driver.

    Visit Windy Hollow Speedway‘s Website

    As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with wildlife, birds, and butterflies at Genuine KentuckyTruth be told, I’m becoming more than a little intrigued with insects as well -dragonflies, lady bugs, stick bugs, lightning bugs… such cool little guys.  Even more reason to love living in Kentucky.  We have such a beautiful variety of these fascinating animals.

    One of my favorite things to do when in the Land Between the Lakes area (in addition to eating catfish  – another obsession) is to look for and observe wildlife.  Whether we’re at the outstanding Woodland’s Nature Center, the equally outstanding Elk & Bison Prairie or hanging out at one of the beautiful state parks – my eyes are always peeled for extra-special locals.

    When you’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, I hope you’ll take in all the beauty around you – including the amazing array of birds.  At many of the travel brochure stands in the area, you’ll find a pamphlet titled “LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES AREA BIRD CHECKLIST.”  This extremely handy little guide lists the different birds you could potentially see while at Land Between the Lakes.

    If you’d like to print out your own guide, you can do that too!  LBL.org has thought of everything and has an online version of the Land Between the Lakes Bird Checklist.

    The pamphlet lists the places below as “Recommended Birding Spots”

    • Kentucky Dam
    • Hematite Lake and Trail
    • Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
    • Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
    • North/South Trail – Sugar Bay to Rhodes Bay
    • Shaw Branch Road – (153/134) from Hwy 68/80 to Energy Lake
    • Elk & Bison Prairie
    • South Oak Grassland Demonstration Area
    • The Homeplace
    • Fort Henry Trails
    • South Welcome Station and Bear Creek

    I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in the Land Between the Lakes Region:

    • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
    • Kentucky Dam Village
    • Kenlake Lodge
    • Grand Rivers Jetty at Sunset – At Lighthouse Landing on Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
    • Little Lake Park (Grand Rivers) – Located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse

    For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:

    Grand Rivers Attractions

    Land Between the Lakes

    Kenlake State Resort Park

    Kentucky Dam Village

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park