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You are here: Home / Archives for News

The Kentucky Indiana All-Star Game to Return to the Owensboro Sportscenter

April 11, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Kentucky Indiana Game

Spectra, the providers of Venue Management to the Owensboro Sportscenter, is excited to announce the return of the Kentucky Indiana All-Star Game to Owensboro!

The Kentucky Indiana All-Star Game is the oldest continuing high school all-star game in the U.S.  Since 1940, with the exception of two years during WWII and last year during the pandemic, the game has showcased the best high school seniors in the two states.  Beginning in 1953, a home-and-home series takes place with one game in each state.  This year the game in Kentucky will be played on Friday, June 11 at the Owensboro Sportscenter in Owensboro, KY.  The game in Indiana will take place the following day on Saturday, June 12 at Southport Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

Prior to those games, each state will name their top high school senior player for both boys and girls who will be recognized as Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball.

“The Kentucky Indiana All Star Game has a rich history of being in Owensboro, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the Owensboro Sportscenter after all these years,” stated Laura Alexander, General Manager with Spectra Venue Management at the Owensboro Sportscenter.

The complete lineups for the 2021 Kentucky and Indiana All-Stars and ticket information will be coming soon.

About the Owensboro Sportscenter
The Owensboro Sportscenter, one of the city’s most historic buildings, opened in 1949.  It is a multi-purpose 5,000 seat arena that hosts graduations, concerts, sporting events, trade shows, meetings, and receptions. The Owensboro Sportscenter is home to the Owensboro Thoroughbreds of the TBL (The Basketball League), Division II Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers Men’s and Women’s Basketball of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and the Owensboro Catholic High School Aces Basketball.  Learn more at OwensboroSportscenter.com.

About Spectra   
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

Filed Under: Events, Owensboro, Sports, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: Kentucky Events 2021, Owensboro Sportscenter events

Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13

February 29, 2020 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Playground at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

I recently told one of my daughters, “I have never been THIS ready for spring and summer in my life!” I am, undoubtedly, one of the biggest fans of winter in the world. I love the cold, brisk air, I love the extra excuses to indulge in hot chocolate, coffee, and chai tea lattes and I love the sweaters, hoodies, and scarves.

I watch excitedly for snow even when it isn’t in the forecast, I love college and pro football, and I delight in making more soup and chili than my family can possibly eat.

Having said all of that…. bring on the sunshine! Baseball, car trips, fresh produce, trees in bloom, flowers, birds filling the trees, and visits to Kentucky State Parks and the Land Between the Lakes always make me eager for spring and summer – more so this year than ever, for some reason.

When I saw the following press release in my e-mail, I let out an audible, “Whoop!” I always get excited when Kentucky Events start dropping into the inbox because it’s as though Kentucky… and my very world… come back to life after a long nap!

If you frequently camp or are beginning the tradition, look alive… Camping season is about to open at Kentucky State Parks!

Continued Below….


Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

From the Kentucky State Parks:

“Our state parks are treasured by thousands of Kentucky families, including mine,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I hope to see Team Kentucky outside and having fun this year – stay safe and keep exploring!”

The camping season officially opens March 13, 2020, at all 30 Kentucky State Park campgrounds that feature about 2,300 campsites across the state.

“One of the most popular recreational activities at Kentucky State Parks every year is camping,” said Parks Commissioner Robert Conway. “We’re making some improvements at several campgrounds that our guests will like.”

During the month of April, all Kentucky State Park campgrounds are offering buy one night, get one free, Sunday through Thursday. (Use the promotion code “Spring2020” for online reservations.)

The weekend of April 24-26 is the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend when campers get two nights for the price of one. State park campgrounds are offering a variety of activities during Camper Appreciation Weekend, including entertainment, arts and crafts, putt-putt golf, bonfires, movies, cookouts and nature programs.

Several campgrounds will see upgrades during 2020. Electric upgrades are planned at Carr Creek State Park and General Burnside Island State Park is getting electric and sewer upgrades. Some sites at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park’s campground are being re-designed to better accommodate campers.

All state park campgrounds have water and electric services with dump stations or sewer hookups, along with picnic tables and fire rings at each improved site, and bathhouses. Primitive sites are also available.

Park sites will remain open through mid-November and a few remain open during winter months.

The campground at John James Audubon State Park remains closed in 2020 due to work on a nearby dam.

To make camping reservations at a Kentucky State Park or for more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Filed Under: Kentucky State Parks, News, Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Rough River Lake, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: camping in Kentucky, Kentucky events, Kentucky State Park camping

1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!

November 22, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Christmas at the Homeplace (Land Between the Lakes)

As we often say on this Kentucky blog, the end of summer in NO WAY means the end of things to do and see in Kentucky. So grab your coat, gloves, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful Bluegrass all winter long!

The Homeplace will celebrate Christmas in 1850 on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 1 to 4 pm, inside the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area.

The Friends of Land Between the Lakes invite you to step back in time to the smell of pine needles and gingerbread and to stockings hung by the fire with care, to a simple 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum at Land Between the Lakes from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Admission is $5 for ages 12 and above; $3 for those 5 to 12; and free for 4 and under.

Wander around the farm and visit the homes to see how the farm family decorated for the Christmas season. Learn how to make traditional Christmas decorations and collect recipes for holiday treats to make at home. Join in singing 1800s carols as we usher in Santa Claus’ arrival.

This special event is sponsored by Bristol Broadcasting Company, which operates nine full power radio stations in the Paducah, Kentucky, market, including 93.3 WKYQ, Today’s 24 Carrot Country and Willie 102.1, Country’s All Time Greatest Hits.

Fourth grade students can go to https://everykidinapark.gov, get their free Every Kid in a Park pass, and get their family in for free! For more information, call the Homeplace at 931.298.3133.

The Homeplace is located in the Land Between the Lakes at 4512 on The Trace

Photo Credit: The Land Between the Lakes

Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Christmas events in Kentucky, The Homeplace Christmas 2019

Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park (Oct. 11-13)

September 7, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Civil War Days

If you’re a Civil War buff, you’ll want to be at Columbus-Belmont State Park during the weekend of October 11-13!

The Park’s popular Civil War Days returns to the banks of the Mississippi River and will feature battle re-enactments, history and museum tours, soldier camps, entertainment, food and more. (Admission is free.)

This marks the 29th year of Civil War Days at Columbus-Belmont.

From the Kentucky State Parks:

This three-day event begins with an Education Day on Friday, featuring cannon and rifle demonstrations, life of a soldier, camp cooking and medical procedures.  Students, scouts, and groups are encouraged to participate, but everyone is invited to attend and take a closer look at our history by taking a step back in time.

The opening ceremony begins Friday evening at 5 p.m. with food and entertainment.  Cannons will fire from the bluffs to end the ceremony, followed by a Ghost Walk through the Confederate earthworks with lanterns lighting the way.

Saturday features a full schedule of events, including music and the Ladies Tea at 11 a.m.Civil War Days

The Civil War Ball on Saturday night will feature music by The 52nd Regimental String Band, along with dance instruction so you don’t have to be experienced to participate.

If you want to shop, you can find everything you need on “Sutler Row” where there will be tents set up with period clothing and accessories. There will be a Beautiful Belle and Handsome Gent contest before the dance and a Best Beard and Scraggly Beard contest during intermission.

Sunday begins with a period morning service at 8:30 a.m. as well as a memorial service in Columbus Cemetery at 10 a.m.

The battles are at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. They will feature guns firing, swords swinging, horses charging, and cannons blasting.

The Civil War Days event is co-sponsored by Columbus-Belmont State Park, Civil War Days Committee, and the Hickman County Judge Executive’s office/Hickman County Fiscal Court.  The park is located on the Mississippi River in far western Kentucky at the junction of highways 58, 80, and 123.

For more information, contact the park office at 270-677-2327, email cindy.lynch@ky.gov or visit www.parks.ky.gov.

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, Columbus-Belmont State Park, Events, Kentucky History, News, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: Civil War Days, Civil War Events in Kentucky, Columbus-Belmont State Park, Kentucky Civil War events

Old Things New (Official Music Video) by Chad Hoard

October 18, 2018 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The wonderful video and song below are from Kentucky’s own Chad Hoard. This is the title track from Chad’s debut album “Old Things New.”

I would be sharing this beautiful and inspiring video with you, anyway, BUT there’s a little extra incentive. Chad is actually married to my husband’s youngest niece. What’s more, another of his nieces co-stars in the video.

Amazing thing is, I never knew Chad sang or that she acted…. but, boy do I know now!

I hope you’ll visit Chad Hoard’s Official Website and read more about this Western Kentucky born and raised musician, song writer, and singer. You can also download the album free on the website.

Filed Under: Entertainment, News, Videos Tagged With: Kentucky Musicians

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Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

E-mail me anytime! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

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"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

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Kentucky News and Events

  • Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…
  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
  • The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine
  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

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If you are interested in advertising on Genuine Kentucky, please contact us: e-mail Joi Sigers.

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