TOPS January 2025 by TOPS Magazine

in '25: The Can't-Miss Events Coming in 2025 JANUARY:

JANUARY // VOL.19 NO.1

APRIL: MUSIC & WRITTEN WORD

82 Written Word: Reading Lexington

Music: Sounds of the City

90 History: Snapshots: Music

MAY: DIVERSITY

Famous Figures: Sweet Evening Breeze

Local: DiverCity Festival

JUNE: COME HOME MONTH

100 Famous Figures: Henry Clay

104

114

Tour of Homes: Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

The Gardening Gent: The Gardening Gent with Jon Carloftis

JULY: CULINARY

120

126

Famous Figures: Laura Johnson Dandridge

Culinary: The Joy of Cookbooks

131 Recipes: Dry January

131 In Season: Onions

AUGUST: BUSINESS

140 Famous Figures: Bill Gatton

142 Snapshots: Big Dreams

JANUARY // VOL.19 NO.1

SEPTEMBER: SPORTS

148 Famous Figures: Adolph Rupp

152 Fashion: Gameday Fashion Through the Decades

158 BBN: Todd Svoboa

OCTOBER: EQUINE

164 Famous Figures: Oliver Lewis

166 Equine: Local Derby Winners

172 Equine: Giddy Up! Equine Events in 2025

NOVEMBER: THE ARTS

178 The Arts: Lexington's Artistic Legacy

182 LexArts: New Year, New Hop

DECEMBER: THE FUTURE 189 Local Spotlight: Luxurious Living 198 Day Trips: Get Cozy 206 Calendar: Calendar of Events 212 TOP Events: Out + About

TOP Events: TOPS Preview Party

TOP Events: Women Leading Through Philanthropy

TOP Events: Medicinal Whiskey Winter Charity Gala 220 TOP Events: TOPS in Winchester

465 East High St., Ste. 201 Lexington, KY 40507

(859) 543-8677 TOPSinLex.com @topsinlex TopsInLex

BILLING QUESTIONS: billing@topsmarketing.com TO ADVERTISE: advertising@topsmarketing.com TO SUBSCRIBE: topsinlex.com/subscribe SPECIAL THANKS TO: Kip Cornett and the 250LEX Commission

As the vice president of community relations for TOPS Marketing, Vicki Evans ensures that the rich and diverse enterprises of Lexington, particularly its non-proﬁts, have the chance to pursue dynamic growth strategies and continue their missions into the future.

Vicki Evans

kyarber@topsmarketing.com

“Seeing individuals and businesses that I work with thrive and knowing that the partnerships and marketing tools that we have put into place are playing an integral part of their success is the most rewarding part of my job,” Evans said. “I love being out in the community and thoroughly enjoy working with and contributing to the growth and livelihood of various businesses and non-proﬁt organizations. Seeing the end results of hard work and commitment is so rewarding! The more I can be involved and contribute to this success, the better.”

Evans leads with a dedication to four key principles: honesty, integrity, commitment and hard work. And she’s driven by a heartfelt passion for the larger Lexington region.

“TOPS Marketing has a huge presence in the community,” she concluded. “By partnering with local businesses and organizations, TOPS is able to assist in making Lexington and its surrounding areas

Keni Parks Stephanie Gilmore

Woody Phillips Tracie Dillon

Mary Pace

Editor’s Picks

Happy New Year!

Not only do we celebrate 2025, we celebrate our beloved Lexington’s 250th anniversary … all year long! Our January issue is a keeper as your ofﬁcial guide for all things 250Lex. Photos galore, famous ﬁgures who have graced the streets of our great city, and monthly themes & events happening throughout the year for all ages. Let’s all share our pride for Lexington with some fun items made just for us!

-Fr Elsen

Editor-in-Chief

Get Cozy Watching the CATS: Kentucky Wildcats Fur Slippers (Available at ukteamshop.com)

For Your Favorite Beverage: Can Shape Cityscape Glasses (Available at uncommongoods.com)

Your Go-To Ballcap in 2025: Royal Blue LEX Patch Hat (Available at Kentucky Branded)

250 = Too Fiddy: Next Level Cotton Longsleeve Tee (Available at 250lex.com)

Serve it Up in True Lexington Style: Lexington Kickoff Lucite Tray (Available at Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories)

In 2025, we will celebrate Lexington, Kentucky’s 250th anniversary. Named after the Revolutionary War battle, the city was founded in 1775 — one year before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

And it continues to thrive today.

A volunteer commission was created and charged by Mayor Linda Gorton to plan this milestone year. The 250LEX Commission is planning an entire year’s worth of interesting, inclusive and memorable events. While making sure to acknowledge the past, these efforts will showcase our present as well as look boldly into the future of Lexington! Each month will have a theme of focus. We’ve shared them here, as well as historical photos, famous local figures, 250LEX events and so much more to help you kick off 2025 with us!

To learn more, visit: 250lex.com

DEAR TOPS READER,

It’s 2025. Time to celebrate Lexington’s 250th anniversary!

Can you believe it? Our historic city was founded in 1775, a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Our 250Lex Commission has planned a year’s worth of unforgettable events that will make for a memorable celebration for everyone who loves this city. Each month of this year will focus on a different aspect of our city.

Here in Lexington, we are known for many things:

… being “Lexington, KY: Horse Capital of the World”

… high quality of life

… great bourbon

… low cost of living

… award-winning horses

… wonderful restaurants

… great arts and cultural scene

… worldclass countryside

… outstanding sports

… and so much more!

We have a lot to celebrate!

All throughout 2025, we will acknowledge our past, celebrate our present, and look boldly into the future of our great city. I encourage everyone to get involved … spread the word … and help us make 2025 a memorable year for all!

CHEERS TO 250 YEARS!

Sincerely,

Linda Gorton, Mayor

The Mayor’s25‘25 in

NYE@CBC

The Can’t-Miss Events Coming in 2025!

What a great way to kick-off our 250th! A Times Squarestyle free concert along with indoor activities for families before the concert outdoors at Central Bank Center. Local blues legend Tee Dee Young and Honeychild will help us ring in the New Year.

LEX PHIL FREE CONCERT/WORLD PREMIERE

Our amazing Lexington Philharmonic will perform a world-premiere piece by Shawn Okpebholo – a local, rising star in the international music community.

Free and open to the public, the concert will take place at Singletary Center.

COMMUNITY GRANTS ALL YEAR

We are proud to support 18 different non-proﬁt

organizations that will be creating events throughout the year – ranging from dance to drumming! These groups received ﬁnancial support to create or enhance programming.

LEGACY ART UNVEILING

During the early fall, a new world-class art piece will be installed in the heart of our downtown. Chosen from a national search, the art piece will be a stunning reminder of our 250th anniversary, and enjoyed for years to come.

JAZZ FESTIVAL

The connections of this music genre run deep, from the iconic sounds of Les McCann, to modern day shows at The Lyric. To honor these deep roots, a multi-day jazz festival is being created with performances across the city.

TRIBUTE TO OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

Lexington is blessed to have a rich history in the written word. From James Lane Allen to Walter Tevis to Frank X Walker, our city has been consistently home to powerful writers since its founding. This effort will salute those who have contributed to our strong standing in the literary world.

TYLER CHILDERS AT KROGER FIELD

What a night this will be! An outdoor concert at Kroger Field that features not one, not two, but three Kentuckians who have made, and continue to make, their mark on the music scene across America! Tyler Childers, joined by Wynonna Judd and S.B. Goodman, is a more than appropriate highlight of our April “Music Month”.

KET PREMIER NIGHT – LEX DOCUMENTARY

How can you put 250 years into two hours? Kentucky Educational Television (KET) will do just that this year with a two-hour documentary examining Lexington from its days as the “Athens of the West”, to our current day “Horse Capital of the World”. A Hollywood-style evening at the Kentucky Theatre will be its premier showing.

DIVERCITY FESTIVAL

We are a city of many colors, faiths and more. To acknowledge and showcase our diversity as a city, a full weekend of celebration and opportunities to learn will be part of the annual DiverCity Festival in downtown Lexington and other parts of the city.

“HOLY HOPS”

Our faith-based community is one of Lexington’s most valuable assets. What better way to explore our faith community than to learn and visit with each other during a “Holy Hop”? Enjoy the hospitality of a variety of congregations!

25‘25 in

GATTON PARK OPENS

The wait is over! A transformational privately funded destination park right in the heart of Lexington. With spaces and events for all ages, Gatton Park will provide outdoor concerts, performances and festivals, along with a children’s playground, dog park and open spaces to enjoy.

SCAVENGER HUNT

What about a fun event, with a little bit of history thrown in! Our 250LEX Scavenger Hunt will be city-wide, with challenges for all ages. Explore every part of our city and learn the stories!

PHOENIX PARK REINVENTED

One of the key convening spaces on Main Street is being reimagined, and will reopen in 2025. There will be a dedicated space for performing arts, a new play space, an upgraded dog park, and new installed swing sets designed for adults!

250LEX COOKBOOK

Lexingtonians love their food! We’ve been blessed to enjoy great chefs and restaurants … an incredible culinary past, present and future. Here’s our chance to honor those who have shaped our dining for years! We are curating a salute to great cooks with a commemorative cookbook that will help you entertain in 2025, and beyond.

“HOMECOMING” MONTH IN JUNE

You only turn 250 once! And that’s why we are asking locals to do their part! Let’s invite family, friends and colleagues to our biggest birthday party ever! The entire month will be heavily programmed so any day our “lex-pats” and other guests come to Lexington – they will be entertained! June is our founding month, so there’s no better time to see the “Horse Capital of the World” in full glory!

KEENELAND’S RENOVATION

There’s just no place like Keeneland – in the world! Home to worldclass racing, and world-leading auctions, this gem of the Bluegrass will shine even more after its amazing multi-million-dollar renovation. The largest capital project since Keeneland’s 1936 founding is underway. Racing fans from all over the world will be able to enjoy new experiences and new views of this local treasure.

RED MILE’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

Right in the middle of town, The Red Mile’s impact on the city is signiﬁcant. From its early days of racing, to hosting both the Junior League Horse Show and Bluegrass Fair for years, Red Mile is a cherished part of our past and present. Evolving into a full entertainment destination, Red Mile will be celebrating 150 years in 2025!

BIG ASS BOURBON TASTING

If there’s a world-record to be broken for bourbon, who else but Lexington should do it! In June at LexLive, we will attempt (and break) the record number of participants in a single-location bourbon tasting. With three bourbons to be sampled, our Big Ass Bourbon tasting is a can’t miss event for 2025.

ENHANCED PARADES ALL YEAR

Who doesn’t like a parade? And for 2025, we are elevating each parade during our milestone year – from St. Patrick’s Day to the Thriller Parade. Come and enjoy these familyfriendly events. And be on the look for some very special Parade Marshals throughout 2025.

SOULFEAST/JUNETEENTH

Quickly becoming a regional draw, SOULFEAST is a part of Lexington’s Juneteenth celebration that features incredible food and entertainment.

LIVE MUSIC MONTH IN APRIL

In April, Lexington lives up to its mention in Bloomberg Media as “the next emerging music scene,” with 30 days of musical entertainment. As part of this showcase, 250LEX

will also look back at the bands, ballrooms and venues of our past. Every night will feature a different musical genre and venue.

LEXINGTON HISTORY MUSEUM EXHIBIT

The relocated, revitalized and renovated Lexington History Museum will unveil a new exhibit in 2025. This look into Lexington’s past is a must-see for young and old, alike. The exhibit will open in and around our “homecoming” month in June – and will be a great feature for guests and locals.

SHARK TANK CELEBRATING THE “H.I.L.L.” OPENING

The new “Hub For Innovative Learning and Leadership” will be a brilliant new piece of the city’s career and technology education. Housed in the old Herald-Leader building on Midland Avenue, 250LEX will work with FCPS to host a student-focused “Shark Tank” style competition with the theme of creating a better city in the future.

“CHEERS TO 250 YEARS”

CABARET AT CBC

A combination fashion, music and cultural event, the “Cheers To 250 Years” will be held at Central Bank Center in June. Featuring the talents of William Paris and a host of models and musicians, the Cabaret promises to be an amazing evening unlike any other in 2025, with a salute to the past, present and future of Lexington.

JANUARY

w l ss

New Year’s resolutions have us all thinking about our overall wellbeing. Since our health is the foundation of our success, wellness makes the perfect concept to kick o a year of celebration and reﬂection! Begin your 250LEX celebration by making a plan to treat yourself well so you can live your life to the fullest and enjoy all that’s to come in 2025 – and beyond.

january ambassadors:

Stephanie Arnold YMCA of Central Kentucky

Lisa Higgins Hord University of Kentucky

Brandi Doss YMCA of Central Kentucky

Town Branch Commons by Ty Cole Studio Inc

FAMOUS FIGURES Mary E. Britton

1855-1925

Mary Ellen Britton’s incredible impact on Lexington positively progressed the city in more ways than one.

The Lexington native, educator, physician, journalist and activist attended Berea College, the ﬁrst higher learning institution in the state to enroll African Americans. She taught in segregated public schools, where much of her inﬂuence began.

As an advocate for women and African Americans, Britton became the founder of the Kentucky Negro Education Association in 1877. Her role as president of the Lexington Woman’s Improvement Club and charter member of the Ladies Orphan Society ultimately led to the founding of Lexington’s Colored Orphan Industrial Home in 1892. This facility provided home and professional care for African American children and elderly women who would otherwise be homeless.

While Mary authored commentaries that opposed Jim Crow laws, it was the lack of sufﬁcient health care for her race that prompted her enrollment at the American Missionary College in Chicago. She earned her medical degree and became the ﬁrst black woman in Lexington to be a licensed physician in 1902.

Britton continued her lifelong commitment to bettering Lexington’s social and physical health until her retirement in 1923. Fayette County Public Schools will be opening Mary E. Britton Middle School in Lexington in 2025 in her honor.

Sources:

Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Kentucky Historic Institutions, Fayette County Public Schools

Shelby Caitlin Ellie

Kristin Lindsay Kaylee Malori

with Lisa Higgins-Hord

by Erin Oliver

LA Healthier You

isa Higgins-Hord, her fellow January 250Lex ambassadors, and the “A Healthier You” committee plan to make 2025 a foundational year for our city’s overall health and longevity. With anchor partners Baptist Health, CHI St. Joseph and UK Healthcare, along with Lexington Clinic, Lexington Public Library and The YMCA, “A Healthier You” is joining forces to promote a thriving Lexington for the next 250 years.

After 25 years as The University of Kentucky’s Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, and now stepping into Assistant Vice President of Community Health, Lisa understands how crucial healthy lifestyles are for a ﬂourishing Lexington. “We know there’s so much data on cancer in Kentucky and it affects us at a higher rate than other states,” she noted.

“The older we get, we have to do screenings. I make sure I’m networking, partnering, and advocating for our residents to have access and knowledge to optimal care.”

While ﬁtness has always been important to Lisa, it wasn’t until her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 that made her see strength from a different lens. “I

“Coming together, wouldn’t it be great for Lexington to be known for that? For others to say, ‘Look at what they do as a community rather than individuals?’”

was ﬁrmly rooted in the fact that I was going to get through it,” she reﬂected. “It became a year full of understanding how to take control of my health in a new way.”

With the support of the Markey Cancer Center, her friends and family, and best personal health practices, Lisa triumphantly rang the cancer-free bell. “I felt like I had a second chance of ‘what do I want to ﬁll my life with?’”

Lisa’s experience and incredible health victory fuel this year-long campaign to educate and give the community chances that optimize well-being in sustainable ways.

“Our goal is for ‘A Healthier You’ to not just be about January, but to ﬁnd important ways to connect what we do in that month with the other months,” Lisa explained.

Recognizing that New Year’s ﬁtness resolutions don’t often sustain the entire year, Lisa and her committee will incorporate multiple monthly events all year long to ensure Lexingtonians explore the best practices that support this wellness strategy: healthy eating, mental

health, physical health, spiritual health.

“We want people to take control of their health in a very digestible way,” she explained. Lexingtonians can look forward to a wide variety of activities that support these efforts, like cooking classes, a mental health fair in May, opportunities for health screenings, even a “Be Healthy Bash” in September, and so much more.

To start January strong, the committee hosted a successful “Jumpstart Launch” at various local YMCA locations. This gave the community free access to the facilities as well as productive discussions with committee members about what their healthcare systems can do for them.

“What better way to celebrate 250 years of Lexington than to come together as a community and focus on health?” Lisa said. “Coming together, wouldn’t it be great for Lexington to be known for that? For others to say, ‘Look at what they do as a community rather than individuals?’ I hope to turn the page on our health with our healthcare systems’ help.” •

THRIVING through the DECADES

Your health needs change as you age. While that’s pretty obvious to all of us, it can still be hard to know which aspects of your health routine may need tweaking as you reach certain milestones. What vitamins should you take at 30 that you weren’t taking a decade ago? When you hit 60, which health screenings should you be tackling yearly?

These concerns should be part of an ongoing conversation with your healthcare team. Your primary care provider should help guide your healthcare choices and decisions through the decades of your life. That said, this checklist can help you know which topics to bring up at your annual exam (which should start in your 20s or 30s, by the way). Remember that this list builds on itself; just because you’ve aged up a decade doesn’t mean you can skip out on all the healthy habits you’ve built!

In your 20s:

Every three years: pap smear and/or HPV screening

Every six months: dental checkup

Monthly: at-home breast exams and testicular exams

Every 10 years: tetanus booster

STI screening, with a frequency as discussed with your doctor

Reﬁ llable Invisible

Fenty SkinHydra Vizor

Face Moisturizer SPF

30 with Niacinamide (Sephora, $40) don't forget sunscreen!

Annual skin checks to search for abnormalities and skin cancer

Use a daily sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent early signs of aging!

Get an eye exam every few years to check for certain conditions (more often if you need glasses, wear contacts or notice changes in your eyesight).

If you’re a woman who plans to have children in the near future, discuss your plan with your OB/GYN. Adjust your contraceptives, vitamin intake/diet and lifestyle according to their recommendations.

embrace your age:

The time is always right to live boldly. That said, there’s no time better to “live out loud” than your 20s! This decade is all about learning lessons and trying new things. You’re setting out the building blocks of your life ahead, from your career to friendships, personal style and habits. Make sure you’re building an authentic life that you want to live.

In your 30s:

Every year: Annual checkup to evaluate your blood pressure and overall well being

Every few years: cholesterol test (more often if you are at risk of certain cardiovascular conditions)

If you have certain genetic markers, begin breast cancer screenings. This is part of a longer conversation with your health care team.

If you don’t already, try adding weight lifting or resistance training to your ﬁtness routine to prevent loss of muscle mass.

Adjust your skincare routine to prevent or correct ﬁ ne lines and increase overall brightness.

If you are planning to have children in your 30s, discuss your plans with your doctor.

Your ﬁtness routine in your 30s should focus on building a strong core. You also want to follow the American Heart Association’s recommendations for your cardiovascular health (get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity with moderate muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week).

embrace your age:

This decade is all about getting to know yourself better. Learn to listen to your intuition and know your worth. Mindfulness, gratitude and acceptance will help you navigate the changes that your 30s can bring. Don’t worry about what other people are doing; live your life to the fullest in the way that you want to live it.

brighten your skin!

Mint Renewal Cleanser (Renée Rouleau, $40.50)

hydrates skin

HyaCera™ Supplement (Ritual, $54.00)

In your 40s: In your 50s:

Mammograms according to your doctor’s recommendation. Diabetes screening if you have certain risk factors

Discuss family history for prostate and/or colon cancer with your doctor to determine if screenings are appropriate. Discuss menopause with your doctor and make a game plan for this transition.

Add collagen powder to your diet to help preserve your skin’s elasticity.

Adjust your diet according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Noticing some hair loss? In addition to genetic predisposition, your hair loss could be caused by certain conditions, so it’s important to discuss this with your doctor – and to address it. Finding it harder to lose weight? Talk to your healthcare team, including a hormone specialist, about what options may make sense for you.

embrace your age:

You are fully within your own skin in your 40s, so celebrate your unique, wonderful self! Take the time to build habits that reward your body, spirit and mind for all the work you’ve done and prepare it for the life ahead of you. Firm up your good habits and jettison the bad ones. (Taking a look at your 401k contributions couldn’t hurt.)

Every two years: mammogram and/or breast MRI

Every few years: colon cancer screening

Get regular blood screenings to check your kidney health, iron levels and other important health markers.

Discuss lung cancer screenings with your doctor, especially if you are a current/former smoker or have a family history of lung cancer.

If you don’t already use daily moisturizers (face and body), add those to your skincare routine now. If you’re still noticing dry skin, consider ﬁ nding a moisturizer that works better for your needs.

Going gray? Your hair’s texture is probably quite different than before. Adjust your haircare routine accordingly.

smooths + rms skin

Advanced Night Repair Multi-Recovery Complex

Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (Estée Lauder, $128)

Talk to your doctor about your sexual health. This decade can bring on a lot of changes in this department, so don’t be embarrassed to ask!

embrace your age:

This is a time for expanding your horizons. Learn as much as you can, travel more, search out new experiences and try your hand at new hobbies. Be open to change and embrace what comes with open arms. Reward yourself for the years you’ve lived by treating yourself to luxury skincare and health products, if possible.

In your 60s:

Every year: annual eye exams to screen for certain eye conditions and to check your vision, which will change frequently as you age.

Discuss bone density testing with your doctor, especially if you are a woman.

Beginning at age 65, get your pneumonia vaccines.

Beginning at age 65, discuss with your doctor whether pap smears and other frequent screenings are needed going forward.

Adjust your diet according to your doctor’s recommendations. You may want to increase your ﬁber intake.

keep moving!

Saucony W's Guide 17 (John's Run/Walk Shop, $105)

Make new friends. You’re most likely at a new phase in your life. Developing friendships and forming new connections at this stage is especially important to your well being!

Get active in new, fun ways to encourage you to stay in the habit.

embrace your age:

This can be the start of your second chapter. Think about what opportunities you’d like to explore and chase them. Ensure that you’re surrounded by people, things and experiences that bring you fulﬁ llment and joy. Let go of bitterness, regret, negativity or doubt; you are an amazing human, and you know exactly who you are. So live it!

Those 70+:

Every year: Get your ﬂu shot; COVID, pneumonia and RSV shots are also available (discuss recommendations with your doctor).

Every two years: colon and bowel cancer screenings

Adjust your ﬁtness routine to your physical condition, bearing in mind your joint health. You may need to pay special attention to your balance and the muscles that help support your stability.

Adjust your diet per your health care team’s recommendations.

Talk to your doctor about keeping your mind active.

cordless pain relief

Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap (BackCountry, $199)

Make regular appointments to see your primary care physician per their recommendations. Keep a list of your concerns between visits to ensure you can discuss each issue. Topics that should be regularly discussed include your heart health, overall mood, memory, bowel health, hearing, fall risk and regular screenings. Your doctor may suggest stopping certain screenings and increasing the frequency of others.

embrace your age:

Enjoy your one, amazing life! Take time to appreciate the beauty in the world. Experience all the culture that Central Kentucky has to offer. Go out of your way to spread kindness wherever you go. Tell yourself that you are wonderful and that you contribute wonderful things to the world … because it’s true!

MARKETPLACE

Amy E. Dougherty has been a member of Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC more than 10 years. Amy focuses her practice on assisting older persons in qualifying for Medicaid long term care. Amy creates Wills, Powers-of-Attorney, Advanced Directives, and Trusts for her clients. She enjoys special needs planning for persons with disabilities. Previously, Amy practiced elder law for Legal Aid of the Bluegrass. Amy is a frequent lecturer and presenter on Elder Law topics. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where she earned her B.A. (History) and J.D. Degrees. Amy is a member of the Fayette County Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association (Elder Law Section), the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Academy of Special Needs Planners. She is admitted to practice in the Eastern District of KY, the Western District of KY, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Amy is a graduate of the 2017 Leadership Lexington class.

Mary Patton was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. She earned her B.A. in Communication magna cum laude from the University of Kentucky and her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Mary practiced law in Ohio for ﬁve years before returning home to Lexington. She has practiced at Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC since 2014 and has been a partner since 2020. Mary is licensed to practice law in both Kentucky and Ohio. She enjoys getting to know her clients on a personal level and understanding their family dynamics. These conversations help to construct strategies enabling clients to achieve their ﬁnancial, legal, and health care goals.

Mary has held multiple leadership positions in her ﬁeld of practice. She is a recent past-chair of the Elder Law Section of the Kentucky Bar Association and past president of the Kentucky Guardianship Association.

E. FINNELL

Katie E. Finnell joined Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC in January 2017 as an Associate after spending several years as a sole practitioner. She joined the ﬁrm as a member in 2020.

Katie graduated from the University of Kentucky and earned her law degree from Northern Kentucky University, Chase College of Law. She is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Fayette County Bar Association. She earned her LLM (legal masters degree) in Estate Planning and Elder Law from Western New England University in 2016. Katie is the past CLE Committee Chair as well as the President of the KY Bar Association Elder Law Section.

Katie has a passion for helping others and frequently serves as a professional ﬁduciary for those needing a trusted person to appoint as power of attorney, executor, or trustee. She does everything for coordinate medical appointments and in home care givers to ﬁnancial management and bill pay.

AMY E. DOUGHERTY

MARY ELLIS PATTON

KATHERINE

FEBRUARY history

While all of 250LEX will certainly acknowledge and reﬂect upon the storied past of this city, February is dedicated to remembering our history. You’re invited to take this opportunity to uncover the hidden histories and landmark moments that have made Lexington, Kentucky the thriving landscape that we know and love today.

Mandy Higgins LexHistory

View of Lexington from Morrison College, ca. 1851, courtesy of Transylvania University

FAMOUS FIGURES a . a

1903-2005

Referred to as “Kentucky’s greatest treasure,” Thomas D. Clark led a life devoted to the preservation of our state’s history and education improvement.

Despite being a middle school dropout, Clark earned a master’s from The University of Kentucky and a doctorate from Duke University. He taught at UK in the history department for 37 years and as department chair for 23 years, until his retirement in 1968. Clark frequented many prominent universities as a visiting professor.

Throughout his career, Thomas worked tirelessly to rescue Kentucky’s military records from the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War. His efforts led to Kentucky’s ﬁrst archival system, the Kentucky Library and Archives, UK Special Collections and Archives, the Kentucky Oral History Commission, The Thomas Clark History Center, and the University Press of Kentucky. As a thorough researcher and skilled writer, Thomas wrote and edited over 36 history-based books, his most popular being A History of Kentucky (1937).

While Clark is the recipient of many prestigious awards and appointments, his ﬁght to improve the quality of life for Kentuckians may be most notable. After Clark’s death a few days before his 102nd birthday, Bluegrass historian James Klotter reﬂected on the state’s pioneer: “He will be remembered as a person who took history to the people and didn’t just stay in an ivory-covered tower somewhere writing books in the dark of the night, but got out and taught history all across the Commonwealth. All across the world, really.”

Sources: Carnegie Center, Visit Frankfort

Oldest PK-12 School in the State

Yvonne Giles Historian

Discovering Lexington’s African American Heritage Tour

by Erin Oliver | photos courtesy VisitLEX & Honeysage Photography Co.

A trip with her mother to Lexington’s Cemetery No.2 in the early 2000s marked the start of Yvonne Giles’ countless discoveries of Lexington and its African American History.

“My interest started with my own family genealogy,” Yvonne reﬂected, having spent many hours walking through the cemetery and reading headstones. “I thought, ‘How was my family connected to all these people?’ That question sent me on the path to becoming the voice they could no longer share.”

Yvonne was told she wouldn’t be able to ﬁnd any of her family history. “African Americans purchased property which included deeds, mortgages and court cases,” she insisted in response. “This is all legally documented evidence. It’s all there in the county clerk’s ofﬁce.”

She recalls overhearing folks in Cemetery No.2 say the people buried there were not memorable. “I got angry,” she recalled with a chuckle. “You’re trying to negate our history by telling us we aren’t worth anything — and it made me mad. I felt I became the person to share their stories.”

After surveying the cemetery, she created a database that revealed uncoverings of 200 military veterans from the Civil War up until WWII, 186 men in the equine industry, and so many more inﬂuential African Americans. After six years of collecting information and ensuring accuracy, Yvonne published Stilled Voices Yet Speak: A History of African American Cemeteries in Lexington and Fayette County, Kentucky — the ﬁrst of its kind.

Earning the affectionate name of “Cemetery Lady”, Yvonne continued to uncover histories and debunk myths about the city’s past. When approached by VisitLEX to create a platform on African American history, Yvonne initially felt there wasn’t enough local information to even try. But with her incredible track record of discovering truth, Yvonne took on the task with grace and thoroughness. “They left me alone and let me get it ready,” she recalled. “I did not want anything to be inaccurate, or there be any question about it. They were very patient.”

After two years of development, Yvonne and VisitLEX launched the African American Heritage Tour. This self-guided experience through four different areas of Lexington tells of each leg’s unique history shaped by African Americans — The Northside, East End, Jefferson Street and South Hill. The tour sheds light on the ﬁrst African American doctors, jockeys, teachers, nationally recognized musicians and so many more impactful ﬁgures and facts.

“There will be people who try to block your forward movement. You just have to go around them.”

“We discovered Lexington has an underground railroad route,” she stated excitedly. “You look at the maps, read the history — I have four accounts of men who wrote their narratives in the 1850s detailing they used the Lexington Maysville Road to escape.”

This immersive tour is narrated by the Cemetery Lady herself. “You can stop wherever you want to and pick up wherever you want to,” Yvonne noted. “The digital platform VisitLEX developed is just amazing.”

These rich accounts of African American history in Lexington are just a sample of what you can learn and experience this year and beyond. Look forward to new and impactful monuments and markers, month-long celebrations and more in 2025.

Yvonne’s devotion to questioning and ﬁnding the facts herself has truly pioneered rich historic preservation for Lexington. “One of the mottos I use frequently is: ‘Be the little stream’. Meaning, what does water do when its ﬂow is disrupted? It doesn’t stop. You just keep moving. There will be people who try to block your forward movement. You just have to go around them.” •

Ready to start the tour?

Lexington’s African American Heritage Tour is available to you 24/7 through your phone, with no apps to download. Sign up for free and begin this self-guided exploration of Lexington’s African American history.

Scan here, or go to

LOOKING AT LEXINGTON HISTORY THROUGH PHOTOS

with permission from and courtesy of:

Snapshots

Herald-Leader/kentucky.com,

Photos used

Keeneland Library,

Athletics,

Anita Madden estate, and local media outlets | captions provided by external sources

Lexington Trolley Station

Stage Coach in 1881

Lexington Mall

Opening of Blue Grass Airport, 1946

Hauling into the tobacco warehouses

Count Basie & His Orchestra at the Lyric Theatre, mid 1950s

WKYT News with Rob Bromley, Sam Dick, Barbara Bailey and Cindy Pretzler

William T Young with John Glenn

Coach Adolph Rupp and the Team Nailing the Floor to Mark a Historic Shot

Sue Wylie with Ronald Reagan Anita Madden and Muhammad Ali

Pearse Lyons with Queen Elizabeth II

Governor John Y Brown and Phyllis George Brown

A very brave roof repair

MC Hammer at Keeneland

A victory kiss

Ernest P Worrell, AKA actor Jim VarneyCatch of the day

Curt Mathies, Mike Graves, Dave “Kruser” Krusenklaus, Rusty Sharp and Bob lookin’ sharp

Coach Bear Bryant and his team at Stoll Field, ca. 1951

Nate Northington, first Black player in the SEC

Pete Rose and Doug Flynn with Sparky Anderson at KeenelandUK Men’s Tennis SEC Champions 2024

Opening day of the Keeneland grandstand and clubhouse, 1936

Joe B Hall and Wildcats victory over Indiana, 1975 UK Women’s Basketball SEC Champions 2022

President George Bush at Keeneland

Adolph Rupp and Lawrence Welk celebrating Rupp Arena’s ﬁrst concert, 1976

Horses warming up at Keeneland in the 1940s

Sam Bowie and Charles Barkley

Hal Mumme and Tim Couch Jenny Hansen NCAA All Around Champion

Olympians Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn Tubby Smith and the 98 National Champion CATS

Broadcasting legend Cawood Ledford

George Hamilton, Elizabeth Taylor and Ted Bassett at Keeneland

Will Farish with Queen Elizabeth II

President John F Kennedy

Mickey Rooney with Bill Greely

First Lady Barbara Bush

Keith Yarber and George Takei

Arnold Palmer

Don Johnson and Anita Madden

Robert Hays of Airplane with Kip Cornett and Keith Yarber

The Continental Inn

Vietnam War protest

Governor “Happy” Chandler, Harry Sykes and Senator Robert F Kennedy, 1968

Joe B serving it up Nelson B Hunt

Harry Dean Stanton acting while a student at UK Wendell Ford

Sissy Spacek with Loretta Lynn and Oliver “Mooney” Lynn

Festival Latino de Lexington Lou Johnson Way

World Equestrian Games

Lucille Parker Markey

James “Smitty” Smith of Columbia Steakhouse

John Lynagh with the O’Round

Saratoga Restaurant

Spaulding’s Donuts

Belle Brezing

MARCH education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

In March, we will come together to celebrate the power of learning and the incredible inﬂuence of educators in our community – and in our own lives!

march ambassadors:

Annissa Franklin Urban League of Lexington

David Farmwald Educator

W.T. Young shot from Lewis Honors study room photo by Mark Cornelison / UKphoto

FAMOUS FIGURES o rya o a

1824-1891

Ever wonder where the giant wildcat across from Memorial Coliseum got his name? The iconic statue is a tribute to John Bryan Bowman, the man credited with founding The University of Kentucky.

Born in Mercer County into a wealthy family part of pioneering Harrodsburg, Bowman attended Bacon College, later called Kentucky University, where he graduated in 1842. While he studied law and passed the bar, Bowman never became a practicing lawyer. Rather, he inherited Old Forest Farm in Mercer County, which he managed for 10 years. With a heart for bettering the Commonwealth, Bowman bought the Ashland Estate in Lexington from the wife of James B. Clay in 1864.

Bowman dreamed of a Lexington centerpiece that served both students and residents in the community. After Transylvania University merged with the now Kentucky University, Bowman turned Ashland into a campus for Kentucky University and his newly established Agricultural and Mechanical College. This joint venture combined the traditional academic college run by the Disciples of Christ with the state land grant college. As the President of KU A&M, Bowman not only lived in the Ashland mansion but ran several classrooms and ofﬁces on the property and even established a Museum of Natural History.

Disagreements with the school’s committees and leaders led to the split of KU A&M in 1878, along with Bowman’s forced vacation of the Ashland Mansion. Kentucky University’s Agricultural and Mechanical College became the Bluegrass’ land grant university, eventually named The University of Kentucky.

Sources: The Restoration Movement, The Henry Clay Estate, Transylvania University, Lexington Herald Leader

Snapshots: Education & The Arts

The Dunbar band

James K Patterson, “The Grand Old Man” of the University of Kentucky

Transylvania University graduation day

Jerry Bailey, William T Young and Lucy Boutin

John Tuska Walter Tevis Henry Faulkner

APRIL

music+writtenword

It’s impossible to overstate the power that music has on us all. There’s the sheer joy of listening to your favorite song for the millionth time. There’s the magic of discovering something new that shakes your soul. And then there’s the power of the perfect lyric that changes everything. In April, we’ll be celebrating the poetry and craft of music and lyrics. Rock on!

april

David Helmers Railbird (and more!)

ambassador:

Railbird photographed by Mary Jane Speer, courtesy of VisitLEX

Reading Lexington

If you’re planning to read more in 2025, why not start your journey with books from authors with ties to Lexington? This list will help you connect with some of the many writers who have passed through our city. If you want to learn more, visit the Lexington Public Library for insights into Kentucky literature!

Ada Limón

adalimon.net

As the 24th Poet Laureate of The United States, Limón believes, “reading and writing poetry can situate us in the natural world.” She is championing poetry as public works of art in national parks and other natural spaces.She lives in Lexington.

Silas House

silas-house.com

Crystal Wilkinson

crystalewilkinson.net

Living in Kentucky for most of her life, Wilkinson has won numerous awards for her evocative novels, memoirs and poems. She was appointed Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2021 to 2023. Wilkinson currently teaches creative writing at UK.

Wendell Berry

berrycenter.org

A lifelong Kentuckian, House has written seven novels in addition to plays, feature stories and volumes of poetry. While serving as the Poet Laureate of Kentucky for 20232025, House teaches at Berea College and lives in Lexington.

As a poet, novelist, farmer and environmentalist, Berry has authored over 50 books. His thought-provoking essays inspired the creation of a nonproﬁt dedicated to advocating for small farmers, as well as land and soil conservation.

Frank X Walker

frankxwalker.com

A co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, Walker was the ﬁrst African American writer to be named Kentucky Poet Laureate from 2013-2015. Currently, he is Professor of English and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky.

Bobbie Ann Mason

bobbieannmason.net

Raised on her family farm, Mason received national acclaim for her short story “Shiloh” and her memoir, which was a ﬁnalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She is a former writerin-residence at the University of Kentucky, which is her alma mater.

Blair Thomas Hess & Cameron M. Ludwick

myoldkentuckyroadtrip.com

As co-authors, this dynamic duo has written several books about Kentucky culture. Both were born in Kentucky, and Hess attended the University of Kentucky.

Ed McClanahan

georgeellalyon.com

Merry Prankster “Captain Kentucky” was a novelist, essayist, and professor. He wrote for Esquire, Playboy, and Rolling Stone with his signature rollicking humor. He was a part of what is known as Kentucky’s “Fab Five” writers of renown.

Need a Lexington library card, or curious about the library’s programming? Visit lexpublib.org. Don’t forget that your card grants you 24/7/365 access to FREE ebooks through the Libby app!

Sounds of the City

Lexington produces incredible talent. Numerous musical acts have lived and performed in our city throughout its history. While we could never hope to catalog all of the amazing musicians who have a connection to Lexington, here are a few albums to help you capture the sound of the city. Want to learn more? Aside from catching Lexington’s current lineup of musicians at local bars and venues, you can discover more Kentucky singers and musical acts through the Lexington Musicians’ Association, Lexington Music Awards, Red Barn Radio, Lexington Lab Band and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame!

Tyler Childers

Live on Red Barn Radio I & II

While he grew up in Lawrence County, his two early EPs recorded live at Red Barn Radio in Lexington remain some of his most-streamed songs to date, thanks in part to TikTok. His current band, The Food Stamps, includes more Kentuckians, almost all of them with connections to Lexington; hear them on Rustin’ in the Rain.

Tee Dee Young

One Foot In One Foot Out

For over 54 years, Lexington native Tee Dee Young has been playing and performing across the country at prestigious venues including The Cotton Club and BB King’s Blues Club. He has opened for the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. Now, he enchants audiences at his own club, offering an intimate experience over on East Second Street; if you’ve never been to Tee Dee’s Lounge, make it a point to go ASAP.

Jean Ritchie

Ballads from Her Appalachian Family Tradition

Called the “Mother of Folk” by many, UK alum Jean Ritchie was one of the most influential figures in American folk music in the last century and is credited by many for the revival of the Appalachian dulcimer. Her first album was released in 1952 and remains a seminal work in Appalachian music.

Brian Littrell & Kevin Richardson

Backstreet Boys - DNA

The Backstreet Boys became a worldwide boy band phenomenon in the late 1990s. Two members hail from Kentucky; Kevin Richardson was born in Lexington while Brian Littrell attended Tates Creek High School and worked at Long John Silver’s right here in town. The group took a long hiatus, but have teamed up again to make music together.

Les McCann

Never A Dull Moment!

Live From Coast To Coast (1966-67)

Lexington-born pianist, vocalist and photographer Les McCann is one of the unsung heroes of American jazz. Not only was his long career of making music ﬁlled with inﬂuential songs –which have been sampled by nearly 300 acts – but his photography helped document the history of jazz.

Chris Stapleton

Traveller

Born in Lexington, this country singer-songwriter has co-written six number-one singles for other artists and collaborated with Adele, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift. His debut solo album, Traveller, peaked at #1 on the US Billboard 200 list and went quadruple platinum. Recipient of ten Grammy Awards, Stapleton is widely respected in the industry.

The Judds

Love Can Build a Bridge: The Best of The Judds

Wynonna Judd and the late Naomi Judd are true country music royalty. Based in Ashland, they regularly made appearances in Lexington. In their time performing together, they charted fourteen number one hits on the Billboard charts and were nominated to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wynonna continues to perform; she sang the National Anthem at the 150th Kentucky Derby.

J.D. Crowe

J.D. Crowe & The New South

One of the most important ﬁgures in bluegrass music, Crowe worked with some of the greatest names in music during his long musical career. The 1975 album J.D. Crowe & The New South was selected to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically, and/ or aesthetically signiﬁcant” work in American history.

Sturgill Simpson

Johnny Blue Skies - Passage Du Desir

Singer-songwriter and actor Simpson lived in Lexington before he saw success as an alternative country artist. His unique sound hearkens to outlaw country, which he often cites as inspiration. He was recently inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. He can be seen in Killers of the Flower Moon and The Righteous Gemstones (with fellow Kentuckian Steve Zahn!)

Julia Perry

Akron Symphony OrchestraThree Spirituals

Groundbreaking American classical composer Julia Perry was born in Lexington before moving to Ohio in her childhood. She studied voice, piano and composition at Westminster Choir College from 1943 - 1948. Her compositions were inﬂuenced by her African-American heritage, often incorporating Black spiritual music.

Ben Sollee

Kentucky Native

Cellist, singer-songwriter, composer and activist Ben Sollee creates music that deﬁes genre, blending his Kentucky roots with other forms of music to form something wholly unique. A graduate of the School for Creative and Performing Arts at Lafayette High School, Sollee composes music for ﬁlm and performs across Kentucky. •

The Alpha Building

In April of 2024, Marc Cobane partnered with George and Helen Stamper to purchase, revitalize and repurpose the iconic JDI building on the corner of S. Broadway and Cedar Street. After months of planning and construction, they are finally ready to open its doors to what is now deemed the “The Alpha Building” located at 319 Cedar St, Lexington, KY, 40508.

The 2nd Floor of the Alpha Building is now comprised of professional office space and is home to Alpha Financial Partners, LLC a locally owned, fiduciary-based, Registered Investment Advisory firm (www.alphaky.com).

3rd Floor Penthouse Suite

The Top Floor boasts a luxurious 2,172 sq. ft. 3 BR 2 Bath Penthouse Suite that is available for short-term rental. Amenities include gas fireplace, foosball table, pullout couch, elevator access, onsite private parking. Walking distance to Rupp Arena, LEXLive, restaurants, shopping and all downtown has to offer.

1st Floor Event Space

The 1st Floor (~2,000 sq. ft) and basement kitchen (~2,000 sq. ft.) is available for lease. Would make a fantastic restaurant/bar, catering/ event venue, or retail space.

8,700

with an

Snapshots: MUSIC

Chuck Berry

The Rolling Stones

John Prine

TeeDee Young

The Q Bird

Everett McCorvey

Memorial Stakes Day at the Red Mile

Vincent DiMartino

George Zack leads the Patriotic Concert

The Trendells

MAY diversity

Diversity – in all its many forms – is foundational to the unique character and success of any city. In May, we will celebrate the vibrant tapestry that is the city of Lexington while learning more about how we can work together to build a more inclusive, welcoming future for all Lexingtonians.

Christian Motley Results for America may ambassador:

DiverCity Lexington by Mahan Studios

FAMOUS FIGURES t E i r

1892-1983

Sweet Evening Breeze, or “Sweets,” is considered by some to be the originator of Lexington’s drag scene as early as the 1920s. Born in Scott County, Sweets moved to Lexington and grew up at the Good Samaritan Hospital and eventually became head orderly for over forty years.

Recognized for her gender non-conforming style, Sweet Evening Breeze was instrumental in overturning Lexington’s cross-dressing ordinance. Despite being a gender non-conforming Black person in the Jim Crow era, Sweet Evening Breeze was well-liked and respected by the community, known for her random acts of kindness like baking cakes and gifting shoes to poor families.

Sweets became a powerful force in the dismantling of prejudice and unjust law enforcement toward the queer community in Lexington. She became a “drag mother” for other trans women and drag queens in the city, pushing back against unfair charges for “wearing a disguise.”

Her legacy continues to shine in Kentucky’s queer community today. In 2022, the Faulkner Morgan Archive dedicated a painting called “A Mother Of Us All,” painted by GAIA, in downtown Lexington. The non-proﬁt Sweet Evening Breeze was created in her name with a mission to end young adult LGBTQ+ homelessness in Louisville.

Sources:

Faulkner Morgan Archive, Sweet Evening Breeze, Queer Kentucky, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database

EDUCATE, EMBRACE, AND CELEBRATE LEXINGTON CULTURES AT THE DiverCity Festival

by Emma Reilly | photos by Mahan Multimedia

Warm, aromatic food sizzles on a grill. Dancers wave their skirts with a ﬂourish to the tune of Latin music on a raised stage. Children zigzag through the crowd with festival goodies in hand, feeding off of the excited energy that buzzes through downtown Lexington on a warm summer day. This is only a snapshot of the events that take place at Lexington’s annual DiverCity Festival, a day that allows the city’s wide array of cultural groups to take the stage and showcase their unique stories and experiences.

The festival was the brainchild of Brett Bibb, Michael Kunjoo, Christian Adair and Brad Ingram as part of the Leadership Lexington program, which is one of Commerce Lexington’s leadership development programs in which cross-sector leaders in the community come together to learn about the city and complete

various community-based projects. The ﬁrst festival took place in April of 2019, and all four founders of the program still serve on the Board, along with original project members Jeremy Kisling and Noel Osborn.

Preparing for the annual festival is no small feat, considering the one-day event attracts over 5,000 attendees and features more than 70 vendors and more than 30 performances each year. The Board begins planning the upcoming festivals in January, including coordinating logistics, attracting minority businesses for the event, booking performances and marketing the festival.

The three pillars of the festival are to educate, embrace and celebrate. This is accomplished through the performances, food, organizations and educational opportunities that the event provides.

“Many people don’t know that there are more than 170 languages spoken in schools in Fayette County,” said Brett Bibb, one of the DiverCity Festival’s founders. “Lexington has many great events celebrating culture individually – our event brings everyone together to experience our differences together, learn from each other, and celebrate what makes us unique.”

Three-time participant and business owner Wanda Lewis said she appreciates how the DiverCity Festival helps local businesses and gives her an outlet to share her creativity. “The best part is talking to people, seeing what they’re about, seeing all the different cultures and just interacting with them,” Lewis said. With a creative business like button making, Lewis strives to be diverse through her art. Lewis said she has a button for everyone and that this event shows her that diversity and businesses like hers matter.

“Each year, the festival grows, and each year, it brings incredible stories and experiences. We are simply grateful to provide communities the opportunity to celebrate one another. There is something very special seeing that evolve,” Bibb said.

The DiverCity Festival celebrates a vast group of cultures in Lexington, some of which many people do not even realize are represented in the city. By the end of the festival, the goal is for attendees and participants alike to leave feeling more connected to their community and learn something new about those around them.

“My personal favorite memory comes from our inaugural festival in 2019,” Michael Kunjoo, another festival founder, said. “We had a Middle Eastern dance group that came into the crowd during their performance and had everyone dancing along with them. We spoke with members of the group following their performance, and they indicated their apprehension about performing downtown because they did not know how the crowd would react. They were ecstatic with the reaction our community had to their culture. This is what this festival is about – people feeling proud to represent their own cultures and being excited to experience other cultures.”

The next DiverCity Festival will take place on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza. Thanks to the 250Lex celebration and a partnership with the city, this event will be the largest to date, with even more vendors and performances and an enhanced focus on programming and activities aimed at children. Visit divercitylexington.com to learn more. •

BACK Construction: Building a Legacy on a Strong Foundation in the Heart of Lexington

As Lexington celebrates its 250th birthday, BACK Construction proudly reﬂects on its own rich history intertwined with the Bluegrass region’s growth and heritage. Founded in 1981, BACK Construction has become a cornerstone in Lexington’s construction and remodeling landscape. The company’s name, derived from the initials of its founding partners, symbolizes its commitment to building not just structures, but lasting relationships and a strong community presence.

A Humble Start with a Grand Vision

BACK Construction began with a focus on framing and new construction, taking on projects such as barn construction at Taylor Made Farm. These early successes paved the way for extensive work across Central Kentucky’s renowned horse farms, including Gainesway, Hill ‘N’ Dale, and Middlebrook. Over time, the company expanded its portfolio to include custom home construction and a wide array of remodeling projects.

From the outset, BACK Construction ownership emphasized the importance of quality craftsmanship and a commitment to their employees. “We’re dedicated to doing quality work, but the key to accomplishing that is taking care of our team,” they shared. This employee-centric philosophy laid the foundation for a company culture that values excellence, integrity, and family.

Milestones in Craftsmanship

BACK Construction’s projects have consistently earned accolades for creativity and craftsmanship. In 1998, they received the Outstanding Project Award for Remodeling from the Home Builders Association of Lexington. The project involved transforming a 1920s home in Cherokee Park into a functional yet historic masterpiece for a modern family of seven.

The company’s prowess extends to new home construction as well. A standout project includes a 3,300-square-foot home on Hill ‘N’ Dale Farm, built using architectural antiques and salvaged materials to evoke a timeless charm. These projects underscore BACK Construction’s ability to merge

historical elegance with modern functionality. Commitment to Employees and Community

At BACK Construction, success starts with the people behind the work. The company’s “reap what you sow” philosophy has fostered a dedicated team of craftsmen. BACK Construction provides competitive wages, health insurance for employees and their families, proﬁt-sharing, and professional development opportunities—beneﬁts that are rare in the construction industry.

This commitment to employees culminated in a historic transition on December 31, 2021, when BACK Construction became a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP). This step solidiﬁed the company’s legacy as not just a business, but a family of craftspeople committed to excellence.

A Resilient and Growing Legacy

BACK Construction has weathered economic challenges, increased competition, and industry labor shortages to emerge as a leader in the construction industry. Recognized in 2024 as #123 on the Qualiﬁed Remodeler’s Top 500 list, BACK Construction continues to grow while remaining deeply rooted in Lexington’s heritage.

Today, BACK Construction offers a full suite of services, including general remodeling, architecture and design, rooﬁng, windows and doors, and handyman services. From historic preservation to modern renovations, the company continues to shape Lexington’s skyline and enrich its community.

Looking Ahead

As BACK Construction reﬂects on 43 years of building and serving the Bluegrass region, its mission remains clear: to deliver unparalleled craftsmanship and service while honoring its deep connection to the Lexington community.

As Lexington celebrates its 250th anniversary, BACK Construction is proud to be part of this historic moment, continuing to build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

JUNE come home

“I never met a Kentuckian who wasn’t either thinking about going home or actually going home.” - Gov. Happy Chandler

June marks the exact anniversary of Lexington’s founding. Celebrate it by encouraging former Lexingtonians to come home for a while to celebrate with you!

june ambassadors:

Mary Quinn Ramer VisitLEX

Tom Harris

University of Kentucky

FAMOUS FIGURES Henry Clay

1777-1852

Known as “The Great Compromiser,” Henry Clay was a U.S. Congressman and Senator for Kentucky, as well as Secretary of State for President John Quincy Adams from 1825-1829. He unsuccessfully ran for president three times in the 1824, 1832, and 1844 elections.

After studying law in Virginia, Clay followed his family to the new state of Kentucky, where he settled and began his career as a lawyer in Lexington. He promoted civic improvements to programs such as Transylvania University, where he taught law, and quickly became a pillar of the Lexington community. Eventually, he married Lucretia Hart and purchased a large farm outside of Lexington known as Ashland, which is still preserved today.

After some time, Clay seamlessly transitioned his law experience into politics, becoming an enthusiastic advocate for the abolition of slavery in Kentucky in the late 1790s, which was an unpopular proposal at the time. After winning the election and joining the House of Representatives in 1811, he became the youngest Speaker of the House to that date. He was an important factor in securing a war proposition against Great Britain, which began the War of 1812 (he later served on the American peace delegation that ended the war in 1814).

Clay passed away of tuberculosis in Washington D.C. in 1852 and was the ﬁrst to be honored by laying in state in the Capitol Rotunda (followed by Abraham Lincoln 13 years later). As a clear and everlasting symbol of the union, it is believed that millions of people followed his ﬁnal journey to Lexington by rail and steamboat.

Source: Britannica

Getting Your Home Ready for Spring

According to Trane®

Spring and warmer weather will be here before you know it and Trane® has tips and tricks for getting the most out of your HVAC system this spring. The main goal is always to maintain comfort while saving on energy costs.

The ideal thermostat settings for spring need to cover both heating and cooling settings. This time of year, can bring sudden heat where it feels like summer, but it can also bring cold rainy days. Plan on setting a schedule with different temperatures for when you are away from home, when you are home and awake, and when you are sleeping.

If you have a well-insulated home and an efﬁcient HVAC system, the following temperature range recommendations from the Department of Energy (DOE) will keep you comfortable and may also save you money on your utility bills.

Recommended Spring Thermostat Settings in Cooler Weather:

• When You’re Away from Home: 65 Degrees Fahrenheit

• When You’re Home: 68-70 Degrees Fahrenheit

• When You’re Asleep: 65 Degrees Fahrenheit

Recommended Spring Thermostat Settings in Warmer Weather:

• When You’re Away from Home: 78-80 Degrees Fahrenheit

• When You’re Home: 72-78 Degrees Fahrenheit

• When You’re Asleep: 72-78 Degrees Fahrenheit

If you still have a standard, non-programmable thermostat, consider an upgrade. A smart thermostat can adapt to your preferences, detect your presence or absence, and even factor in local weather conditions. It also connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and allow you to manage your home’s heating and cooling remotely through your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Paired with the Trane Home App, you can adjust the temperature whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply relaxing on the couch, you have full control over your thermostat.

A Piece of Kentucky History

by Amanda Harper

As one of the most storied homes in Lexington, Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate serves as both Kentucky’s ﬁrst National Historic Landmark and a little slice of serenity located just a heartbeat from downtown. Situated on 17 acres of idyllic beauty, this stunning property is a true community treasure.

Henry Clay settled in Lexington around 1799, and within a few years, he began seeking land to establish a farm for his young family; at the same time, his famed political career began to take off. By 1809, the center portion of his home was complete; he dubbed the farm Ashland for the many ash trees that grew on the property. He contracted famed architect Benjamin Latrobe – who served as architect for the Federal Capitol – to design the two ﬂanking wings so iconic of Ashland.

“I am in one respect better off than Moses. He died in sight of, without reaching, the Promised Land. I occupy as good a farm as any that he would have found, if he had reached it; & it has been acquired not by hereditary descent, but by my own labor.” -Henry Clay, April 15, 1849

At its peak, Ashland served as a 600-acre plantation. Throughout Clay’s life, he enslaved at least 122 people to work his dream farm. They grew and harvested the hemp, raised the livestock, and performed domestic duties for the Clay family.

Henry Clay and his wife, Lucretia, lived at Ashland until his death in 1852; shortly after, Lucretia moved in with her son, John, and Ashland was sold to another son, James.

James Clay found his newly acquired home in a state of serious disrepair. After careful consideration, he made the heart-wrenching decision to raze the house and rebuild. To preserve some of the home’s history, he had any materials that could be salvaged held to be reused in the rebuilding process. He kept the original foundation intact and followed his father’s original ﬂoor plan while incorporating Italianate, Greek Revival, and Victorian details to make the home more in line with the day’s style.

James Clay resided there until ﬂeeing in 1862, fearing retribution for his strong Confederate leanings. The home was purchased by John Bryan Bowman in 1866 to

TOUR OF HOMES

photo by Bob Willcutt

photo courtesy of Ashland

photo by Bob Willcutt

photo courtesy of Ashland

photo by Bob Willcutt photo by Bob Willcutt

photo courtesy of Ashland

photo by Bob Willcutt

become both his primary residence and a part of the new Kentucky University – which would eventually become the University of Kentucky. Bowman was ﬁred in 1878 and forced to leave Ashland; the university rented the home until selling it back to the Clay family in 1882.

Henry Clay’s granddaughter, Anne Clay McDowell, and her husband, Henry Clay McDowell, began a major renovation and restoration, modernizing the home and updating its style. The McDowells wanted to memorialize Henry Clay but also make the home more suitable for entertaining and a very visible public life; they removed walls, added or revamped staircases, and constructed a conservatory. Notably, they connected the entrance hall, drawing room, and dining room to create a large area for entertaining while making previously more private spaces, such as the library wing, more accessible to guests. As the ﬁrst owners with free, paid servants, the McDowells also sought to scrub any visible hint of the history of slavery on the property, tearing down the former slave quarters.

Upon their deaths, their oldest child, Nannette McDowell Bullock, and her husband took possession of the home; they were the last residents of Ashland. Through Nannette’s efforts, the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation was established to preserve and protect the house and the remaining 17 acres of land.

Since 1950, Ashland has served as a house museum, sharing the story of Henry Clay’s incredible legacy, as well as the incredible story of the home’s many changes throughout time. The grounds are kept to preserve the green space for Lexingtonians to enjoy year-round while offering a sense of what Henry Clay must have seen on the land to think of it as his “Promised Land.”

An early 1990s restoration repaired and renovated Ashland once again, but this time with an eye to preserving its history and its feel as a warm, inviting family home. Furnishings and artifacts were reinterpreted, moving to create context in each of the publicly viewable spaces; each room is carefully curated to allow visitors to gain a sense of the Clays’ legacy and the history contained within. •

Nannette McDowell Bullock

photo courtesy of Ashland

photo by Bob Willcutt

The GARDENING GENT with Jon Carloftis

What are some creative ways I can bring gardening indoors during the winter months?

Just because it’s dreary and cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of gardening inside to cheer things up! Not only do plants add life to a room, but just like trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, indoor plants do the same inside your home. Of course, with me, STYLE is everything, so putting them in a good-looking container to enhance the feel of each room is a must. Here are some tips for successful indoor gardening:

1. Choose easy plants that require lower light conditions, such as ZZ Plant, Golden Pothos, Sansevieria, and Night Blooming Cereus, and avoid ﬁnicky, troublesome plants like Gardenias (I’ve had summer ﬂings that lasted longer than a Gardenia has in my house in the winter!) because we have enough work already.

2. Remember that many “indoor” plants are tropicals from the lush jungles with high humidity, which is absolutely the opposite of most homes with dry heat, so regularly spritzing them with water or putting them on a waterproof tray with gravel and water to evaporate will make them much happier campers.

3. Plants need good light, so the closer to the windows, the better – and they will let you know if they aren’t getting enough light and will start to decline. If you have drapery or blinds, you can always get a grow light to plug in to take up the slack. Of course, they give o a dreadful light color, so getting a timer that comes on at night or when you are gone takes care of this problem. Both can be purchased for about $20 at your local hardware store.

4. Use common sense … don’t place plants on top of a radiator or in warm or cold drafts, and check before you bring in a poisonous plant if you have chewing pets or children! AND, the most common form of plant problems indoors is over-watering.

Do I need to do anything to prepare my outdoor boxwoods for extreme cold temperatures to ensure they survive the winter if it drops below zero degrees?

Boxwoods are the mainstay of many a garden here in Kentucky, and hopefully, they have been planted in a location that is good for their wellbeing in the ﬁrst place. However, if it is a super windy location, they can be sprayed with a product called Wilt-Prufe, which coats them with a non-toxic layer to prevent them from drying out over the winter. Covering them with burlap helps as well, but really, planting the tougher varieties, such as Green Velvet, Green Gem, Green Mountain (which are part Korean), or just straight Korean Boxwood, should alleviate the problem. The “Polar Vortex” two years ago killed most of the weaker varieties all over the state, so I don’t plant English or American Boxwood anymore, because we can expect more of these wild weather patterns in the future.

Is it too late to plant spring bulbs outside in January and February?

Most bulbs, such as Da odils, Tulips, etc., need a certain amount of cold in order to bloom properly. Planting in the late fall is best, but if you bought them, have them stored in a cool location that doesn’t freeze, AND you are able to dig into the ground before it freezes solid, then, yes, it could work. However, you will get the best results planting in the fall. This past November and early December, my crew planted over 30,000 spring/summer ﬂowering bulbs for clients!

Check out Jon Carloftis’ Fine Gardens book at www.joncarloftis.com!

photo credit: Victor Sizemore

JULY culinary

Lexington is a foodie destination. Our culinary scene is on par with many of the largest cities in America. Isn’t it time we celebrated that? From food-focused events to simply enjoy a good meal out on a restaurant patio, this is a wonderful time to savor all the delights that Lexington has to o er!

Connie Jo Miller

Lexington Restaurant Week july ambassador:

by Mary Jane Speer, courtesy of

FAMOUS FIGURES r o on ri

1852-1918

"Kitchen Genius" Laura Johnson Dandridge, also known as Dolly Johnson, was an African American chef from Lexington who was the female head chef for President William Henry Harrison at the White House beginning in 1889. She gained widespread recognition for her "delicious Kentucky bluegrass food" characterized by "savory meats, fried dishes, and delicious breads" and earned $75 a month for her service.

There are few documented records of Dandridge's life between her birth and arrival at the White House, including her records of emancipation from slave owner Jane Miller. In the late 1880s, she was a cook for former Union soldier Colonel John Mason Brown.

There are multiple accounts stating how Dandridge ended up at the White House, the ﬁrst being that First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison wrote to Lexington resident Mrs. H. M. Skillman, who was related to her on the Scott side, and asked her to select a local cook. Another account suggests that Civil Service Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt ate at Colonel Brown's house and loved Dolly's food, earning her a recommendation. Roosevelt stated, " I... am ready to testify to the fact that it was one of the best dinners I ever ate."

Newspapers reported, "There was a great deal of joy among the colored people of Washington over the announcement that a negro cook had been selected for the White House.” The ﬁrst major meal Dandridge cooked for the President's family was Christmas dinner in 1889, for which she served Blue Point oysters, turkey, and Maryland terrapin, along with mince pie and plum pudding.

After President Harrison lost the following election to Grover Cleveland, she was replaced until President Cleveland attempted to rehire her, an offer that Dandridge refused. After leaving federal service, she returned to Kentucky and married Ed Dandridge, a cook for the Fleischman yeast company in Louisville.

After some time, the couple moved back to Lexington, where Laura opened several dining rooms and restaurants in downtown locations (one of which she named “the White House Café”).

Dolly Johnson passed away in February 1918 and is believed to be buried in Cemetery No. 2 in Lexington with her husband.

Sources: Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, The White House Historical Association

Meet the executive chef at

DUPREE CATERING

Since 1987, Dupree Catering + Events has been at the heart of Lexington’s culinary scene, ensuring each special occasion is celebrated with outstanding food, exceptional service, and memorable experiences. Over the past 35 years, Dupree has been a pioneer, embracing and shaping the concepts that deﬁne today’s culinary landscape.

“Farm-to-table ingredients and scratchmade dishes have always been at the core of Dupree Catering,” says Executive Chef Janey Thompson. “We are committed to using the ﬁnest local ingredients without any shortcuts. It’s the quality of our food and the consistency of our service that keep our customers returning time and time again.”

Chef Thompson is deeply passionate about the origins of recipes and continuously innovates her menus by incorporating seasonal ingredients and re-imagining familiar dishes in novel ways. Her culinary journey was inspired by her mother and aunt, who operated their own small catering business, a foundation that has allowed her to build upon tradition while implementing sustainable practices within Dupree Catering.

“A key focus for us is reducing waste to lessen our environmental impact,” Thompson notes. “We are proud to be Kentucky’s first green-certified caterer and are committed to maintaining our certification. This dedication to sustainability is just as important to us as the quality of our food.”

Through its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality, Dupree Catering remains a beloved choice for those in Lexington looking to elevate their events.

201 E MAIN STREET #1500

LEXINGTON, KY 40507

DUPREECATERING.COM

JANEY

HALINDA CINDRIC

Meet the pastry chef at

MANE ON MAIN

Perched above Main Street on the 15th ﬂoor, The Mane on Main offers iconic, panoramic views of downtown Lexington, creating a unique environment that pairs perfectly with the unforgettable food and desserts provided by Dupree Catering + Events.

“Having Dupree manage all aspects of food, drinks, and service at The Mane on Main assures our clients they are in expert hands with a proven track record of excellence,” said pastry chef Halida Cindric.

“We continuously innovate with fresh ideas and seasonal menus, delighting our clients with a mix of classic favorites and cutting-edge culinary creations.”

Chef Cindric points to the bourbon chocolate tart topped with berry compote as a quintessential example of the elegant desserts that enhance the dining experience at The Mane on Main. “Our food is perfect for any celebration and always served by our experienced and dedicated hospitality team.

201 E MAIN STREET #1500 LEXINGTON, KY 40507 THEMANEONMAIN.COM

Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts

Crystal Wilkinson

This cookbook and culinary memoir hybrid by Kentucky’s Poet Laureate 2021-2023 and University of Kentucky professor Wilkinson explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachian cooks.

Beyond the Fence

Central Baptist Cookbook Committee

This compilation cookbook serves as “A Culinary View of Historic Lexington.” At 288 pages with many photos, it’s a treasure trove of central Kentucky recipes that you’ll turn to again and again.

Entertaining with Bluegrass Winners

Garden Club of Lexington

This cookbook featuring recipes from Kentucky horse farms has been in print for decades and remains a must-have for any local cook. From grand parties to weeknight dinners, there’s something for any occasion.

The Joy of

The Historic Kentucky Kitchen

Deirdre A. Scaggs and Andrew W. McGraw

Here, recipes from out-of-print cookbooks and historic records from the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections have been revamped for modern kitchens.

The Kentucky Fresh Cookbook

Maggie Green

UK alum Green takes you through a year of seasonal cooking in Kentucky. Anyone looking to make their kitchen more local in 2025 will ﬁnd this an indispensable resource for all things fresh.

Cookbooks

The

Blue Grass Cook Book

Minnie C. Fox

Socialite Minnie C. Fox

– along with her brother

– celebrates the role of Black cooks in Southern cuisine in this vintage cookbook. This edition by Kentucky Press adds powerful historical and social context.

Just a Few Miles South

Ouita Michel, Sarah Gibbs and Genie Graf

No look at central Kentucky’s cuisine would be complete without a word from Ouita. This cookbook offers delicious bites alongside memories and helpful hints from the authors.

BraveTart

Stella Parks

Lexingtonian and James Beard Award nominated culinary writer Stella Parks offers the surprising history behind some of America’s most beloved desserts in this approachable cookbook. It will be a sweet addition to your shelf!

Simplicity and Excellence

Deirdre A. Scaggs and Evalina Kremer Settle

At 65, Elizabeth Kremer opened a restaurant at the newly-restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. What she created was a timeless culinary legacy of excellence and culinary preservation.

Flavors from Home

Aimee Zaring

“Refugees in Kentucky

Share Their Stories and Comfort Foods.” This cookbook introduces us to refugees who now live in Kentucky and contribute to our social fabric. Their recipes come from all over and illustrate how we’re all more alike than we think. •

DRY january

After several weeks of booze and indulgence, January is always the perfect time to dry out. Before you groan and grumble over this daunting task during this seemingly endless month of the year, ﬁnd comfort in this 2025 reality: sobriety is basically the new black. The internet is currently saturated with exciting and innovative NA cocktails, both homemade and canned, to help start your year focused and refreshed. And these aren’t your average shirley temples or club sodas with lime. Zero-proof doesn’t have to mean zero-fun.

Pomegranate Spritzer

2 c. chilled sparkling water

2 T pomegranate juice

2 T freshly squeezed lime juice

Fresh pomegranate seeds, for serving Fresh lime slices, for serving

Place four martini glasses in the freezer to chill for at least 30 minutes.

In a large pitcher over ice, add sparkling water, pomegranate juice and lime juice; stir gently until drink is chilled. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Add pomegranate seeds and a slice of lime as garnish. (adapted from Bon Appetit)

Meyer Lemonade Mocktail

2 oz. maple syrup

1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

6 oz. meyer lemon juice

Iced mint tea

Sparkling water

Lemon slices, for garnish

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, add syrup, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice with ice; shake until chilled. Fill glasses halfway, then add mint tea to nearly ﬁll; top with sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slices and mint. (adapted from @olivianoceda)

Grapefruit-Rosemary Spritz Mocktail

Rosemary Syrup

1/2 c. granulated sugar

2 fresh sprigs rosemary

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Spritz

1 T granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1 wedge ruby red grapefruit

3 oz. grapefruit-ﬂavored sparkling water

3 oz. grapefruit juice

1 fresh sprig rosemary

Chai Blossom

2 chai tea bags

1 c. boiling water

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. fresh lime juice

8-12 oz. club soda

4 whole star anise pods, for garnish

4 twists lemon, for garnish

Rosemary syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, rosemary, salt and water; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Let cool and transfer to an airtight container.

Spritz: Mix sugar and paprika in a shallow plate. Rub edge of tall glass with grapefruit, then rim glass with mixture. Set grapefruit aside.

Fill glass with ice. Add sparkling water, grapefruit juice and 3/4 oz. rosemary syrup; using a cocktail spoon, gently stir to combine. Skewer grapefruit wedge with rosemary sprig and garnish. (adapted from Delish)

january

In a small bowl, add tea bags to boiling water; cover and let steep 8-10 minutes.

Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Discard tea bags. Let cool.

Stir chai mixture into 4 rocks glasses with ice; top with 2-3 oz. club soda each. Garnish with anise pods and lemon twists. (adapted from Bon Appetit)

Creamy Coconut-Blood Orange Mocktail

1 oz. full-fat coconut milk

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. maple syrup

Club soda

Lime wedge, for garnish

Shredded coconut, for garnish

Rub the rim of a short glass with a lime wedge. Add shredded coconut to a shallow dish; rim glass with coconut. Fill with ice, and set aside.

In a cocktail shaker with ice, add blood orange juice, coconut milk, lime juice and maple syrup; shake until chilled.

Pour into prepared glasses; top with club soda. (adapted from Jar of Lemons)

Warm Cherry Pie Sleepy Mocktail

1 c. tart cherry juice

1 cinnamon stick, optional

1 tsp. maple syrup

1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

In a small saucepan, bring cherry juice to a simmer over medium heat. If desired, add cinnamon stick and let simmer 15 minutes; discard cinnamon stick.

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and whipping cream until a whipped cream forms.

Add warm cherry juice to a mug. Top with homemade whipped cream. (adapted from @olivianoceda)

Make a Mockery!

Looking for ready-made spiritless sips and mocktail ingredients for your home bar? Check out these awesome products:

Aperitifs, bold ready-to-drink sodas.

drinkghia.com

Non-acoholic wine in savvy ﬂavors. us.non.world

Curious Elixirs

Alcohol-free classic cocktails and new twists. curiouselixirs.com

ONIONS

It may seem unbelievable that anything could be in season in January. But onions are a vegetable unlike any other. The onions harvested later in the year are “cured” by drying their outermost layers, which allows these “storage” onions to keep for longer; this results in a deeper coloring of their skins and generally more pungent ﬂavor.

Around 87% of all onions grown in the US are yellow varieties. These versatile onions can be used in most instances; if a recipe does not specify what kind of onion to use, it’s safe to default to a yellow onion. Storage yellow onions have a strong onion ﬂavor with a mild after-taste; they can be cooked using virtually any method, though they’re not recommended to be eaten raw.

Only about 8% of the US onion crop is comprised of red (sometimes called purple) onions. Their bold color and interesting ﬂavor make them a darling of the restaurant industry. Storage red onions have a sharper, almost spicy ﬂavor that is moderate to pungent. These onions are best eaten raw (generally on salads and sandwiches), grilled, or roasted.

White onions generally do not store as well as other varieties, so you may see fewer of them at your local grocer; some of the specialty sweet white onions aren’t available at all during the winter. Those that do become storage white onions take on a pungent, full flavor but with a crisper finish than red and yellow storage varieties. This makes them great when grilled, sauteed, or lightly cooked, but they can be a big punch of bold flavor when eaten raw.

Why do these tasty veggies make you cry? Onions evolved to ﬁght off mammals who would eat the plant… and unfortunately, that includes us humans! Cutting an onion releases compounds that produce a volatile lachrymator gas that irritates the nerves around your eyes, causing your eyes to burn. Your brain assumes that it needs to protect your eyes, so it produces tears to rinse away the irritant. If this is a bit of a pain for you, try cutting the onion while it is submerged underwater or chill the onion thoroughly. The root end of the onion has the highest concentration of some of the chemicals involved in this reaction, so carefully cut away this portion and discard it before chopping. by Amanda Harper

6-8 medium onions, sliced

2 T canola oil

6 eggs

1 c. bread crumbs

Simple Onion Pie

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10” pie plate; set aside.

1/2 c. Parmesan, grated

1/2 c. parsley, minced

3 T butter

3-4 large yellow onions, sliced

1 tsp. salt, divided

2 qt. beef stock

1 c. dry white wine

1 T dry sherry

1 T all-purpose ﬂour

1/2 tsp. black pepper

8 slices French bread

1 1/2 c. Gruyere, shredded

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in oil until softened; drain. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley and onions. Pour into prepared pie plate. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. (adapted from Taste of Home)

Classic French Onion Soup

In a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and 1/2 tsp. salt; stir and cover, then cook for 5 minutes. Remove lid and caramelize onions until golden brown, stirring occasionally; see notes.

Warm broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Set aside.

Add wine and sherry to Dutch oven with onions; allow mixture to come to a boil. Stir in ﬂour and let thicken for 2 minutes.

Slowly add broth, remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Boil, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Season to taste.

Preheat the broiler. Place individual ovenproof casseroles on a baking sheet. Ladle soup into casseroles and add a slice of bread to top of each. Sprinkle generously with Gruyere. Broil for about two minutes, or until Gruyere melts and browns. Serve immediately. (adapted from the New York Times)

2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. olive oil, divided

Notes: Slice your onions thinly and as evenly as possible. Caramelize slowly; the process could take up to an hour, but is well worth the effort. If your onions begin to caramelize too quickly, turn the heat down; any edges that crisp up will noticeably affect the texture of the soup.

Greek Stuffed Onions

8 medium red onions, ends trimmed

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Bring a large pot of water to boil; add salt. Working in batches, blanch onions for 10 minutes, until slightly softened; transfer to a bowl to cool.

1 lb. ground lamb

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

2 tsp. oregano

1 bunch mint, minced

1/2 bell pepper, trimmed and minced

1/3 c. feta, crumbled

1/4 c. Kalamata olives, pitted and minced

5 c. cooked brown rice

1 c. dry white wine, divided

4 T lemon juice, divided

Core each onion with a paring knife to make a 2” opening, taking care not to cut bottom; gently remove loosened layers of onion and mince to get 1 c. of onion. Set aside hollowed onions.

In a large skillet over medium, heat 1/4 c. oil. Add garlic, minced onions and lamb. Sauté until lamb is browned, using your spatula to crumble. Stir in oregano, bay leaves, rice, 1/2 c. wine and 2 T lemon juice. Cook unti liquid is reduced by half. Add bell pepper, mint and feta; stir well to incorporate. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon ﬁlling into onions, packing tightly. Place onions into a casserole dish or other baking dish with sides. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, wine and lemon juice.

Roast until onions are crisped on the top and slightly browned, about 30 minutes. (adapted from the National Onion Association)

Note: Serve with tzatziki sauce.

AUGUST business

Obviously, commerce makes the world go ‘round. But in our community, business means more than cashﬂow. Companies of all sizes employ our people, provide necessary services and give back in a multiude of ways. Let’s celebrate the countless contributions these businesses make to our growing city!

august ambassadors:

Alan Stein SteinGroup

Yajaira Aich West

PNC Bank / Spark Insights

Jordan Parker

Traditional Bank

FAMOUS FIGURES Bi atto

1932-2022

After visiting the University of Kentucky’s campus, it is difficult not to recognize the Gatton family name, specifically that of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton. He is the namesake of the Gatton College of Business & Economics as well as the Gatton Student Center and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (named after his parents, Edith Martin and Harry W. Gatton, Sr.). His foundation’s $100 million donation to the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment marks the largest gift to any agricultural college in history. Over his seven decades in business, he became the university’s top benefactor, donating over $180 million and reflecting his focus on enabling the next generation to succeed.

Gatton led an extremely fruitful career in automobile sales and investing, but his end goal was to give what he earned to good causes, speciﬁcally in Kentucky, Northeast Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia. Gatton earned a degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and went on to graduate school at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to earn his MBA. Afterward, he returned to Kentucky and became the youngest Volkswagen dealer in the country, followed by 10 more dealerships in AL, TN, and TX. He used this “seed money” to invest in banking and real estate.

Though his home for the last ﬁfty years of his life was in Upper East Tennessee, Gatton’s roots always remained in Kentucky, and he would often say when returning to his native state, “the sun just got a little brighter, the grass a little greener, and the ﬂowers more beautiful.”

Sources: Bill Gatton Foundation, University of Kentucky MartinGatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment

Snapshots: Big Dreams

Peeples and Urban League House

Isabel Yates

Alex Campbell

High on Rose

Wallace Wilkinson, Dudley Webb and Don Webb

Brian McCarty and Bruce Drake

Peter Stoner, on WLEX-TV in the 60s

WLEX-TV: Tom Hammond, Mike McNamara, Mike Barry and Dave White, ca. 1980-81

SEPTEMBER sports

C-A-T-S... Cats, Cats, Cats!

To call Lexington a sports town feels like an understatement. We are very much a part of the Big Blue Nation and we’re not afraid to show it! We’re fortunate to have some pretty incredible teams to root for. So let’s hear it for September!

september ambassador:

Doug Flynn

former UK and Major League baseball player

Kroger Field by Dr. Michael Huang

FAMOUS FIGURES

1901-1977

You won’t ﬁnd a Bluegrass native that doesn’t recognize the name of Kentucky’s winningest coach who set the crucial foundation for our unmatched basketball legacy — Adolph Rupp.

In his 41 years coaching UK basketball, Rupp led his players (80% being from Kentucky) to 4 NCAA National Championships, 6 NCAA Final Four appearances, 20 NCAA Tournaments, and even led the 1948 Olympic Basketball team as an assistant coach to a gold medal. With an extraordinary coaching record of 876 wins, he held the longest NCAA Division 1 home-court winning streak at 129 games over 12 years.

While Rupp brought tremendous athletic victories to the state and was inducted into several Halls of Fame, his notable efforts go beyond basketball. UK President Frank Dickey and Coach Rupp petitioned the SEC to desegregate athletics in 1961, in which they received 100+ death threats for. In 1959, Rupp received the Governor’s Medallion for meritorious service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky along with numerous Distinguished Service Awards. Rupp was recognized by the U.S. Air Force for outstanding services to their Special Service Sports Programs and by the United States Navy for devotion to their Ninth Naval District. In addition, Coach served as President of Kentucky Hereford Association for 17 years, and Chairman of the Board of the Shrine Crippled Children’s Hospital for 12 years.

Rupp truly left Kentucky a more uniﬁed and healthier place — on and off the court.

Sources: Britannica, Coach Rupp

B o Ba t a o r

Adolph Rupp, one of the most successful college basketball coaches in history, is best known for his legendary tenure with the University of Kentucky Wildcats. However, according to his son, Herky Rupp, Adolph was much more than a basketball coach. Through Herky’s vivid recounting, we uncover the multidimensional life of a man deeply rooted in family, community, and passion beyond the hardwood. by Kathy Stamps

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Born in Halstead, Kansas, Adolph Rupp grew up in a farming family. Life wasn’t easy; his father passed away when he was just eight years old, leaving him and his siblings to shoulder the burden of supporting the household. Rupp took on various jobs to make ends meet, including tending the pot-bellied stove and cleaning blackboards at the oneroom schoolhouse he attended.

When he arrived at the University of Kansas, it was without a scholarship. Rupp worked tirelessly to pay his way through school, waiting tables at the Jayhawk Café. It was there, balancing academics, work, and basketball, that he forged the work ethic that would deﬁne his career.

A DEVOTED FAMILY MAN

Family was the cornerstone of Adolph Rupp’s life. Despite his demanding career, he prioritized his immediate family and maintained strong ties with his siblings in Kansas. Herky recalls their many shared experiences, from backyard baseball games to trips to Major League ballparks, where Adolph used his connections to introduce his son to legends like Ted Williams and Hank Aaron.

Herky, an only child, grew up with a father who was as engaged in his personal development as he was in his professional life. “He came to as many of my Little League games as he could,” Herky says. The tradition extended to Herky’s son, Chip, and later to

grandchildren. Whether attending their games, playing card games like Go Fish, or ﬁshing on the family farm, Adolph cherished these moments.

BEYOND BASKETBALL

While basketball was his profession, Rupp had many other interests. He was deeply involved in agriculture, raising registered Hereford cattle on his farm. He meticulously maintained records of his livestock and immersed himself in the intricacies of cattle breeding. “He didn’t just have this as a hobby,” Herky explains. “It was a business.”

Rupp’s connection to agriculture also extended to his community. He was president of the Kentucky Hereford Association for 16 consecutive terms and frequently participated in county and state fairs. Stories abound of Rupp sitting on hay bales, discussing cattle with local farmers—a testament to his genuine engagement with people from all walks of life.

PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Adolph Rupp’s contributions to the Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital stand as a powerful example of his commitment to helping others. As chairman of the board, he actively fundraised to build and sustain the hospital, touring Central Kentucky to garner support. His efforts, along with those of others, were instrumental in the hospital’s establishment and success.

Rupp also championed numerous other causes. From chairing cancer crusades to handing out tickets to

underprivileged children for the Shrine Circus, he dedicated his time to uplifting his community. As Herky describes, these acts of kindness were done not for recognition but because Rupp believed they were his duty as a representative of the University of Kentucky and the state.

THE LEGACY OF MISUNDERSTANDING

Despite his achievements, Adolph Rupp’s legacy has been marred by accusations of racism that began circulating in 1991, decades after his death. Herky passionately refutes these claims, emphasizing his father’s progressive actions, such as selecting Don Barksdale, the ﬁrst African American to play on the U.S. Olympic basketball team, in 1948.

The controversy largely stems from a fabricated statement attributed to Rupp during the 1966 NCAA championship game, in which Texas Western’s all-Black starting lineup faced Rupp’s all-White Kentucky team. Herky explains that this false narrative gained traction through media sensationalism, overshadowing his father’s lifelong commitment to fairness and equality.

A GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Rupp’s inﬂuence extended far beyond Kentucky. The U.S. government often called upon him to serve as a goodwill ambassador, conducting basketball coaching clinics for armed forces in Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. His dedication to basketball and education made him a respected ﬁgure worldwide. Herky recounts how Rupp’s coaching philosophy was shaped by his mentors, Phog Allen and James Naismith, at the University of Kansas. These experiences, combined with his own innovations, cemented Rupp’s place as a trailblazer in the sport.

Adolph’s

A MAN OF CONTRASTS

Adolph Rupp’s public persona as a ﬁery coach contrasted sharply with his private demeanor. “One of the greatest attributes he had was the most uncanny sense of humor,” Herky recalls. Whether delivering speeches or sharing moments with family, Rupp’s wit and charisma left a lasting impression.

Christmas held a special place in Rupp’s heart, a holiday he celebrated with childlike enthusiasm. Growing up in poverty, he treasured the opportunity to create joyous memories for his family, a tradition that lasted until his passing.

PRESERVING THE TRUTH

Herky and his family have spent years combating misconceptions about Adolph Rupp. They’ve worked to ensure that his true character—a man of integrity, compassion, and dedication—is recognized. “We shouldn’t have to defend a man who didn’t do anything,” Herky asserts.

Rupp’s contributions to basketball, his community, and his family are enduring testaments to his character. As Herky eloquently puts it, “He cared about the University of Kentucky; he cared about the state of Kentucky; and he cared about the United States.” •

through the ages gameday fashion

photos courtesy of University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center

When scanning through the University of Kentucky archives, it’s easy to see that the campus is not what it once was in the second half of the 1800s, when the university was founded. Even though UK is not quite as old as the city of Lexington, the school has become interwoven with the city’s identity for nearly two centuries. And while the campus and the people that visit it have evolved over the years, one view remains the same: our love for the Wildcats remains strong.

Whether it’s a photo from 1890 or 1990, students and Cats fans still wear the same expressions when showing up to cheer on their favorite team. The passion the Big Blue Nation has for its team is unmistakable. And from Stoll Field to Kroger Field, Memorial Coliseum to Rupp Arena, the sea of blue and white is a constant reminder that no matter what else is going on in the world, we will always be one community, bound by one of the best fanbases in college sports.

The enthusiasm for Kentucky sports translates to gameday fashion, as well. When the Cats show up, they show out, dressed in blue and white from head to toe and reﬂecting the campus culture of the time. Beyond their “Go Cats!” banners and excited expressions, it’s hard to recognize the suits, ascots, dresses, and furs worn by fans in the 1880s (in the same way, those fans from the 19th century wouldn’t recognize the glittery facepaint and jerseys worn by fans today).

However, there are bits and pieces from every era that can still be a part of gameday fashion this season. While the best way to ﬁnd exact replicas of the street style from past decades is to shop vintage or secondhand stores in Lexington, there are still many options to recreate these looks anew. by Emma

Reilly

Textured Signature Print Silk Skinny Scarf in “Midnight Navy” (Coach, $75)

Franco Sarto Tinsley Square Toe Mary Jane Flat in “Blue” (Nordstrom, $115)

Mini Kentucky Blue Glitter UK Earring (Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories, $55)

The Somerset Mini Dress (Anthropologie, $138)

Journee Collection Tavia Wide Calf Boot (DSW, $85)

Pearl Beaded Headband (J. Crew Factory, $14.50)

BHLDN Mae Sleeveless High-Neck Side-Bow Mini Dress (Anthropologie, $198)

UK Pearl Bow Medallion Earrings (Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories, $45)

19 0s

Suede Knee High Statement Boots

(ﬁnd similar at Fiabesca Shoes)

Fit & Lift High Waist Flare Jeans (Nordstrom, $69)

Helmet Necklace Blue White (Ada & Lo, $27.50)

Brussels Molten Metal Hoop Earrings in “Worn Gold” (Ada & Lo, $27.25)

Blue Corduroy Puff Sleeve Top (ﬁnd similar at Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories)

Essential Turtleneck Tee in “White” (Garnet Hill, $44)

Blue Cassandra Earrings (Ada & Lo, $33)

High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans in “Light Wash” (Old Navy, $33)

Hinge Cuff Bracelet (J. Crew, $32.50)

Club C 85 Vintage Shoes (Reebok, $90)

1990s

Basketball It Must Be the Denim T-Shirt (Kentucky Branded, $42)

Oversized Icon Denim Jacket in “Medium Blue Indigo” (Gap, $49)

Nike Blazer Low ‘77 Vintage in “Photo Blue” (Nike, $86)

Essentials 3-Stripes French Terry Wide Pants (adidas, $55)

‘90s Stretchy Headbands Pack (J. Crew, $32.50)

14K Yellow Gold Tubular Sweepback Earrings (Schiffman’s Jewelers, $395)

Hawk H2O Booties in “Midnight Crinkle Patent” (Dolce Vita, $95)

Crease-Free Checkered Hair Clips in “Blue Motif” (Anthropologie, $18)

Grommet Wide Belt in “Black” (Urban Outﬁtters, $29)

Cargo Stretch Pant in “Blue” (Buckle, $60)

UK Vault Wildcat Interlock (Kentucky Branded, $40)

Todd Svoboda’s Big Blue Road to Recovery

Story by Larry Vaught / Photos courtesy

of Todd Svoboda

Todd Svoboda only played one basketball season for the University of Kentucky, and even though he was a walkon, he became a fan favorite after transferring from Division II Northern Kentucky, where he had 1,114 points and 770 rebounds in three years (he was also a Great Lakes Valley Conference tennis singles champion).

He was part of UK’s 1993 Final Four team under coach Rick Pitino, and he actually hit UK’s ﬁnal shot in an Elite Eight victory over Florida State that sent the Cats to the Final Four.

“(Jeff) Brassow kicked it to me on the win, and a lot of people still come up to me and remember that shot. My kids love seeing that clip and it is still out there on YouTube,” the Clark County resident said.

Svoboda was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, in 2014. UK HealthCare doctors determined he needed a knee replacement after he had discovered a small bump on the back of his right knee, and they installed a mega prosthesis in Svoboda’s right leg. Svoboda adjusted remarkably well, continued his active life and enjoyed his wife and three children.

However, in May, Svoboda had severe pain in his right leg. He had to use a walker to watch his daughter, Eliana, participate in a 5K race. He went back to his doctors, hoping they could alleviate the pain so he could attend the wedding of his 23-year-old son, Joey, in Idaho on June 11. Emergency surgery allowed him to do that.

However, the ﬁnal diagnosis was he needed an abovethe-knee amputation on his right leg. He had the surgery on July 11.

“I live on 12 acres, and prior to the amputation, I was splitting ﬁrewood, mowing, weed eating, swimming, lifting weights and hiking. I was very active with a lot of stuff,” the former UK player said. “The amputation has obviously impacted me. I am trying to ﬁgure out how to get back to normal as best I can.”

Six days after the amputation, he was back in the weight room. Four weeks later, he was swimming again and “feeling pretty comfortable” in the pool.

He now has a new prosthetic and has had to re-learn how to walk. He wants to be able to ride his bike with his wife and three kids again.

“With the new prosthetic, you have to learn to get that knee to bend. That’s a daily challenge,” Svoboda said. “A lot of things at home had to be modiﬁed. Our bathroom now has a walk-in shower with grab bars and a bench to make it safe. We had a wheelchair ramp built into the house in case I needed a wheelchair. We had to modify the steps from the garage into the house.

“I want to be as self-sufﬁcient as possible. I want to keep my life as normal as possible.”

He also plans to stay positive by looking forward and not dwelling on what has happened.

“It’s not easy, but I have a strong faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and that drives me,” he said. “I played basketball

Support Todd Svoboda’s journey to recovery:

and tennis in college. I learned to persevere through struggles in games. You have to be positive and drive through things. I am obviously not happy any of this happened, but you have to deal with it. Being positive is the only way to go, and being positive is contagious.”

Svoboda says sometimes, when he’s swimming, people will tell him he’s an inspiration to them. Others reach out to encourage him, and a GoFundMe set up by a friend to help offset expenses has had a huge response and is still active.

“I still need prayers. It is going to continue to be a challenge, but the prayers and encouragement from so many has been a huge help,” he said. “I always represented the University of Kentucky well. It was a dream come true for me to play there and I am grateful for the relationships I built.”

Pitino called when he had his surgery. Former UK assistant coach Bernadette Locke-Mattox came to visit.

“Being positive is the only way to go, and being positive is contagious.”

“It would be easy to get depressed, but I have to step back and realize the Lord blessed me in so many ways,” Svoboda said. “My wife and I recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. I have three wonderful kids who love me. I can still watch the Wildcats play. I have got a good church, work for a good company (East Kentucky Power Cooperative) and have a lot of support.”

His oldest daughter is 26 years old and a nurse in Charleston, S.C. His son, 24, and his wife are both in the Air Force serving on the West Coast and have been deployed several times. His youngest daughter is a freshman at George Rogers Clark High School.

He met his wife, former UK gymnast Franci Niles, when he was at Kentucky. She was best friends with Jenny Hanson, UK’s all-time best gymnast and a multiple-time All-American.

“My wife and youngest daughter are there to help me with whatever I need, but I still try to push myself,” the former UK player said.

He was changing the oil on his vehicle recently and had to ask his daughter to get a few things from the barn for him. “It’s hard to carry things with crutches or a walker, but I still want to do things like change the oil,” he said. “It might take a little longer, but with their support, I can still do things I love doing.”

That’s why a few days after his surgery, UK had a reunion for basketball alumni where they could watch Mark Pope’s team practice and dine together. Svoboda went and said it gave him a “boost and kind of perked me up” after the surgery.

He was at Rupp Arena for Big Blue Madness when Pitino made his return.

“Before all the former players went out on the court, I got to spend some time with Coach P, and that made my night,” he said. “It was just good to be around the guys and Coach. Those are the things I want to always be able to do.”

“I want to see this team play. Pope was under Pitino, so there are a lot of similarities with his style, pace, ball spacing and defense. It is fun to watch. I always enjoyed playing that style and watching it is just as much fun. I like this team. I liked Pope as a player. He is a very smart guy, and a very humble man. I am 100 percent rooting for him and his team.”

Just like Kentucky fans and many others are 100 percent rooting for Todd Svoboda.

OCTOBER equine

Lexington, KY: Horse Capital of the World

There’s a reason that the city logo is a horse. Is there anything more emblematic of our spirit? Lexington is synonymous with the rolling green terrain of a horse farm, the thrill of a day at the races and the beauty of a Thoroughbred at play.

october ambassadors:

Lee Carter Kentucky Horse Park

Hallie Hardy Horse Country

American Pharoah winning the Breeders’ Cup photo by Dr. Michael Huang

FAMOUS FIGURES Oliver Lewis

1856-1924

African American jockey Oliver Lewis won the ﬁrst-ever Kentucky Derby in 1875 at the remarkable age of 19. Along with renowned African American trainer Ansel Williamson, they led the colt Aristides to set an American record in the inaugural race. This would be the only Derby Lewis would ever race in.

Little is known about the Fayette County native’s life. A husband and father to six children, Lewis became a bookmaker who wrote handicapping charts that became precursors for publications today like Daily Racing Form.

Lewis’ achievement would go almost unrecognized for over a century, as African Americans were pushed out of the business when the sport became less accessible to the working class, despite dominating the sport in the beginning. He passed away in 1924 in Lexington, Kentucky, and is buried in the Lexington No. 2 Cemetery.

FAST FACTS:

• First Kentucky Derby winning jockey

• Born in Fayette County

• Father of 6 children

• Derby prize money in 1875 was $2850

• Won the Derby in 2 minutes 37.75 seconds

Sources: Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, Kentucky Derby Museum, Kentake Page

Lexington’s Finest

Notable Kentucky Derby winners from the Lexington area

(adapted from the

National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Washington Post, and AP News)

Though the Kentucky Derby takes place in Louisville each year, the Horse Capital of the World holds its fair share of winners and legacies that last long after the horses cross the ﬁnish line. Beyond the huge hats, delicious mint juleps, and festival ﬂair that precedes the greatest two minutes in sports are years of training and preparation that often originate in Lexington, and after they run for the roses, this city is where many of the greats are celebrated. Here are some of the most notable Derby champions over the years who made their start in and around Lexington.

Aristides (1875)

The Kentucky Derby’s inaugural winner helped set the stage for what would become the biggest horse racing event in America. Aristides broke the record for a 3-year-old at the 1 ½ mile distance by winning the Derby in 2:37¾. Though New York can stake a partial claim to his fame, Aristides was bred in Fayette County at the McGrathiana Stud Farm. Riding Aristides was jockey Oliver Lewis, one of 13 Black jockeys among a ﬁeld of 15.

Sir Barton (1919)

Sir Barton was America’s first Triple Crown winner before the Triple Crown even got its name. He was bred at Hamburg Place by John E. Madden, who bred five Kentucky Derby winners and was the country’s leading breeder by races won for 11 consecutive years. Sir Barton won a rain-drenched Derby, the Preakness only four days later, and the Belmont by five lengths, a new record for the 11-furlong distance.

Citation (1948)

Citation was born and bred at local Calumet Farm in Lexington and became the eighth Triple Crown winner. He was also the ﬁrst horse to earn over $1 million in career earnings and went on a 16-race win streak. BloodHorse ranked Citation as the third-best racehorse of the 20th century, behind only Man o’ War and Secretariat. He was named Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 1947, followed by Horse of the Year, Champion 3-YearOld Male, and more in 1948.

Honorable Mention: Man o' War

Man o’ War’s story is that of Lexington legend. In his racing career, there was a near-perfect record (he won 20/21 races), a potential jockey conspiracy, many souvenir hunters, and even attempted assassination plots against the horse. By the end of his career, he had broken three world records, two American records, seven track records, and more. While he would have been a likely favorite in the 1920 Kentucky Derby, his owner did not believe in racing at a distance of 10 furlongs in Louisville’s unpredictable spring weather. Nevertheless, the namesake of Lexington’s heavily traveled Man o’ War Boulevard was a sports star of the early roaring ‘20s.

War Admiral (1937)

War Admiral had some big horseshoes to fill as the son of mighty Man o’ War. While his start was not as spectacular as his father’s, War Admiral accomplished something Man o’ War never did – he won the Kentucky Derby – and beyond that, he became the country’s fourth Triple Crown winner. War Admiral’s antics made him a legend and delayed the start of the Belmont by eight minutes until he was finally contained. He even stumbled at the beginning of the race and cut his foot, a worthy excuse to call the race over. Nevertheless, he became one of the greatest racehorses in American history when he shot his way to the front of the pack and won the final race of the Triple Crown by three lengths.

Seattle Slew (1977)

The Kentucky Derby’s 10th Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, was the ﬁrst horse to complete the series with an undefeated record. Throughout his career, he won four Eclipse Awards for Champion 2-Year-Old Male (1976), Horse of the Year (1977), Champion 3-Year-Old Male (1977), and Champion Older Male (1978). Seattle Slew lived until the age of 28 and passed away in 2002 at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Paris, Kentucky.

Spectacular Bid (1979)

Spectacular Bid was a Derby and Preakness winner described by his trainer as “the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle.” He won at 15 racetracks across nine states and broke seven track records over his career. The morning of the Belmont Stakes, Spectacular Bid stepped on a safety pin, a freak accident that caused him to lose the race in second place and eventually caused an infection that required his hoof to be drilled. After his retirement, he eventually sired 253 winning horses.

American Pharoah (2015)

Hometown hero American Pharoah broke a 37-year streak to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in 2015. He was the ﬁrst to win a Grand Slam of horse racing, including the three races that make up the Triple Crown, plus a win at the Breeder’s Cup Classic, which was held for the ﬁrst time at Keeneland, his home course. His debut did not bode well for the rest of the year, with trainer Bob Baffert calling his maiden race a “total disaster.” However, all problems were solved by a pair of $6 earplugs – the problem all along was that he was distracted by the noisy stadium crowds during the race. American Pharoah is now retired in Versailles.

Genuine Risk

(1980)

Genuine Risk made history as only the second of three fillies to date to win the Kentucky Derby. It was also the first time since 1959 that a filly had even attempted the Derby. She was selected for purchase by 14-year-old Matthew Firestone. With odds of 13-1 in a 13 horse race, Genuine Risk won the Derby by a length and went on to finish second in the controversial Preakness and again in the Belmont Stakes.

Justify (2018)

As of 111 days before the Kentucky Derby in 2018, Justify had never raced before. He was the next horse up to attempt to break the Curse of Apollo, the last horse in Kentucky Derby history to have won without having raced as a two-year-old since the curse’s namesake in 1882. Not only would he break the curse, but he would become the country’s 13th Triple Crown winner. After that season, Justify was retired undefeated to prevent aggravating old injuries and resides in Versailles with fellow Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh.

Mystik Dan (2024)

Not every horse can say they are the champion of such a monumental event as the 150th Kentucky Derby. Mystik Dan prepared for the race under Lexington trainer Danny McPeek (who also trained the Kentucky Oaks winner in the same year, Thorpedo Anna – the ﬁrst trainer to win both races in the same year since 1952). The 150th Derby lived up to the spectacle, ending in the closest three-horse photo ﬁnish since 1947. Mystik Dan, the 18-1 longshot, got so tight against the rail during the race that his jockey, Brian Hernandez, said his boot struck it. The race was only the 10th to be won by a nose in the race’s 150-year history, with tensions high as the crowd waited for the stewards to declare the winner.

Rich Strike (2022)

The second-biggest longshot to ever win the Kentucky Derby at 80-1 (and the longest shot at the 2022 race), Rich Strike was not even supposed to run in the Derby at all. He was originally short the number of points necessary to qualify for the race. Rich Strike was on the “also eligible” list, and trainers were informed that there were no scratches as of the morning of the race – they even began to enter him in another race instead, the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. After a last-minute scratch only hours before the race, the team was informed that Rich Strike was able to draw into the Derby. After beginning the race in 18th place, he worked his way up to win the race (afterward, he was not entered in the Preakness).

Giddy p!

Equestrian Events to See in 2025!

Bulls, Bands, & Barrels

February 15 • Alltech Arena

“This ain’t your grandpappy’s rodeo.” That’s how this high-energy Western event bills itself, and that certainly seems to be the case. Combining intense barrel racing, bull riding and live country music, this is sure to be an unforgettable event.

Road to the Horse 2025

March 27-30 • Alltech Arena

The World Championship of Colt Starting returns to the Kentucky Horse Park. Learn more about the equine world while taking in the thrilling competition for horsemanship’s most coveted title.

Keeneland Spring Meet

April 4-25 • Keeneland

The spring social season kicks off at Keeneland. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, February 18th, so get ready!

USMGA

April 12-13 • Rolex Stadium

The United States Mounted Games Association aims to inspire interest in mounted games. Once you experience them in-person, you’ll certainly be intrigued!

The Kentucky Three-Day Event

April 23-27 • Kentucky Horse Park

Horse and rider duos compete at the highest level. Enjoy dressage, cross-country and show jumping eventing during this exciting weekend of competition, which includes the Kentucky International CSI5*. There’s also tailgating, shopping and food to enjoy while you explore during this signature event.

Split Rock Jumping Tour

June 3-9 & 10-16 • September 17-21 & 24-28

October 1-5 • Kentucky Horse Park

This exciting show challenges riders and their horses from all levels in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings.

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation

Spring Trail Ride

June 7 • Kentucky Horse Park

From 9am-4pm, enjoy the natural beauty of the Kentucky Horse Park on horseback during this trail ride that supports the KHP Tree Fund Initiative.

Paso Fino Bluegrass Triple Crown

June 27-39 • KHP Covered Arena

The Kentucky Paso Fino Horse Association invites you to discover the beauty of the Paso Fino horse.

Lexington Junior League Charity

Horse Show

July 7-12 • Rolex Stadium

The 88th annual show supports the Junior League’s community works project. This amazing event has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the ﬁrst leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” The whole family will love this signature event.

BreyerFest

July 11-13 • Kentucky Horse Park

Celebrate Breyer models and the real horses that inspire them at this annual fan fest. Learn about the equestrian world, participate in fun activities, shop ‘til you drop and enjoy all that the world of Breyer horses has to share.

Red Mile Live Racing

July 21-September 17 • Red Mile

On Mondays and Tuesdays starting at 1pm and Sundays at 5pm, enjoy live harness racing at Red Mile. The season kicks off on July 21 with the Camel & Ostrich Races, which is an event that’s fun for the whole family!

Battle in the Saddle

August 29 • KHP Covered Arena

Support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation with this thrilling evening of celebrity team penning. It’s a ton of fun to take in!

September Yearling Sale

September 8-20 • Keeneland

The global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings, this is the world’s most important Thoroughbred sale. The future superstars of horse racing take the stage during this event.

Kentucky Sire Stakes

September 15-17 • Red Mile

This thrilling harness racing competition is a must-see!

Major Stakes Racing

September 26-28 • October 4-6 • Red Mile

Get ready for this major weekend of harness racing. Everyone will be wowed by these impressive equestrian athletes!

Keeneland Fall Meet

October 3-25 • Keeneland

It’s not fall in Kentucky without a trip to the track. Ticket sale dates are TBA, but expect them to sell out fast!

Thoroughbred Makeover

October 7-12 • Kentucky Horse Park

This heartwarming and exciting event was created by the Retired Racehorse Project to show the trainability and talent of Thoroughbred horses off-track. The largest of its kind, this event is truly something to witness.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the heart-pounding equestrian entertainment happening around the Bluegrass in 2025. To ﬁnd more, check out the websites and social media for the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland, Red Mile and other local equestrian organizations for the latest information. Bear in mind that this list is just a preview, so many details and dates may change; always check with hosting organizations before attending any event to ensure you have the latest info! • photo by Dr. Michael Huang

NOVEMBER arts

Vibrant. Dynamic. Flourishing. There are many adjectives to describe Lexington’s arts scene, but the most accurate may just be: integral. Visual arts are as foundational to our city’s unique character as horses, bourbon and bluegrass. From our can’t-miss murals to the galleries that entice art enthusiasts from around the world to visit, Lexington is an arts destination!

november

Nathan Zamarron LexArts

ambassador:

Henry Faulkner

- Toa Green, Owner Crank & Boom Cra

Cream

Lexington’s Artistic Legacy

To try to document the broad impact of Lexington on the world art scene would be impossible. Throughout our city’s history – including the present moment – there have been countless artists, artisans, creators and makers who have lent their talents and creative vision to our cultural fabric. These are a few artists from Lexington’s history that you may not know, but there are hundreds more waiting to be discovered!

Henry Faulkner (1924 - 1981)

Eccentric doesn’t begin to cover the colorful, wild paintings of Henry Faulkner, many of which featured a bourbondrinking goat. A close friend of Tennessee Williams, Faulkner’s work – and larger-than-life personality – were known throughout the art world. In 2014, the Faulkner Morgan Archive was created to help preserve Faulkner’s legacy, as well as the role of LGBTQIA+ artists in Kentucky history.

Kiptoo Tarus

As a banker and marketer in Nairobi, Kenya, Tarus would attend art school and sculpt when he could. He was introduced to a visiting professor from the University of Kentucky who critiqued his sculptures and suggested graduate school. Tarus applied, quit his job and moved to Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, he got a commission from the city for six sculptures of hands – one of Tarus’s favorite subjects – to beautiful Lexington for the Breeders’ Cup festival. Today, Tarus is known for human and equine ﬁgures in wood and other media.

George W. Headley III (1908 - 1985)

Born to a wealthy family in Virginia, Headley was able to pursue his passion from art to New York, then Paris. He studied painting before apprenticing for jeweler Paul Flato, which sparked a lifelong love of jewels. He began creating pieces in collaboration with the likes of Salvador Dalí and Cartier, with clients such as the Marx Brothers, Joan Crawford and Judy Garland. He is most well-known for his bibelots, which are small, intricate, precious decorative objects. You can see these at the Headley-Whitney Museum.

John Tuska (1931 - 1998)

For over 30 years, John Tuska lectured, created and taught at the University of Kentucky. In his lifetime, he created thousands of artistic works, including drawings,

sculptures, paintings, photographs and pottery featuring the human ﬁgure.

James Raymond Henry (1943 - 2022)

Born in Lexington, Henry studied in Chicago. His massive welded steel “drawings” are truly a sight to behold. He founded the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was given the Kentucky Governor’s National Award in 2003. You can see his sculpture, Publisher, on the North Plaza of the Central Bank Center.

Wylie Caudill

While Caudill was working on his Broadcasting degree, he would leave chalk drawings all over campus. Upon graduation, he found himself unsure of where to go with his career. While working at Ky for Ky, he was asked to paint their logo as a mural on the side of a Frankfort restaurant. This opportunity eventually led to more murals and an art career he never could’ve anticipated. This year, he was chosen to illustrate the ofﬁcial poster for the 150th Kentucky Derby. From painted bourbon bottles to rooms swathed in cerulean roses, Caudill’s work has become an iconic part of the Lexington landscape.

John McMurty (1812 - 1890)

Art historians largely credit McMurty with making the Gothic Revival style popular in the Bluegrass region. In his time, McMurty served as the architect and/or builder of over 200 buildings and structures, including: Botherum, the Clark County Courthouse, Christ Church Episcopal, Loudon House, the entrance gates to the Lexington Cemetery, Floral Hall in front of Red Mile, the Higgins Block and Jacobs Hall, Kentucky School for the Deaf.

Isaac Scott Hathaway (1872 - 1967)

Ceramicist and sculptor Hathaway knew he wanted to be an artist from a young age after visiting a museum; he noticed that there were no pieces by Black artists and he vowed to change that. Hathaway attended many colleges before returning to Kentucky to teach. He later became a founding member of the Department of Ceramics at the Tuskegee Institute. In his career, he created busts of notable Black ﬁgures, including Frederick Douglass. He was the ﬁrst Black artist to design a US coin, the Booker T. Washington Memorial half dollar.

Alice in Love by Henry Faulkner

2020 Blues by Kiptoo Tarus being relocated to Manchester Street | courtesy LexArts

Brian & Sara Turner

In 2003, these UK alums founded one of the region’s ﬁrst modern silk-screen presses. Cricket Press is now known across the nation as a voice in letterpress and screen-printing. They have created concert posters for Railbird Music Festival, Ben Solee, My Morning Jacket and more, as well as posters for many Lexington parks events. They’re probably best known for their work on West Sixth Brewing Company’s packaging.

Matthew & Karine Maynard

Matthew Maynard has been working in metal since age 12. Karine came to work with him in 2005 while attending grad school at UK; the couple married in 2009 and ofﬁcially founded Maynard Studios in 2010. Since then, these blacksmithing and metalworking artists have become a visible part of the Kentucky landscape, with their work appearing in venues like Apiary, Maker’s Mark and Castle & Key, as well as in private residences. Their sculptures have been featured at exhibitions across the country.

Joseph Henry Bush (ca. 1800 - 1865)

This 19th-century portrait painter was trained by Thomas Sully in Philadelphia. In his lifetime, Bush had studios in Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville. Perhaps his most famous work was the ofﬁcial portrait of Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States.

William P. Welsh (1889 - 1984)

As a muralist, portraitist, illustrator and soldier, Welsh’s career was an interesting one. He served in both World Wars as well as the Mexican Border Campaign and was a decorated soldier. In between, his art was part of the art competition at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. His mural, Lexington Street Scene, October 1793, was an iconic part of Lexington’s landscape for many years; when the Kentuckian Hotel on High Street was razed, Welsh reproduced the mural and prints were sold at Hymson’s Department Store.

Adalin Wichman (1922 - 2013)

Wichman, a sculptor and artist, served as Keeneland’s advertising director for twenty years. Her love of the equine industry inspired many of her works, some of which can be found in the art collection of Queen Elizabeth II and the Kentucky Derby Museum. She designed the Eclipse Award Trophy, given to horses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the equestrian world. She also created the Foucault pendulum clock located in the rotunda of the Lexington Public Library. •

Meet

Lexington’s Working Artists & Artisans

There are numerous art galleries in Lexington, just waiting to be experienced. In addition, there are makerspaces, art incubators and studios where you can be introduced directly to our city’s working artists. Here are some resources to help connect you to Lexington’s living art scene!

Art

on the Town

lexingtonky.gov/art-on-the-town LexArts lexarts.org

The Artists’ Attic Studios & Gallery theartistsattic.org

Lexington Art League lexingotnartleaugue.org

Art, Inc. artinckentucky.com

Arts Connect artsconnectlex.org

The Lyric Theatre & Culture Center historiclyrictheatre.com

Lexington Makers Market lexingtonfarmersmarket.com/artist-market

The Living Arts & Science Center lasclex.org

Kentucky Arts Council artscouncil.ky.gov

NewYear, New

Jan 17 | Mar 21 | May 16 |Jul 18 | Sep 19 | Nov 21

The Living Arts & Science Center

362 N Martin Luther King Blvd

The Living Arts & Science Center features four galleries and over 20 annual exhibits ranging from elementary students to established regional and national artists. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

Marta E Dorton Artworks

290 E Loudon Ave

Marta E Dorton Artworks is located on the grounds of the

EncaustiCastle compound. She works with several mediums including acrylic painting, printmaking and mixed media collage. Her photographs of northern New Mexico and Kentucky provide inspiration for acrylic paintings. Her abstract art repurposes old artwork, found and collected items.

Sprout Studios

LexArts Gallery

161 N Mill, Lower Level

Sprout Studios is the home base of artist Christine Kuhn. Christine is an internationally exhibited painter and sculptor. Every Gallery Hop provides free art activities for all. Come create with us and enjoy the warm and fun community we’ve created at Sprout StudiosGrowth, Creativity and Community.

161 N Mill St

LexArts Gallery is dedicated to showcasing high quality works by Kentucky artists. Hailed as one of the city’s premier visual arts galleries, the annual series of exhibition presented by Independence Bank, showcases work in multiple genres and mediums.

Come out and on January 17!

Lex Center for Creative ReUse

110 Luigart Ct, Unit 150

The Lex Center for Creative ReUse is a local nonprofit with donated art and craft materials available at sliding scale prices. Only local art is displayed in the gallery. The Lex Center for Creative ReUse also provides grants of creative material to public schools and local nonprofits.

Central Library Gallery

140 E Main St

The Central Library Gallery is located on the library’s first floor and features a wide variety of local, regional, and international artists. The Gallery is open during regular hours and until 8pm for LexArts HOP!

Artists’ Attic

401 W Main St, Suite 401

For over 30 years, Artists’ Attic has been home to Lexington’s largest group of actively working artist studios. Visit the galleries, meet 22 resident artists and watch them create. And, of course, purchase original art! All in one place on HOP nightsalong with hors d’oevres and a cash bar for the evening to mix and mingle!

Do you have a gallery or artist studio? Are you a venue with art on display, or would you like to have art on display?

LexArts HOP is a lively, chooseyour-own-adventure evening that celebrates local art. On the third Friday of every other month, galleries, museums, artist studios, and supporting venues open their doors for everyone to explore. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to discover Lexington’s vibrant art scene while hopping between venues to enjoy diverse exhibits and artists.

Sign up NOW as a site on the LexArts HOP 2025! HOP is the perfect way to become involved in the community and help support local art and artists.

Learn more and sign up at

DECEMBER the future

Cheers to 250 Years!

To cap o a year of celebration, December has been set aside as a time to reﬂect on both the past and the future of our city. We look toward the next 250 years of Lexington with hope, determination and excitement for what’s to come for many future generations of Lexingtonians.

Gatton Park on the Town Branch rendering, courtesy Sasaki

These local businesses are keeping good taste alive in Lexington. Keep reading to meet a few of our favorite providers of all things luxury!

Refresh & Reset With New Colors, Styles, & Waterproof Technologies

At America’s Floor Source, we believe your home should reflect you and your personal style. As your expert style resource, we’ll work with you to curate the best solutions for your ideal space. We strive to create a home design destination – one that would combine the expertise and quality of a luxury brand with the approachability of a local business.

Medical Aehetics d

Aesthetic Injectables

• Skin Health

• Wellness and IV Therapy

• Body Contouring and Weight Loss •

Enjoy premium care and a premier location as we bring your dream wedding to life. At Marriott, we handle everything—from the DJ and ﬂowers to the ceremony itself — ensuring a seamless and magical event. Let us do all the work while you savor every moment.

When you say, “I was married at the Marriott!” it means something! Trust Marriott to cover every detail. Book your wedding experience with us today!

Get Cozy

Amanda Harper | courtesy photos

conditions make it tough to book in advance. While some brave souls will buy tickets to a tropical paradise and cross their ﬁngers that their trip isn’t waylaid by winter weather, most of us stick closer to home this time of year. Fortunately, these nearby spots are perfect for quick trips whenever the forecast seems to be cooperating. by

O

ORed River Gorge

Just a short drive to the east, this natural area offers an experience that feels like you’re a world away. Go for a brisk hike or just to take in the beauty of Kentucky’s landscape. You can rent cozy cabins, winter lodge rooms or even treehouse accommodations to snuggle up in. Some areas may not be accessible in inclement weather, but there’s always plenty to explore.

Must See: The view of Natural Bridge | Must Do: The Gorge Underground

Frankfort

Our state’s capital makes a lovely daycation any time of year, but its historic streets are truly magical during the winter months. You’ll ﬁnd quaint AirBnBs as well as charming, traditional B&Bs. There are plenty of rustic rentals within a short drive – near to hiking trails and other outdoor diversions – making this a great getaway for just about everyone.

Must See: Kentucky capital architecture | Must Do: Distillery tours

Kentucky State Parks

Our state parks offer truly cozy rental accommodations in some of Kentucky’s most scenic landscapes. Each park has a unique character with different amenities and attractions for the whole family. As an easy weekend getaway that helps you get back to nature, there’s truly nothing better. Be sure to check out their winter programming and adventures!

Must See: Pine Mountain State Resort Park | Must Do: Explore John James Audubon State Park

Maysville & Augusta

These two small towns along the Ohio River will absolutely charm you. From antique shopping to incredible local eats, there’s lots to enjoy. Each has quaint rentals and B&Bs to ensure that you’re as snug as a bug.

Must See: Old Washington in Maysville | Must Do: Tour the Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta

Shelbyville

A travel secret that not many people realize: Shelbyville is perfectly positioned so that it is close to just about anything you could want to see or experience. Shoppers will love the proximity to the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass – the perfect place to spend all those holiday gift cards. Outdoor enthusiasts will ﬁnd an incredible variety of activities nearby. Shelbeyville is positioned right within the Bourbon Trail and just a short drive from Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington and Bardstown. But the city itself has plenty of attractions, dining and cozy accommodations to keep you busy!

Must See: Jeptha Creed Distillery | Must Do: Dinner at The Bell House

Bardstown

Bourbon lovers have surely been to Bardstown before, but have you ever visited during the winter? This quaint town is truly magical all decked out in snow. Aside from touring local distilleries and enjoying some truly impressive dining options, Bardstown offers barrels of history and charm; the downtown is just stunning!

Must See: Downtown Bardstown | Must Do: Lunch at Bardstown Bourbon Company

Lake Life

Kentucky’s many lakes are a perennial favorite for the summer months, but it’s easy to forget that these areas can be just as beautiful, even when the water is frozen. Hunker down in a rented cabin and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Each of Kentucky’s lakes has plenty around it to ensure that you’ll be close to great eats without sacriﬁcing any serenity.

Must See: Lake Kentucky, the state’s largest | Must Do: Cozy up in a rented cabin

Perfect North Slopes

Just a little over an hour and a half from Lexington, this southeastern Indiana ski resort has a little something for everyone. Skiing, snow tubing and more await.

Must See: The view from the top

Must Do: Hot chocolate in the lodge

Shaker Village

OIf you’d like to really soak in Central Kentucky history while embracing the magic of the simple life, there’s no better destination than Shaker Village. Take a walk on the grounds, tour the sites of the former Shaker community or simply soak in winter’s majesty; you can also make it a staycation by booking a room on-site.

Must See: Natural Bridge

Must Do: Dinner at the Trustees’ Table

Staycation

OWhy go anywhere when Lexington is such a winter wonderland? Treat yourself to a luxe staycation by booking a hotel room, making dinner reservations and seeing our city through a different lens. Take a (safe) drive through horse country to see all of the ﬁelds covered in snow. Shop at local boutique you’ve never managed to visit before. Head to one of the many incredible attractions that our city offers – and which locals often seem to forget about. Get tickets to a great live show or event. There’s so much here in town to see, experience and enjoy!

Must See: Central Kentucky’s horse farms

Must Do: Sip something warm at a local bar

Toogie’s Table Bardstown, Ky

Red River Gorgeous Stanton, Ky

Shaker Village Harrodsburg, Ky

Making the Most of a Winter Staycation

Pay attention to the weather report.

Being weather-aware throughout your entire trip will ensure that you not only arrive safely but that you have a heads-up on potential closings and hitches in your travel plans. Also be sure to check the websites and social media of venues and businesses on the day-of to ensure everything is open and accessible.

Be patient.

Many locations reduce their staff during the winter months and deal with the same weather-related hiccups that the rest of us dread. Be patient and give everyone around you a little extra grace.

Be smart.

Pack for cold weather, keep a safety kit handy and take all the necessary precautions to ensure you’re comfortable, warm and safe out there.

Have a Plan B.

If everything seems to be going wrong, be sure you have a contingency plan waiting in the wings so you can still enjoy your time off. Remaining ﬂexible and adaptable regarding your itinerary will serve you best in the cold winter months!

Check cancellation policies.

If you’re reserving a room, car or experience, be sure to know what the company’s policy is regarding cancellations due to weather.

Think indoors.

Contending with winter temperatures every day of your staycation can be draining. Craft your plans such that you won’t be putting on all of your warm layers only to take them off a few minutes later! Instead, make indoor plans that will let you linger a while in the warmth. There are so many wonderful indoor attractions to explore in Lexington and surrounding cities, from museums to antique malls, art galleries to distilleries – and beyond!

Get ready to relax.

Winter staycations are all about being cozy. Even if you’re hoping to hit the slopes or be active, make time for snuggling up by the ﬁre with a hot toddy and a good book. If your destination doesn’t provide warm, plush throws, be sure to pack some so you can truly relax and unwind! •

Ju y 2

UK Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State

7:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum

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Brian Bates Through Jan. 4 | Comedy O Broadway

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JANUARY 2025 // WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN THIS MONTH?

UK Men’s Basketball vs. Florida

11:00 AM | Rupp Arena

Eddie B: Teachers Only Comedy Tour

8:00 PM | Lexington Opera House

Free Weekend at the YMCA Through Jan. 5 | YMCA of Central Kentucky

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Ariel Elias Through Jan. 11 | Comedy O Broadway

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Andrew Conn

8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™:

Glow-N-Fire Through Jan. 12 | Rupp Arena

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Concert with the Stars

7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House

Bee Taylor + Abby Hamilton

8:00 PM | The Burl

Ju y 12

UK Women’s Basketball vs. Auburn

3:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum

Ju y 14

UK Men’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M

7:00 PM | Rupp Arena

Ju y 15

#ONENIGHTONLY Acoustic Concert Series

7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House

Michigander w/ Sydney Sprague

8:00 PM | The Burl

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Etta May

Through Jan. 18 | Comedy O Broadway

Ju y 18

UK Men’s Basketball vs. Alabama

12:00 PM | Rupp Arena

Juy 18

The Strumbellas

8:00 PM | The Burl

Juy 19

Lexington Wedding Expos

11:00 AM | Central Bank Center

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour

3:00 PM | Rupp Arena

Juy 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Walk & Breakfast

1:00 PM | Central Bank Center

Juy 23

Casey Rocket Through Jan. 25 | Comedy O Broadway

Creative Intelligence Series

7:00 PM | Carrick Theater

Juy 24

Lexington Basketball Week Through Feb. 1 | Varies

Drive-By Truckers: Southern Rocks

Opera Revisited

8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

Winter Jam 2025

TBA | Rupp Arena

Clue: Live on Stage! Through Jan. 26 | Lexington Opera House

Juy 26

UK Women’s Basketball vs. Arkansas

12:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum

Juy 28

Six Feet Under w/ Psycroptic

7:30 PM | Manchester Music Hall

Juy 29

Paul Cauthen

8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

Juy 30

Arnez J. Through Feb. 1 | Comedy O Broadway

UK Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama

7:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum

Juy 31

Charlie Berens: Good Old Fashioned Tour

8:00 PM | Lexington Opera House

Bingo Loco - Jukebox Jam

8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall

Fruy 1

UK Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas

9:00 PM | Rupp Arena

*While we make every e ort to ensure accuracy of the information presented, some listings may be out of date. Before attending any event, please check with the hosting organization for the latest updates.

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JANUARY 2025

Central KY Blood Center New

Donor Challenge

As part of National Blood Donor Month, the Kentucky Blood Center has challenged the city to produce 250 new donors in January. Our goal is to make January the biggest overall donor month in years, as part of the 250LEX celebration.

Visit kybloodcenter.org for more information.

Winter Jazz, Blues, & Soul Series

Thursday Evenings, JANUARY-MARCH

Step into the enchanting embrace of our Winter Jazz, Blues, and Soul Series. It’s a captivating series that weaves the soulful melodies of jazz, the raw emotion of blues, and the timeless allure of soul into a musical tapestry that will warm your spirit on even the coldest nights. This is more than a concert series; it’s an experience that invites you to escape the chill of the season and immerse yourself in the warmth of exceptional music. Join us as we celebrate the season with an unforgettable fusion of jazz, blues, and soul – where each note becomes a whisper, and every beat is a heartbeat, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the true essence of winter’s embrace.

Visit historiclyrictheatre.com for more information.

LexArts Wellness Exhibit

ArtsPlace, January 2-30

LexArts, in partnership with Arts & Health Alliance of Central Kentucky, presents an exhibition at Arts Place with over 40 artworks. Each o ers a unique exploration of the intersection of art, health, and wellbeing. Enjoy the work of 35 artists as they demonstrate how creative expression can nurture health.

Visit lexarts.org for more information.

Jump Start the New Year at the YMCA

YMCA of Central KY, January 4-5

Kick o 2025 with a weekend of ﬁtness, fun, and wellness at the YMCA! Whether you’re looking to explore new exercise

options, learn about nutrition, or simply reconnect with your health goals, we’ve got something for everyone at our Jump Start the New Year events taking place Jan. 4-5 at all four Lexington YMCA locations. These events are free for members and non-members but registration is required.. Visit ymcacky.org for more information.

MLK Day March + Breakfast

Central Bank Center, January 20

Join the 250LEX Commission for the Annual Freedom March and Day of Service Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through downtown Lexington. The march begins at 1 p.m. at the Central Bank Center, and the commemorative program begins at 2 p.m. at the Central Bank Center. Visit mlkc.uky.edu for more information.

Creative Intelligence Series

Central Bank Center, January 25

Guest lecturer Tim Kirkman, founder of T42 Entertainment, wrote and produced “Lazy Eye”, which streamed on Netflix and in theatres and festivals worldwide. Winner of numerous film critics awards, Emmy nominations, and more, Kirkman’s production company seeks to amplify LGBTQ voices through film. After a screening of “Lazy Eye”, enjoy a Q&A with Kirkman.

Learn more at transy.edu/calendar/ creative-intelligence.

Lexington Basketball Week

January 24-February 1

The ﬁrst ever city-wide salute to our love of basketball connects UK, Transylvania and local high school games. The week will look back on the great players, coaches and games that put Lexington on the map for basketball excellence. Attractions to encourage attendance, giveaways and more promise to make this a memorable week!

Learn more at lex18.com.

For a complete calendar of 250Lex events throughout 2025: 250lex.com/event-calendar

Overdue for your dental cleaning?

We’ve got you covered!

One of our highly trained hygienists—with combined 25+ years experience—will help you regain control over your oral health. Looking for a general dentist? Periodontal Specialist, Dr. Elliot Neuman, will find the perfect fit for you. Together, we will partner in your comprehensive and specialized dental care. We are here to help be the reason you smile! Call 859-252-7726 to schedule and mention TOPS to receive $35 o your initial visit!

Elliot Neuman DMD, MS Whitney Neuman, RDH, BS Lori Oliver, RDH, BS

out & about!

Alpha Phi Alpha Founders’ Day

Blue Grass Community Foundation’s GoodGiving Challenge Kicko

Ti any Tackett, Amber Bowling and Leah Thomas at the grand opening of The Manchester Reserve

Michele Ripley, Megan Holley-Slaughter, Yajaira West, Katie Bouvier and Amy Stout at the Lexington Forum Breakfast

Greg Turcotte, Joe Fusco, Tracy Hulberg, Katy Kugler, Aaron Ammerman and Marc Cobane with Alpha Financial Partners

Dan Koett, Cassondra Koett and Doug High at Harvest of Friends

BG365 Holiday Happy Hour

Robert Jones and Courtney Jones at the CKAA Crowne Excellence Awards Gala

Ashley Brewster at the BIA Networking Event

Vicki Evans and Debbie Green at KSR Live at Estate Renovations

TOP events!

tops preview party

December 5 • Courtesy Acura • photos by Woody Phillips

Mark Comley, Gari Lynn Rossi, Morgan Turner, Santa, LeAnne Lancaster Glass and Dan Glass

Tanya Bolton, Megan Martin, Santa and Rhiannon Mayes

Don Fishback, Robin Fishback, Alan Stein and Bennett Clark

Hannah Spahn and Ame Sweetall

Keith Yarber and Dan Glass

Hanna Burkhart and Jack Vanwinkle

Stephanie Byrd and Cristina Hiten

TOP events!

women leading through philanthropy

November 11 • The Hudson at Carson’s at Andover • photos by Woody Phillips

Fran Elsen, Michele Ripley, Opa Johnson and Sharon Michael

Suzanne Powell, Sonia Cattoi and Gwen Riley

Jamye Jackson Fichtner and Jenn Seitz

Jill Howard and Pam State

Heather McIntosh and Vanessa Van Womack

Lynne Washbish, Karen McIntyre and Jeanne Curtis

Krista Citron, Kathryn Nash, Lori Matthews and Jane Davidson

TOP events!

medicinal whiskey charity winter gala

December 14 • The Carrick House • photos by Ron Morrow

Michael Huang and Bill Meck

Tejas Nandurkar and Whittney Allen

Patrick Grace, Ashwin Prabhu, Diana Labrada, Susan Owens, Roger Humphries, Geo rey McGowan and Wes Barnett

Freddie Noe, Malay Shah, DeAnn Hogan, Fred Noe, Eric Ostrander and Bob Eidson

Sara-Elizabeth Bush and Hayden Hughes

Carlo Coppola, Amanda Coppola, Greg Hughes, Katie Hughes, Freddie Noe and Kay Noe

Snapshots

The Space Race comes to town

Joyland Park

A major traﬀic jam downtown

Welcome to the Anita Madden Derby Party! Don’t try this today!

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