Just passing along this press release that just came over the LouisvilleBeer.com newswire…
A Celebration of Horses, Heritage and Hops
[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The sun will shine brightly on our old Kentucky home Oct. 29 – Nov. 3 as Kentuckians are drawn together for a new celebration – one that highlights the athleticism of Horses, the tastes and sounds of Kentucky’s Heritage and the Hops of the talented craft brewers of the Commonwealth.
The first-ever Kentucky Gathering will expand upon the success of the Alltech National Horse Show in Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park and will include plenty of family-friendly activities. Participants will be able to eat, drink and experience Kentucky like never before alongside equine events that will dazzle attendees from the equine enthusiast to the first-time viewer – including a high jump competition featuring horses leaping up to seven feet into the air.
“Kentucky is a brilliant state, one with a rich heritage and promising future, so we are honored to be able to gather together for a celebration of that culture and spirit,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “The Kentucky Gathering will highlight the best of Kentucky, just as The Gathering in my native Ireland has done for Ireland this year.”
The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a year-long people’s celebration in which communities throughout Ireland are showcasing and sharing the very best of Irish culture, tradition, business, sport and spirit. Alltech has already hosted eight major events on the Emerald Isle for The Gathering, including its first International Craft Brewing and Distilling Convention, an Innovation Competition for college students and a trip that brought members of the Kennedy family to Ireland for the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s visit.
Back in the Bluegrass, the Kentucky Gathering will highlight the richness of the state’s legendary horse culture. World-class equestrians will compete in the Alltech National Horse Show, with prizes totaling more than $850,000. The week-long show’s program includes hunter, jumper, equitation and gaited breed divisions.
Other key components of The Kentucky Gathering will include:
- Taste Kentucky: Kentucky’s craft brewers, food artisans and musicians will come together to create the dynamic “Taste Kentucky” from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2. The event, hosted at the Alltech Arena, will allow participants to delight in brews from the numerous Kentucky craft breweries that have sprung up in the Bluegrass. Sensory sessions where attendees can learn about beer and spirit types, as well as tasting methods, will be offered with Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. Master Brewers. Craft brew enthusiasts can also talk shop with their favorite local brewers from across the Commonwealth. Authentic Kentucky food, both traditional and modern, will also be available from local vendors for sampling. From bourbon-infused delights to homemade jams, there will be something for every palate. Along with food and drink sampling, the event will also feature live bands such as Boston folk rock band Girls Guns and Glory and Central Kentucky’s country crooner Dillon Carmichael.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The entire family can visit the Arena to enjoy the children’s play area featuring inflatables, arts and crafts stations, the Alltech Experience interactive educational area, and indoor Trick-or-Treating on Halloween with everyone’s favorite characters. Attendees can also browse specialty boutiques throughout the week with vendors from across the country. Take on a fitness challenge and join Jackie and Dan Evans from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” for one of three races at the Biggest Loser RunWalk on Saturday, Nov. 2.
- Dine Lexington! Restaurant Week: Embrace the local restaurant scene from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3 when locally owned and operated restaurants will offer a $25 prix fixe menu in honor of the Kentucky Gathering. Along with full-course specialty meals at an affordable price, restaurant week patrons can also receive half-off admission to the Alltech National Horse Show with a receipt from a participating restaurant. The list of participating restaurants is coming soon and will be listed on the Dine Lexington! Facebook Event.
To stay up to date on the latest developments regarding this comprehensive public event celebrating Kentucky’s magnificent horses, unmatched hospitality and rich culture, visit www.kentuckygathering.com
