2002

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October 31, 2002. Three Area Events Make the Southeast Tourism Society "Top 20 Events" List.

October 29, 2002    "All the Queen's Horses" comes to the Kentucky Horse Park

October 7, 2002   The Lexington Men O’ War present "Opening Weekend" at
Rupp Arena

September 17, 2002    World War II Crew Visits Namesake

October 31, 2002. Three Area Events Make the Southeast Tourism Society "Top 20 Events" List.
Lexington, KY. Three area events are included in this year’s prestigious "Top 20 Events" in the southeast USA for November and December, as published by the Southeast Tourism Society. Christmas at Labrot & Graham (November 12 through December 21), Southern Lights-Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights at the Kentucky Horse Park (November 22 through December 31) and the Richmond Christmas Celebration (December 6 and 7) all made the final cut.
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society (www.southeasttourism.org) is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism in its member states. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, airlines, bus companies, newspapers and other travel related organizations.
Through a nomination process, the Southeast Tourism Society chooses the Top 20 events going on in the Southeast for each month of the year, and publishes this list of winners quarterly. To be nominated for a Top 20 Event, an event must be at least in its 3rd year and must have a minimum attendance of 1000.
For more information on these events, and other holiday activities in the region, visit the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.visitlex.com
Source: Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

October 7, 2002 The Lexington Men O’ War present "Opening Weekend" at Rupp Arena
Lexington, KY – The Lexington Men O' War present "Opening Weekend" at Rupp Arena on Friday, October 11th and Saturday October 12th against the Greensboro Generals.
This week Lexington will play the first home game in the club’s history Friday, October 11th at Rupp Arena. The Greensboro Generals visit the Men O’ War Friday night and Saturday night of opening weekend. Both games are scheduled for 7:30.
Lexington’s newest team honors horse racing greatest champion, Man O’ War. A press conference in July, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in front of the Man O’ War statue announced the name of the new team, the Lexington Men O’ War.
Man O' War is arguably the best racehorse ever to set foot on a track. Man O' War broke many records, defeated many high-class horses, and entertained thousands in the process. From his maiden through his last race with Sir Barton, Man O' War stunned America with his speed, heart and courage. All three of which are critical to a racehorses’ character. Only a champion horse has all three characteristics. Man O ' War did, and that is what made him such a great champion.
It was very important for the hockey team to have a local flavor and what could be better than Men O’ War. The Men O’ War hockey team will be built around prestige, strength, and a class by itself. Just like the horse Man O' War," said Gagnon.
For ticket information call (859) 233-3535 or any Ticketmaster outlet by calling (859) 281-6644. Tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.
Source: Lexington Men O' War

October 29, 2002    "All the Queen's Horses" comes to the Kentucky Horse Park

Lexington, KY -- "All the Queen's Horses: the Role of the Horse in British History" comes to the Kentucky Horsepark April 26-August 24, 2003. This will be one of the most ambitious exhibitions ever to come to the US from the United Kingdom. Featuring more than 450 priceless artifacts and 60 paintings, the exhibition will explore the rich equestrian heritage of England, Scotland, and Wales from approximately 10,000 BC to the present. Many of the pieces included in this world-exclusive exhibition have never been exhibited in America.

Three years in the making, the exhibition is being assembled from public and private collections throughout Britain including those of the British Museum, Royal Collections, British Library, Royal Mews, Royal Armouries Museums, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate (Britain) Museum, Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, National Museums of Scotland, National Horseracing Museum, and the Museum of London. The value of artifacts and artwork is expected to approach $100,000,000.

Artifacts include the earliest known example of human art ever found in Britain - a flat bone with a detailed incised horse's head dating from 10,000 BC. Other artifacts include a third century BC Scottish pony chanfron (head-armor); several gilded bronze Roman cavalry helmets with masks; one knight from the famous 12th century Lewis chessmen; Henry V's war saddle; Henry VIII's Burgundian horse armor; Elizabeth I's sidesaddle; the spurs of Charles I; miniature carriages of Queen Victoria's children, and various items from the current Royal Family.

All the Queen's Horses will also feature a stellar collection of approximately 60 paintings selected not only for their artistic merit, but also for their ability to enhance the exhibition's outstanding collection of artifacts. Some of the artists represented include George Stubbs, J. F. Herring, James Pollard, Sir Alfred Munnings and John Wooton, Charles Landseer and Joshua Ross.

One of the exhibition's highlights will be the complete reconstruction of an eighth century, Anglo-Saxon warrior and horse gravesite. The site was discovered near Cambridge in 1997. A fiberglass reproduction of the burial pit will be cast and, shortly before the exhibition opens, archaeologists will transport the actual skeletons and grave goods to the park where they will be placed into the pit as they were originally found.

In England today, the Royal family remains intimately involved with horses. Queen Elizabeth II is still an avid rider and also maintains a stable of excellent Thoroughbred runners. Prince Phillip remains one of the leading carriage competitors in the world, while Princess Anne has represented her country as a member of the English three-day-event team.

For more information about this world-exclusive exhibit, contact Lisa Jackson at: Kentucky Horse Park.
4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone (859) 233-4303 (TDD), Toll Free (800) 678-8813, Fax (859) 254-0253

Source: Kentucky Horse Park

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September 17, 2002    World War II Crew Visits Namesake

Lexington, KY -- American patriotism remains a shining beacon, allowing our country to conquer and rise above difficult challenges.

In recognition of the patriotic citizens of Garrard County, KY, proud members of the World War II crew of the USS Garrard would like all Americans to understand the significance of the name of their ship. Crewmembers will gather in Lexington, KY at the Campbell House Inn for a reunion Thursday, September 26 th through Saturday 29 th to visit with civilians who aided in their military missions almost sixty years ago.

In 1943 American citizens from across the U.S. began participating in raising money to aid in the cost of fighting World War II. Citizens of tiny Garrard County, KY were the first in the state to reach their War Bond Drive quota of $350,000. In fact, they met their quota in the first eleven days. Total contributions to the War Bond Drive from Garrard County totaled $433,000! In honor of this heroic effort, the US Navy Attack Transport APA 84 was named the USS Garrard. Crewmembers only recently discovered the story behind the name of their ship.

Scheduled activities include a stop in Lancaster (Garrard Co.) to visit the only remaining piece of the ship, the USS Garrard Ship Bell, on display at the American Legion Post as well as an appointment with Governor Patton.

Source: Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

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