The Kentucky Collection will premiere at Rough River State Resort Park, Falls of Rough State Resort Park Gift Shop, Saturday, November 20, 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. (CDT).

The Kentucky Collection is a project of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, Commerce Cabinet.  Products in the Collection represent quality, moderately priced Kentucky crafts, visual arts, foods, books and music that are available for sale in selected retail venues around the state. Vendors are selected through an application process from the participants of the partner groups, which include the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Arts Council, and the Kentucky Book Fair. Rough River State Resort Park is one of nine state parks to incorporate the Kentucky Collection into their gift shops inventory.

(See attached list for locations)

Hot, live bluegrass music will be performed by Frankfort based, No Tools Loaned, and the band will be signing their CDs during the premiere.  Kentucky author, David Dick, Emmy award-winning, retired CBS News Correspondent, will be greeting the public and signing his latest book, “Jesse Stuart-The Heritage,” and other favorites from Plum Lick Publishers, Inc. Southern Delight Gourmet Food, Bowling Green, will offer visitors tasty samples of the many products they produce.

Kentucky is nationally known for high-quality crafts, visual art, food, books, and music that reflect the Commonwealth’s unique flavor, culture and traditions, and these items can make very personal and meaningful gifts.  “Giving a gift from Kentucky sends a special message to the receiver, supports our in-state businesses, and the state’s economy”, says Nancy Atcher, who coordinates the Kentucky Collection Project.

If you looking for unique gifts for this Christmas or any occasion, try shopping Rough River Resort Park Gift Shop or other Kentucky Collection locations to find special Kentucky hand made treasures.

For more information about the Kentucky Collection, please contact Nancy Atcher, Product Development Coordinator, 1-888-592-7238, ext. 4816 or visit the Program's site at:  www.kycraft.ky.gov

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Since 1981, the Craft Marketing Program's mission is to develop the state's craft industry, support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople, create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs, preserve the state's craft traditions, stimulate and support product development, and generate public awareness, public support and public/private partnerships.

The Program provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, or groups wanting to develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, to other outside entities (e.g., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government agencies), and the general public. The craft industry in Kentucky contributes 252 million dollars in annual sales and Kentucky is recognized as a model state for its craft programs and its role in the $14 billion national craft industry.

KENTUCKY COLLECTION

 STORES 2004