Department of Parks
Blue Licks State Park Hosting Short’s Goldenrod Festival Sept. 16

MOUNT OLIVET, Ky. – The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission is co-hosting the first Short’s Goldenrod Festival on Sept. 16 with Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park near Mount Olivet.

Short’s Goldenrod has been listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1985. Until a recent discovery of the species in southern Indiana, the only population in the world existed within two square miles of Blue Licks, Ky. It is one of the rarest plants protected by the Commission and is an example of what makes Kentucky unique.

The day’s events will begin with a 5K Run and one-mile walk followed by nature hikes, canoe trips, free workshops, a lunch featuring Kentucky Proud products and a farmers’ market filled with local artists, musicians and produce. Activities for children include leaf rubbings, apple bobbing, live animal presentations and storytelling by Kentucky author George Ella Lyon. These events will run throughout the day.

For the festival schedule, please visit http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/newsevents/goldenrodfestival.htm

The Short's Goldenrod Festival 5K and one-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. (ET). Pre-registration is $15; on the day of the race the fee is $20. Registration table will be located by the swimming pool.

For more information or to pre-register for the Short's Goldenrod Festival 5K and one-mile walk, contact Alice Mandt at 502-573-2886 or email her at alice.mandt@ky.gov  Registration forms for the run and walk are available at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, John's Run/Walk Shop in Lexington, the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission office in Frankfort and online at http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/newsevents/goldenrodrace.htm

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov