Department of Tourism
Eight Ky. Events Win Recognition from Atlanta-Based Southeast Tourism Society

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eight Kentucky events are among the top tourist attractions in the southeastern U.S. for the first half of 2009.

The Southeast Tourism Society, an Atlanta-based organization that promotes leisure travel and sustainable tourism in the 12-state Southeast region, recently gave its coveted recognition to eight events that take place in the commonwealth between February and June. The organization uses the ratings to boost awareness of interesting events throughout the year.

“This is a testament to the great events that take place in Kentucky,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel. “This STS recognition demonstrates how important tourism is to the commonwealth. We host some of the most exciting events in the country.”

Here are the Kentucky events that won STS honors:
 
Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2009, Feb. 19-22, Louisville. We got it made in Kentucky! Pottery, paintings, baskets, metal works; the finest traditional, folk and contemporary crafts; two-dimensional visual art, musical recordings, books and great food. 888-KYCRAFT; artscouncil@ky.gov. (artscouncil.ky.gov).

Keeneland Spring Meet, April 3-24, Lexington. More than three weeks of festival fun draws nearly 250,000 for horse racing at its finest. Plus, themed days, charity events, activities for children and trunk shows at the historic racing site. 800-456-412. (keeneland.com)

Kentucky Derby Festival, April 11-May 1, Louisville. The “Road to Fun” includes 70 events; parades, pageants, kids’ events, fireworks, the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River, gala balls, hot air balloons, and street parties! 502-584-6383; info@kdf.org. (kdf.org)

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, April 23-26, Lexington. One of three Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing races with awards in dressage, cross-country and jumping. The highlight of any rider’s career, but horse sense isn’t required; everyone enjoys this magnificent event! 859-233-2362. (rk3de.org)

International Bar-B-Q Festival, May 8-9, Owensboro. Two days of smokin’ heaven on the downtown riverfront, with three stages of bands, carnival games and rides, vendors, pageants, car show, backyard barbecue competitions and fun for kids. 270-686-7757; mmwright@kytelco.com. (bbqfest.com)

MainStrasse Village Maifest, May 15-17, Covington. Six blocks of arts and crafts from around the world, wines, food, music and “Kinderplantz” with midway rides on the tree-lined streets of an historic German neighborhood.  859-491-0458; dkremer@mainstrasse.org. (mainstrasse.org)

Great American Brass Band Festival, June 12-15, Danville. Old-time brass band concert in the park recaptures the nostalgia of early 20th century America, featuring ragtime, military tunes, marching music, and picnicking under shade trees. 859-236-7794; info@danvillekentucky.com. (danvillekentucky.com)

W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival, June 13-20, Henderson. It’s smoke – and music – on the water at this free event beside the Ohio River. Delta blues, horn bands; even Zydeco tossed into the saucy mix of live music! 800-648-3128; info@hendersonky.org. (handyblues.org)

For more information on the Southeast Tourism Society and its lists of top events, visit its web site at http://southeasttourism.org.

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The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.