Georgetown Horse Farm Site of Mogadishu Mile Competition and Ongoing Veteran Support
Written by Kathy Witt
“A soldier dies two deaths—when he takes his final breath and the last time his name is said.”
If John Chmela had his way, no soldier would ever die that second death.
Chmela and his wife, Claire, own Queenslake, a 140-acre sport horse farm, bed and breakfast and wedding venue located in Georgetown in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It is here, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5, 2024, that the Fourth Annual Mogadishu Mile Military Fitness Competition will take place. The event is a tribute to the bravery shown during Operation “Gothic Serpent” in Mogadishu, Somalia, during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.
“This is an exhilarating obstacle course competition that pays tribute to the 19 American soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives during the infamous Battle of Mogadishu,” said Chmela.
The Chmelas have hosted the competition since 2021, but John Chmela has supported veteran causes for many years.
“For me to even have this farm wouldn’t be possible if not for the veterans who fought for our freedom—the freedom to pursue happiness and live the life we want,” said Chmela. “Because of that, we owe these guys.”
Chmela credits his father—a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War and who lives on the farm at Queenslake—for inspiring his work with veterans and for teaching him by example that the best way to live an abundant life was to find a way to serve people.
“Thank you for your service is a nice thing to say, but it’s not enough,” Chmela said. “We need to find a way to walk that talk and actually thank veterans for their service.”
The Mogadishu Mile, also known as the Black Hawk Down incident, was a special operations mission by U.S. troops to provide aid to Somalia that escalated into a fierce 18-hour urban battle when two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by Somali troops, the surviving U.S. troops divided and trapped in the hostile city. Despite overwhelming odds, the soldiers demonstrated remarkable bravery, particularly during the evacuation known as “The Mogadishu Mile.”
The course for the competition is designed to simulate what those 19 soldiers went through. It involves teams navigating a rigorous obstacle course that concludes with a one-mile run while carrying 35-lb rucksacks.
“It promotes physical fitness, teamwork and meaningful connections among participants while honoring the memory of fallen heroes,” said Chmela. “This year we will have over 100 teams of four participating, including soldiers that fought in Mogadishu.
“It is a big deal that these guys are coming here,” he added.
Each station on the course is dedicated to one of the 19 soldiers who lost his life in the Battle of Mogadishu, ensuring his name and sacrifice are not forgotten. As participants echo the names of these fallen heroes, the event transcends physical endurance, becoming a living memorial. It serves to indefinitely postpone the “second death” of these soldiers, keeping their memories alive with each iteration of the race.
“We keep repeating these soldiers’ names, year after year, so they aren’t forgotten,” said Chmela.
The competition, which gets underway at 8 a.m. on Oct. 5, will be preceded by the Mogadishu Mile Appreciation Dinner on Oct. 4—a new special event designed to honor the organizations and individuals who have contributed to the success of this event over the last three years. The evening will feature a selection of food and drinks, entertainment and both silent and live auctions.
In addition to hosting the Mogadishu Mile Military Fitness Competition, John and Claire Chmela have an ongoing commitment to helping veterans through various outreach initiatives. The couple regularly hosts Veterans Fishing Retreats, gathering large groups of veterans several times each year for fellowship and fishing fun, and invites individual veterans to participate in fishing activities every Sunday.
“These therapeutic retreats and fishing outings serve as much-needed respites from isolation,” said Chmela.
Additionally, the Chmelas are planning the construction of a dedicated Veterans Fishing Lodge at Queenslake, which will allow veterans to visit anytime, engage in social activities and stay overnight at the farm.
For more information about this year’s Mogadishu Mile Military Fitness Competition and the Mogadishu Mile Appreciation Dinner at Queenslake Horse Farm, the Veterans Fishing Retreats and the Chmelas’ ongoing work with veterans, visit www.queenslake.com/helping-veterans.
To register for the Mogadishu Mile Military Fitness Competition and purchase tickets for the dinner, visit www.registermoga.com.
Author: Kathy Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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By: Kathy Witt
With 63.4 million U.S. households owning a dog, according to the American Pet Products Association, you can bet that dog-friendly Georgetown contributes in a big way to that stat. And this is a place that puts its money where its mouth is or, in dogspeak, its pooches where its parks are.
Here are the top five parks in Georgetown to frisk and frolic with your furry friends:
1. Great Crossing Park* 
Small Dog Area
A park packed with amenities – state-of-the-art softball fields complete with press box, restroom and concessions, tennis courts, a mile-long ribbon of asphalt for walking and biking, open grassy areas for picnics and playtime, plus boat ramp, a dam and shelter – Great Crossing does not forget its four-legged visitors. 
Large Dog Area
It offers a designated dog park comprising several acres that includes separate runs for both large dogs and small dogs. There is also a water source for each.
2. Brooking Park/Scott County Community Park*
A real people- and pooch-pleaser with more than 90 acres, Brooking Park is one of the largest park areas in the county, and fully loaded with lighted sports fields and courts, barns and lighted horse show ring as well as a stocked fishing pond, gazebo and the 1.2-mile Mollie Graves Walking/Running Track. Scott County Community Park adds another 67 acres to parkland possibilities in a beautiful setting with a picnic shelter overlooking a pond, sports fields and walking trail.
3. Scott County Dog Park
Just beyond the giant and colorful dog bone arch is Georgetown and Scott County’s first off-leash dog park. It is a tidy and completely enclosed stretch of greenspace located next to the Scott County Animal Shelter and within steps of the Brooking Park walking path. Bonus for humans: bench seating.
4. Peninsula Park*
Fur babies and their humans head to the walking trail in this scenic, heavily treed 25-acre park located along Elkhorn Creek.
5. Yuko-en on the Elkhorn
All dogs – from the ancient Japanese breed Shiba Inu to the French bulldog to America’s number one breed, the Labrador retriever – can get their Zen on in this 4-season, 5-acre Japanese-style strolling garden. Whether on two legs or four, there is so much to enjoy, from flowering trees and waterfalls to koi fish and sculptures.
*Great Crossing Park, Brooking Park/Scott County Community Park and Peninsula Park are all operated by Georgetown-Scott County Parks & Recreation, which maintains over 500 acres at over 11 park sites and includes three recreation centers, five boat launch sites, two walking trails, two pool facilities and a variety of other passive and active amenities.
From the FIDO File
What puts the “Wow!” in bow wow? Read on:
• National Dog Mom’s Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May.
• Toto, Lassie and Beethoven are among the most famous canine movie stars.
• Among the most beloved movies starring dogs are “101 Dalmatians,” “My Dog Skip,” “Homeward Bound,” “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” “Old Yeller” and “Lady and the Tramp.”
• The phrase, “let sleeping dogs lie,” was first put in print 641 years ago when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote it in his epic poem, Troilus and Criseyde.
• Pooches love to be pampered. After a day of romping at one of Georgetown’s parks, treat your BFF to a massage and pedi.
Starring pooches in order of apperance: Hazel, Harper, Ziggy and Scout.
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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Best Spring Blooms In Georgetown, Kentucky
Written by Dylan Marson
Tired of the Winter chills? Ready to invite some color into your day-to-day? Springtime in Georgetown marks a veritable explosion of outdoor activities, community events and iconic Spring blooms. For those wanting to make the most of this colorful season, we have a lineup of the best destinations in Georgetown to get outside, enjoy the sights & smells of Spring and discover unique experiences for the entire family.
Sitting on 185 acres of scenic countryside, this family farm is lavished with greenhouses, farm markets and a host of activites such as hay rides, zip lines, petting zoo, miniature golf, paintball, corn maze and more! When Spring arrives, visitors will be greeted with a host of farm-fresh fun, blooming colors & family friendly events like hay rides, zip lines, petting zoo, miniature golf, paintball and more! Jump into the height of the Spring activities with their annual Festival of Flowers starting April 20th, where visitors can walk amongst a seemingly endless array of flowers FREE of charge.
A symbol of purity, calmness and serenity, lavender speaks of refinement and luxury and is associated with the crown chakra, the energy center controlling one's connection to spirit, wisdom and self-knowledge. Invite a little magic into your life with this U-pick flower farm full of enchanting sights & heavenly aromas. The month of April brings pops of color with tulip u-picks, accompanied by a whole host of crafty workshops & events to make the most of your Spring season. Lavender u-picks begin in June with just as many workshops & events.
Sometimes you just need to immerse yourself in serene surroundings. This Japanese friendship garden is a living symbol of unity without borders, and the perfect place to enjoy seasonal blooms in Georgetown, Kentucky. Springtime visitors will find a colorful arrangement of Kentucky native plant life in full bloom, presented with traditional Japanese gardening principals.You definitely won't want to miss out on the beautiful blooms which usually hit their peak in April. Art installations, scenic pathways & surrounding Japanese architecture make this garden a truly unique hidden-gem in the heart of the Bluegrass.
4. "I Dig Scott County" Daffodil Joy Trail
Installations of bright blooming daffodils can now be found throughout Georgetown for a beautiful trail of floral art that grows with every passing year. Thanks to efforts staring in 2019 by Scott County Woman's Club member LInda Riley, the "I Dig Scott County" program brings artistic floral installations for everyone to discover & enjoy as we jump into the Spring Season. Since the project began in 2019, over 13,000 bulbs have been planted throughout the county. Check out the map below to explore all the installations yourself!
[MAP COMING SOON]
It's not just flowers that bloom in Springtime, as Downtown Georgetown comes alive with community events, sweet treats & unparalleled local shopping. That being said, there's also no shortage of vibrant flowers soon to line the historic Main Street & accompany its host of colorful murals & artistry. Stay up to date on the latest events in Downtown Georgetown so you don't miss a beat!
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is the Public Relations Assistant for Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventures In Georgetown, Kentucky
Written by Dylan Marson
When you plan a visit to Kentucky, you simply can't overlook the sheer volume of outdoor adventures to be found around every creek & holler. Travelers are looking for ways to get off the beaten path more than ever to find those hidden gems of natural beauty, so whether you're lacing up your hiking boots or jumping into the saddle, you'll want to mark down these five ways to get up-close with the wild side of Georgetown, Kentucky.
1. Whispering Woods Riding Stables
Sitting on roughly 250 acres of beautiful forested pathways, Whispering Woods Riding Stables offers visitors the opportunity to experience Kentucky in the most natural way possible...by horseback! Catering to all experience levels, it's the perfect destination for first-time riders who want something a little more adventurous than a flat track their first time in the saddle.
During the stable's 45 & 90 minute trail rides, riders receive instruction from expert trail guides as they tackle uneven ground, ride up & down slopes & push off of trees throughout the densely wooded area. Each ride is tailored to a group's overall skill level, so every experience is truly unique as you tackle the network of rugged trails and challenges. For children under the age of eight, pony rides are also available.
At the end of the day, you can't really say you've experienced the Bluegrass if you haven't been on a horse, so don't miss this awesome opportunity to get outdoors like a true Kentuckian.
2. Horse Country Scenic Drives
Experienced roadtrippers know that finding the perfect scenic drive is an imperative for any adventure on America's roadways. Located in the heart of Central Kentucky's iconic horse country, Georgetown and its surrounding neighbors have no shortage of beautiful scenic byways that guide visitors through a world of rolling pastures, stone fences & Kentucky's equine residents. Whether you're exploring on your own or following along one of our scenic driving tours, a picturesque drive through Bluegrass beauty awaits in all directions.
These scenic byways also extend into the surrounding Bluegrass Region, connecting historic downtowns full of wonder with countless sites that will make for the ultimate Joy Ride experience.
3. Lytle's Fork Recreation & Conservation Area
This tract of Kentucky woodland offers miles of well-maintained trails for hikers & bikers alike. Best known as the home of Skullbuster Trails, mountain bikers are a common sight as they test their offroading skills on nearly a dozen miles of intermediate trails & challenges. Featuring multiple moderate trail loops filled with limestone rocks, rooty sections, hidden meadows and lots of natural and human-made obstacles, these challenging bike trails make the perfect place to put your skills up against Kentucky's natural beauty.
For hikers, the well designated signage and varying paths make for an excellent outdoor adventure. Being on foot will give you the chance to truly take in the scenic views and meadows. Just be sure to bring a buddy and to remain on the officially marked pathways. Dogs are welcome on the trails so your furry friends can make the perfect trail partners.
4. Getting On The Water
Known as one of Kentucky's longest and loveliest creeks, Elkhorn Creek is more of a river to the locals who take advantage of its winding waterways everyday. Whether you're fishing, kayaking or simply enjoying the views, there's definitely more than one way to enjoy it too! Providing 17 miles of adventure, two forks of Elkhorn Creek join east of Frankfort and cut through Scott County, ending at the Kentucky River.
For visitors looking to get out on the water, Kayaking the Midway provides rental services so you can paddle around the entire day. The overarching canopy of trees bordering either side of the creek provide shade & plenty of habitat for Kentucky's animal residents, so make sure to bring your phones in waterproof containers. You'll definitely want them so you don't miss a single photo opportunity.
Eagle Creek in neighboring Sadieville also offers a great destination to put in your boat or kayak. Another tributary of the Kentucky River, its long meandering stream provides miles of waterways for fishing, putting in a boat and enjoying a relaxing day on the water. The dense canopy surrounding it provides shade very similar to the Elkhorn.
See our map of boat ramps & water access points below:
5. Veteran's Wildlife Management Area
A variety of game species as well as migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians make their home in the 2,500 acres of hardwood forests, shrublands, grasslands and pond of Scott County's Veterans Wildlife Management Area. Wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers in search of a more rugged and untamed experience need look no further. Popular during hunting seasons for turkey, squirrel, groundhogs and other game, the area also attracts fishing enthusiasts who cast out into its two-acre pond full of bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
It is reccomended to consult the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide and Spring Hunting Guide for more information about season dates, licenses, permits, etc. These guides are available on the department's website at www.fw.ky.gov and wherever licenses and permits are sold. The Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide is also available on the website.
For more information about the Veterans Wildlife Management Area, visit https://app.fw.ky.gov/Public_Lands_Search/detail.aspx?Kdfwr_id=9202. See the map at https://fw.ky.gov/More/Documents/Veterans_Memorial_WMA_all.pdf. Get updates on the WMA's Facebook page or call 859-428-2262 or 800-858-1549.
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is the Public Relations Assistant for Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
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Lavender Crafts In Georgetown, KY
Written by Kathy Witt
Want to invite a little magic into your life?
Visit Lavender in Bloom, a U-pick flower farm in Georgetown known for its fields of lavender –thousands of lavender plants blooming white and pink and in all shades 
of purple.
It is an enchanting sight, and a heavenly aroma.
Lavender has held people in its thrall since ancient time. The Egyptians used it in their cosmetics. In Roman times, it was recognized for its healing qualities. The Greeks believed it to fight insomnia.
A symbol of purity, calmness and serenity, lavender speaks of refinement and luxury and is associated with the crown chakra, the energy center controlling one’s connection to spirit, wisdom and self-knowledge.
“We first fell in love with lavender while visiting out west and wished for our own patch of magic,” said Tessa Habash, who owns the farm with her husband, Kefah. “After a lot of trial and error, our dream has come true!”
Opened for U-pick in 2018, the farm grows 11 different varieties of lavender, including English and French varieties like Royal Velvet and
Hidcote Giant. Additionally, the farm’s mixed flower cutting garden yields bouquets of snapdragon, sweet pea, scabiosa, calendula, foxglove, zinnia, dahlias, celosia, 
cosmos, sunflowers and more. Throughout the growing season, from June through September, there are beautiful fresh flowers to pick.
Additionally, this certified Kentucky Proud member makes artisan-distilled lavender hydrosol (also called floral water) made one hundred percent from the farm’s lavender.“Our copper distiller makes a lovely, scented hydrosol that needs no aging,” said Tessa. “It is mild enough to be used straight on the skin as a body spray or a linen or room spray. It has all the calming properties of essential oil.”
The farm hosts a number of events, including the upcoming Yoga in the Field-Summer Solstice, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21. Several workshops will be offered in June, including Bath Bomb-Making, Wreath & Wand-Making and Painting in the Field. Dates for these classes will be released when the lavender is ready to pick.
“The lavender must be relatively mature to make the wreaths and wands so they will last,” said Tessa.
As alluring as the lavender plant, its many and varied uses have remained a source of fascination over time.
“Lavender can be used in bath and body products, which most people are familiar with,” said Tessa. “It’s delicious as a unique addition to sweet and savory dishes. Lavender lemonade is a bestseller here at the farm.
“And there seems to be endless crafting opportunities with lavender, such as wreathmaking, wand-making and making sachets and floral
crowns with fresh or dried lavender.”
Lavender is not native to Kentucky so 2,000 plants blooming in the midst of Scott County farmland is something of an unusual sight. There also aren’t many u-pick flower farms in the area, especially ones that focuses on a singular special herb.
“Our farm provides a fun experience for the entire family to learn more about natural crafts and all you can do with this herb,” said Tessa.
Take a daytrip to one of Kentucky’s most unique agritourism venues. Visit Lavender in Bloom’s website to see the U-pick schedule and crafting workshop dates. Updates may be found on the farm’s Facebook page. Subscribe to the Lavender in Bloom Newsletter here. Shop for lavender products, including the lavender hydrosol plus lavender bath salts and baking mixes, at the farm store: www.lavenderinbloom.farm/shop.
CRAFT
Lavender in Bloom Lavender Wand
Tessa Habash says lavender wands are fun to make and provide a long-lasting souvenir from her and husband Kefah’s Lavender in Bloom Farm. All you need are some lavender sprigs, which you can pick up on your next visit to the farm, and a length of satin ribbon.
Instructions
- Take an odd number (about 17) of fresh long-stemmed lavender.
- Tie the end of a 4-foot length of quarter inch satin ribbon just below the flower buds.
- Fold the stems back to make a cage around the flower buds.
- Weave your ribbon over one stem, under the next, over, then under, etc.
- Continue weaving until you’ve completed the cage of lavender.
- Tie a bow under the cage.
The lavender buds are contained inside the ribbon cage and will dry in approximately one week. Store the wand in a dresser drawer, closet, desk – anywhere you’d like a sachet. Press the wand firmly to release the lavender’s scent. According to Tessa, these dried buds will continue to release a wonderful lavender scent more than a year later!
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
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