Press Release - Kentucky After Dark
Georgetown and Scott County Celebrates UNprecedented Economic Growth In 2023
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Ranked Among Top 10% For Economic Impact
GEORGETOWN, KY – October 1, 2023 – Enter Georgetown’s Dead Man’s Hollow & Haunted Highway with Kentucky After Dark, a new first-of-its-kind haunted hotspots trail that dares visitors to discover the paranormal side of Kentucky. Twelve destinations across the state, including Georgetown, have put their most frightening foot forward to present tales from a crypt, unexplained phenomena and stories of things that go bump in the night.
Thrill-seekers can pick up a Kentucky After Dark Passport from each participating destination’s Welcome/Visitor Center. The passport provides a list of the state’s scariest sights, spookiest frights and creatures of the night—from the Wooldridge Monument, aka “Weird Rushmore,” in Mayfield to Louisville’s Waverly Hills Sanitorium, an abandoned tuberculosis hospital considered among the most haunted places in America, to Georgetown’s Dead Man’s Hollow & Haunted Highway.
Located along US 25 in Georgetown/Scott County, this lonely stretch of highway was not only the site of a murderous discovery, but it harbors the ruins of the circa 1928 Fishers Travel Camp, a once happy haven for vacationers, now home to hobgoblins who haunt this overgrown patch sitting beneath a sign that reads, “Hell.” According to legend, the camp was built atop Dead Man’s Hollow, site of a Civil War execution, hideout for stagecoach robbing bandits and, with a cave hidden at the bottom of the camp, the place murderers hid their victim’s body.
The Kentucky After Dark Passport shares a bit of background for each destination’s haunts and haints, notes the type of “creep” experienced (otherworldly encounters, historic hauntings, mysterious beasts, etc.), and invites visitors to rate their scare level. A sticker is earned for each place visited. Complete six or more “creeps”—if you dare—and get rewarded with Kentucky After Dark Key Chains.
For more information about the Kentucky After Dark Passport, Georgetown’s Dead Man’s Hollow & Haunted Highway and other haunted sites and stories in Georgetown, visit www.georgetownky.com/things-to-do/kentucky-after-dark.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dylan Marson, Communications Manager,
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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Press Release - Kentucky Invites Travelers to Take a Joy Ride
Kentucky Invites Travelers to Take a Joy Ride
GEORGETOWN, KY – October 12, 2023 – For some travelers, venturing off the beaten path can be intimidating, so many miss our beautiful downtowns, local shops and welcoming hospitality. Winding roads with heart-stopping views, wineries, historic homes, nature preserves and yes, horses and bourbon, are all highlighted in Kentucky’s latest tourism campaign inviting visitors to take a Joy Ride through Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region that runs from Sept. 2023 - Dec. 2024. With a nostalgic flair, and the most beautiful scenic byways in America, Kentucky’s Joy Ride campaign encourages travelers to take the backroads, and own the idea that life is all about the journey and not just the destination.
Anchored by a two-minute short film, Mike Wolfe from The History Channel TV show American Pickers, alongside Heritage Tourism Preservationist Leticia Cline, Joy Ride showcases their trip exploring idyllic spots in Kentucky’s Bluegrass that’s reaching millions of travelers.
The Joy Ride campaign is also supported by nostalgic collectible posters and digital content highlighting these iconic spots in the Bluegrass:
About Joy Ride
Joy Ride is a tourism campaign supported by Team Kentucky through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet is dedicated to fostering and promoting the state's rich heritage as well as continuing Kentucky's long history of being a premiere travel destination for all travelers to enjoy. For more information visit Tourism News - Tourism, Arts & Heritage (ky.gov)
About Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region
Our group of 16 tourism offices are working together to elevate the Bluegrass Region. Joy Ride is supported by Kentucky Tourism ARPAMulti-Jurisdiction Funding, and has allowed us to develop an impactful co-op marketing effort to drive tourism and economic development. Based on Kentucky’s 2021 ROI calculations, our target ROI for the Joy Ride campaign is to achieve $44.7M in Incremental Visitor Spending and $3.6M in Incremental State & Local Taxes.
* Berea, KY
* Carlisle - Nicholas County, KY
* Cynthiana, KY
* Danville, KY
* Frankfort, KY
* Georgetown - Scott County, KY
* Harrodsburg, KY
* Lancaster & Paint Lick, KY
* Lawrenceburg, KY
* Lexington, KY
* Nicholasville & Wilmore, KY
* Paris - Bourbon County, KY
* Richmond, KY
* Stanford - Lincoln County, KY
* Winchester, KY
* Woodford County, KY
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bailey Gilkerson, Marketing Director,
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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Headley-Whitney Museum Opens 100ths Birthday Celebration of Artist Henry Faulkner
GEORGETOWN, KY – August 28, 2023 – Hockensmith Fine Art Editions Gallery & Press announces the Henry Faulkner Exhibition at the Headley-Whitney Museum in Lexington, September 8 to November 12, in celebration and honor of the 100th birthday of legendary artist, Henry Faulkner. The exhibition’s opening will be preceded on Thursday, Sept. 7, by the premiere of the 30-minute documentary, “Henry Faulkner: Poetry in Paint,” at Lexington’s Kentucky Theatre.
Iroquois Hunt Club by Henry Faulkner
“During his prolific career spanning three decades, Faulkner created over 5,000 works of art,
recognized and regarded for their spontaneity, use of light, vibrant color and joyful themes,” said John Stephen Hockensmith, photographer and owner of the Hockensmith Fine Art Editions Gallery & Press. “We honor Henry Faulkner and his unique gift of imagination, irresistible personality and his life’s work.”
The documentary, about the life and art of Faulkner and narrated by bestselling Kentucky author, Silas House, was created by the Headley-Whitney Museum in collaboration with FBN Motion Pictures. Following the premiere, it will be available for viewing at the museum during the Faulkner exhibit. The comprehensive retrospective at the museum features 100 Faulkner paintings and drawings, on loan from private collections.
Hockensmith Fine Art Editions Gallery & Press is the broker of Faulker’s original paintings and sketches as well as the exclusive giclée printmaking house of all his works per the Henry Faulkner Estate. As one of Faulkner’s friends in the art world, Hockensmith and Fine Art Editions, together with sponsor First Southern National Bank of Lexington, created The Gift of Color, the definite collector’s anthology of the artist’s life stories, poems, sketches and paintings.
The gallery will also host events in Georgetown in celebration of Faulkner’s 100th birthday. Currently underway through January 9, 2024, is Centennial Jubilee. Visitors to the Georgetown gallery will find exclusive Faulkner giclée print originals, giclée limited art editions, books and other items relating to the artist on exhibit and for sale, including The Gift of Color, winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award, one of the highest national honors in independent publishing.
During the Centennial Jubilee, the gallery will take part in Georgetown’s 42nd Annual Festival of the Horse, September 7-10, and host the American Academy of Equine Art Show, October 14 through January 12.
“Each of these events celebrates the boundless creativity of Henry Faulkner—the artist and the poet—who was born in southcentral Kentucky and known as an eccentric rebel and bohemian,” said Hockensmith. “This exhibition of 150 Faulkner originals is not just for those who are familiar with Faulkner’s legacy but serves as a brilliant introduction for those who are just getting acquainted with the artistry of his mid-century magic.”
For more information about each of these exhibitions and events, contact Hockensmith Fine Art Editions Gallery & Press at 502-863-2299 or visit the gallery’s Henry Faulkner web page for more details and updates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bailey Gilkerson, Marketing Director,
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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Georgetown, KY's 42nd Annual Festival of the Horse Planned for Sept 7-10
GEORGETOWN, KY – August 27, 2023 – The 42nd Annual Festival of the Horse brings “the best of the Bluegrass” to Georgetown, Birthplace of Bourbon, for the weekend of September 7-10, 2023. Local musicians, Kentucky crafts vendors, all-new street performers, craft beer garden, festival foodie faves, family-fun activities like Fox Creek Amusement rides as well as the Toyota Grand Parade of Horses headline the free-admission festival.
The festival focuses on live music, with more than a dozen local and regional artists performing throughout the weekend on the Country Boy Stage. Featured musicians include Savannah Dean Reeves, The Mingled Oaks, Sorry Atari, The Lofi Souls and many more.
Fest fun facts
- 70+ vendor booths on Main Street with everything from handmade woodworking and crafts to jewelry, apparel and home décor.
- New and exciting street performers and roaming entertainment every day of the event, including Mike Guymon Juggling, The Balloon Man of Kentucky and Sky’s the Limit Stilt Walking.
- Numerous food and beer vendors with gelato, brews, international cuisine, gourmet burgers and more.
- Festival activities: Georgetown Community Hospital’s Colt & Filly Review Parade – the largest parade in the county (6:30 p.m. Sept. 8); Toyota’s Grand Parade of Horses (5 p.m. Sept. 9); Blessing of the Animals and Pet Parade (1:30 p.m. Sept. 10).
- Other festival events: o Thursday, Sept. 7: The Fireman’s Chili Cookoff o Saturday, Sept. 9: Storytelling, Scott County Public Library, Georgetown/Scott County Farmers’ Market, Booiaka Demonstration, Harrison County Boot Stompers. o Sunday, Sept. 10: Paws in the Pool
- Amusement Rides by Fox Creek Amusements, located in the City Hall Parking Lot.
- Sponsors include Country Boy Brewing, Chinkapin Brewing, Georgetown Community Hospital, Toyota, Hubbard Mechanical & Comfortmaker, Kentucky Utilities, Celebrate Georgetown and Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.
Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY
Festival website: www.FestivaloftheHorse.org | 502-863-2547 |
Date: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 8-10, 2023
- Friday: 4-10 p.m., featuring the Colt & Filly Review Parade at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., featuring the Toyota Grand Parade of Horses at 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., with Scott County Humane Society’s Pet Parade, 1:30 p.m.
Place: Downtown Georgetown, KY 40324
Cost: Free
For more information about the Festival of the Horse, the live music lineup or other activities, visit www.FestivaloftheHorse.org. NOTE: In 2024, the festival is transforming to showcase the best of Kentucky culture, with a strong emphasis on live music performed by local musicians and Kentucky food, arts and crafts, vendors and other entertainment. “The Best of the Bluegrass” reflects the intention to highlight the region’s rich cultural and musical heritage. It will offer a well-rounded representation of Kentucky’s culture that combines its musical heritage, local cuisine and craft brews, arts and crafts and the famous bourbon industry.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bailey Gilkerson, Marketing Director,
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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A Year in Review: 2022 A Year of Transition, Optimism and Action
GEORGETOWN, KY – July 20, 2023 – As the world emerged from a two-year pandemic and recovery got fully underway, 2022 became a year of transition for businesses as they tried to find their footing again. Few industries had been hit as hard as the tourism sector, but travel showed its resilience and, as the year got underway, optimism grew across the global stage—and in Georgetown, KY.
Several new businesses opened, multiple milestones were marked, and 18 events filled the calendar to encourage both residents and visitors to experience Georgetown. Georgetown/Scott County Tourism redoubled its efforts to share Georgetown’s story through a consistent program of authentic events, clearly defined marketing and advertising objectives and robust outreach via social media platforms and in-person contacts.
“Like every destination, Georgetown was deeply affected by a world situation, but we kept our focus on the future, best use of resources and long-term but flexible strategies to help Georgetown move forward,” said Lori Saunders, executive director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism. “Economic impact numbers will be coming out later this year, and we fully expect our trend to continue its upward trajectory and positive tourism economic growth.”
Georgetown Tourism targeted messaging with a balance of 22 print insertions, 15 digital campaigns and video advertising that netted 30,000 Over the Top streaming impressions (the number of times an ad appears in front of viewers). These efforts were augmented by strong and consistent social media and news distribution outreach, plus 20 public speaking engagements and six booth displays. Additionally, 35,000 brochures were distributed around the country, in Canada and various countries in Europe. (The top states requesting information included Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and New York.)
As motorcoach travel slowly returned to the roads, Georgetown was there to greet them in 2022, having a presence at six different travel shows and providing assistance to 30 tour operators in customizing experiences. Georgetown also hosted visitors from Canada, South America and Europe.
In 2022, Georgetown was honored with several awards and accolades:
· Lori Saunders – KTIA Member of the Year (2022)
· Festival of the Horse – Best Festival in Scott County
· Super 8 – Pride Award and TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award
Celebrate Georgetown, which is managed by Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, met and exceeded its goals of increasing public awareness of Downtown Georgetown through hosting four quarterly meetings; hosting 18 events, from hometown gatherings to grand-scale festivals, including #GtownEats Week, the Horsey Hundred, Festival of the Horse, Shop Small Saturday and Home for the Holidays activities; and welcoming three new businesses:
· Amen House Thrift Store
· Betsey’s Boutique
· Hoggy’s Ice Cream
Celebrate Georgetown also marked several milestones:
· Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration held at Ed Davis Park—representing the first time Georgetown hosted a Juneteenth celebration
· Birdsong Quilting and Crafts celebrated 5 years in business
· The Water Street Project and West Main Street Entryway – completed
· New “Welcome to Georgetown” mural at Spotz Gelato – unveiled
Like Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, Celebrate Georgetown raised awareness by implementing promotional strategies across multiple channels, including print ads, digital campaigns, TV commercials, TV interviews, a consistent schedule of blogs and press releases and an ever-growing online presence that reaches across multiple platforms. Additionally, the Tourism office provided 360-degree virtual tours for all Downtown retail, restaurants and tourist attractions, free of charge.
“We have carried 2022’s strong performance right over into 2023 and continue to expand our efforts to share Georgetown’s story and increase visitorship,” said Saunders. “We expect the numbers to continue to increase as we move forward.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bailey Gilkerson, Marketing Director,
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
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