Senator Leads Effort To Help Get Tourism Back On Its Feet

KSenator Leads Effort to Help Kentucky and Georgetown Get Tourism Back on Its Feet

GEORGETOWN, KY – August 2, 2022

COVID-19 had a devastating impact on most of the world’s industries and economies. One of the hardest hit was the travel and tourism industry, with trillions of dollars in lost spending and pandemic fallout contributing heavily to unemployment.
In Kentucky, visitation decreased by 8.1 percent and visitor spending declined by 26.5 percent in 2020, according to an economic impact report prepared for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

“COVID triggered an unprecedented crisis in the tourism economy,” said Georgetown Mayor Tom Prather. “Communities across the state were suffering and in dire need of help.”

Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill, which addresses the need for short-term economic relief and provides long-term investments for economic recovery. From this amount, the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) requested $75 million from the 2022 General Assembly to fund a grant program to promote the state’s attractions.

Supporting this appeal and instrumental in helping secure the funding for Kentucky’s travel and tourism industry was Senator Damon Thayer-R, Majority Floor Leader. Thayer represents the 17th Senate District which includes southern Kenton County, Grant County, Scott County and part of Fayette County.

“Tourism is one of our most important industries,” said Thayer. “It has a huge impact on our economy and provides for tens of thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue.
“The industry took a big hit during COVID and the shutdowns, and the surrounding states were way out ahead of us in using ARPA funds. Since tourism qualifies under ARPA rules, I thought it was appropriate to vigorously pursue funding to promote marketing in our state like the surrounding states.”

Tourism is an $8.9 billion industry in Kentucky. The $75 million Thayer helped secure will have far-reaching impact, both across the state and for individual communities.
“When people come into communities to visit the tourist attractions, they stay in hotels and Airbnbs, eat at restaurants, purchase gas, shop in stores – and it has a tremendous trickle-down effect on the economy,” said Thayer. “Whether it is Kentuckians doing a daytrip or staycation or people coming from other states to visit our attractions, they all provide dollars that trickle-down into our economy.

“In my region, we have numerous important tourist attractions,” he continued. “This includes the Kentucky Horse Park, Ark Encounter, several wineries, breweries and bourbon distilleries, to name just a few. I know the importance of these attractions in terms of jobs in my community and thought it was a natural fit for me to be the lead advocate for these extra dollars.” 

Some of the funding is earmarked for Kentucky’s Tourism Cabinet to run ads regionally and nationally that encourage people to visit the state. The rest will be allocated to individual convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and tourism commissions across the state. The funds are for strictly prescribed purposes relating to tourism marketing and come with restrictions regulating their use.

“We don’t know how much the local CVBs will get, but no matter the amount, thanks to Senator Thayer, the money will positively impact our marketing and advertising budget and play a role in what we can do to attract visitors to Kentucky and Georgetown,” said Lori Saunders, executive director of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission. “We’ll have a much wider reach and will be able to afford things we’ve never been able to before.”

To achieve its goal of attracting visitors back – and in greater numbers – Georgetown/Scott County Tourism is focusing on applying the funds to several critical areas, all allowable under the grant program’s guidelines. These include the need for a new website and new marketing material, including a brochure, branding researching and to further explore and incorporate Georgetown as the “Birthplace of Bourbon” into current branding.

In advocating the need for relief funding for Kentucky’s tourism industry, Thayer had two key outcomes in mind: to get people traveling to and around Kentucky to visit attractions to support jobs and for local and state tax revenues.

“Senator Thayer has always been a champion of Kentucky tourism,” said Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington. “He is a vocal supporter of the industry, and this was never truer than during the pandemic. He understood the devastation and acted quickly to find ways to mediate the damage.”

Using his hometown as an example, Thayer stated: “I’m keenly aware of how tourist attractions drive our economy. When I’m out in local restaurants or grocery stores, there are many people there who are visiting the Kentucky Horse Park or Ark Encounter and staying at Georgetown hotels, shopping in our stores and eating in our restaurants.

“I want them to keep coming and to visit in even greater numbers than prior to COVID.”

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Georgetown Celebrates Juneteenth
 June 18 celebration takes place at Ed Davis Park

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GEORGETOWN, KY – June 7, 2022

Georgetown goes all in for Juneteenth with a celebration taking place on Saturday, June 18, at Ed Davis Park and featuring a full afternoon and evening of food, fun, music and more. All are invited to come join in the festivities of this important national day of observance.

Juneteenth activities


Founded in Texas in 1865, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, emphasizes education and achievement and marks a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is celebrated across the country with individual communities typically holding special events that feature guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. 
 


Georgetown’s celebration opens at 1 p.m. with several activities kicking off the event, including basketball games from 1 to 4 p.m. The jazz trio, Marlin McKay Group, performs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Food vendors, including Lill Clay and Saint Claire Wilson, will be offering tastes of Georgetown throughout the event until 9 p.m.
 


Arts and crafts vendors will be set up outdoors through 4 p.m. These include Designs by Tony, Bags by Betina, Tboo Hair Shop and Charlie B’s Necklaces.
 


Inside the Ed Davis Learning Center, local artists, including James Barber, will show and sell their art pieces. Ruthie Stevens, executive director of the Georgetown and Scott County Museum, will be on hand with exhibits relating to African American history and achievement. Georgetown/Scott County Historian Sheryl Marks will discuss the history and significance of Juneteenth. She will also talk about the man whose name is honored on the Learning Center.
 


Edward B. Davis was the principal, from 1908 to 1934, of the school founded by Charles Steele and built in 1894 for African American students. Steele is also credited as the founder of black education in Georgetown. Under Davis’ leadership, the school became one of 19 Black high schools accredited in Kentucky. Davis added a two-year high school in 1911 and a four-year program in 1924. In 1928, the name of the school officially became Ed Davis School.
 


Fun for kids


A Welcoming Ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., followed by more live music, featuring the Band of Brothers Jazz Orchestra from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Dj Double jazz band from 7:30 to close.
 


Kids will have plenty to do during the event, including inflatables from 4 to 9 p.m. and a screening of the movie, “Disney’s Soul,” beginning at 9 p.m. 
 


It all takes place Saturday, June 18, at Ed Davis Park, Scott County’s three-and-a-half acre gem with picnic shelter, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, playground area and plenty of open space.
 


For more information about Georgetown’s Juneteenth celebration, visit www.georgetownky.com/events.
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Popular celebration brings wealth of Kentucky crafts and musicians 
for their big anniversary year!

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GEORGETOWN, KY – August 17, 2021

The 40th Annual Festival of the Horse gallops into Kentucky Horse Headquarters the weekend of September 10-12, bringing with it more Kentucky craft vendors than ever before. Expect the fest to be back in full swing in anticipation of marking its 40th anniversary, with local headlining musicians, a variety of awesome vendors, a craft beer garden, all of your favorite festival foods, family-fun activities like Fox Creek Amusement rides as well as the Toyota Grand Parade of Horses, the Georgetown Community Hospital Colt & Filly Review Parade, Horse Show & Games and more at this free-admission event that celebrates the role of the horse and its heritage.


As this year’s Festival of the Horse will align with the 20th anniversary of September 11th, the Toyota Grand Parade of Horses will be paying special tribute to first responders, police, fire, EMS, EMA and veterans throughout the country. Local first responders/veterans will be taking up the position of Grand Marshall and honoring all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.

Live music takes centerstage all weekend with more than a dozen local and regional artists performing on the Country Boy Stage. Featuring No Deceit, Coaltown Dixie, The Ox-Eyed Daisies and more!

Fest fun facts
• 80+ vendor booths, ranging from handmade woodworking and crafts to jewelry, apparel and home décor, located along Main Street.
• Numerous food and beer vendors highlighting gelato, brews, international cuisine, gourmet burgers and more.
• Festival activities: Georgetown Community Hospital’s Colt & Filly Review Parade – the largest parade in the county (Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.); Horse Games (Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.); Toyota’s Grand Parade of Horses (Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.); Horse Show (Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.)
• Other festival events: Movies in the Park, featuring “Racing Stripes,” Booiaka, and Paws in the Pool on Sept. 12th
• Toyota’s Grand Parade of Horses will be led by local first responders/veterans taking up the position of Grand Marshall and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation
• AmusementRides by Fox Creek Amusements located in the City Hall Parking Lot.
• Sponsors include Toyota, Country Boy Brewing, Georgetown Community Hospital, Celebrate Georgetown and Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.

Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY


Festival website: www.FestivaloftheHorse.org, 502-863-2547 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Date: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 10-12, 2021

- 
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 Harrison County Boot Stompers at 11:30am and 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.GeorgetownKy.com.

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Elkhorn Creek Float Fest Returns for a Third Year 
Full day float on Kentucky’s longest creek with music, food, prizes, more

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GEORGETOWN, KY – July 7, 2021 – The third annual Elkhorn Creek Float Fest takes place Saturday, August 7, at Peninsula Park in Scott County. This family-friendly event features a full day float from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Kentucky’s longest and loveliest creek and includes music, food and prizes and a chance to learn about local waterways. Click here for more details.


BYOT (bring your own tube)


Elkhorn Creek Float Fest takes place at Georgetown’s beautiful Peninsula Park, near 104 Payne Avenue. Participants may bring their own tube – the bigger the float, the better! – or rent one through pre-registration. Single tubes: $10; double tubes: $13. Air is available onsite.

Pre-registration includes a discounted general admission of $7 per adult (and older children) and $5 for children 12 and under. Day-of registration is $10 per adult and $8 for children 12 and under. Pre-registration also provides tube rental guarantee. Additionally, each registrant will be entered to win one of our awesome summertime prizes – worth up to a $100 value. NOTE: Life jackets are mandatory. Water shoes are highly encouraged.
Food trucks will be onsite for purchases or tubers can bring their own picnic.
 
Float, relax, repeat


Floating on Elkhorn Creek is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants may float down the creek as many times as they wish. The float includes one entry point with a “lunchtime” exit point of approximately a 1.5-hour float and a longer exit point of up to a 4-hour float. A wagon will be available for participants at the final exit point to ride back to the point of entry. Float time will depend on the weather prior to the event as float times are determined by the slowest waterflow of Elkhorn Creek.

The Elkhorn Creek Float Fest is coordinated by Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and Georgetown-Scott County Parks & Recreation. Rain date: Saturday, August 14. The Elkhorn Creek Float Fest is a family-friendly event, but independent swimmers ONLY are encouraged on the creek. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is available here until Thursday, August 5.

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