The Legends of Bourbon County Festival returns to downtown Paris, Ky. Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon-7 p.m., bringing a full day of free family activities, live bluegrass music, local food and vendors, and a celebration of Bourbon County's legendary Thoroughbred history.
Now in its fourth year, the Legends of Bourbon County Festival was created to celebrate and educate the community about Bourbon County's Thoroughbred industry while connecting the horses, history, and hospitality of the area to tourism and the community. This year's festival will take place around the historic Bourbon County Courthouse in downtown Paris.
Thanks to Hunt Brothers Pizza, families can enjoy a full day of free activities, including horse-and-buggy tours of Paris' famous Thoroughbred murals, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and face painting. The festival will also feature food, drinks and local vendors throughout the festival area.
Legendary Bluegrass Music Stage
Live music will fill downtown throughout the afternoon on the Legendary Bluegrass Music Stage, with festival emcees Miss Bourbon County Kennedy Maddox and Miss Teen Bourbon County Elinor McCauley keeping the afternoon moving and introducing the performers.
The afternoon lineup will feature Turtle Mountain, Thunderwood, Michael Prewitt & Crunchgrass Supreme, and Shelby Means. Means is scheduled to take the stage at 5:15 p.m. as the headliner.
Fall Meet Gala and Ruffian Mural Dedication
The celebration begins Saturday evening, September 26, at 5 p.m., with the annual Fall Meet Gala at Hotel Thoroughbred in downtown Paris.
The evening will feature the official dedication of the "Queen of the Track" Ruffian mural, painted by renowned equine artist Jaime Corum. Corum will be joined by several people with a direct connection to Ruffian's story, including Stuart Janney III, whose father, Stuart S. Janney Jr., was one of Ruffian's owners; Ruffian's jockey Jacinto Vasquez; and Nick Lotz, who worked with Ruffian in her early years.
The evening will also feature live bluegrass music from Mash Grass and catering by Bluegrass Bayou.
The Ruffian mural is the third annual mural installment funded by the Legends of Bourbon County Festival, joining the murals of Secretariat, Curlin , and Sunday Silence that have become part of downtown Paris' celebration of the Thoroughbred industry.
"Ruffian represents exactly what the Legends of Bourbon County Festival is about—celebrating the horses and people who have become part of Thoroughbred history and telling those stories in the community where the industry continues to thrive," said Lauren Biddle, Chair of the Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund.
The weekend provides an opportunity for both visitors and local residents to experience Bourbon County's Thoroughbred heritage while enjoying the businesses, restaurants, shops and attractions of downtown Paris.
The Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund would like to recognize and thank its top sponsors for making this year's celebration possible: Claiborne Farm, the Janney Family, Seth and Debbie Hancock, the New York Racing Association, The Jockey Club, Keeneland, Steve and Becky Evans, Chuck and Donna Ross, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Hinkle Farms, and Triple Crown Restoration.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
