London-Laurel County Tourist Commission

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1 London-Laurel County Tourist Commission January/February 2014 From Kentucky s Crossroads to Adventure While January and February are generally our coldest months, it s a great time to reflect on the great fun we had in 2013 and to plan our 2014 event schedule. You will see on page 3 of this edition of the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission Newsletter that we have a full schedule of tourism events planned for you in the coming year. In fact, we have 18 tourism events planned for If you would like to participate in any of the events, please give us a call at or drop us an at tourism@lltc.net or better yet, stop in and visit with us. Our office is located just off exit 41 of I Year in Review The London Laurel County Tourist Commission has just completed one the most successful years ever. Below and on page 2 are some of the highlights from the year. April The Redbud Ride continued to grow by leaps and bounds. In 2013, our attendance jumped from a previous high of 779 cyclists to 1,153 cyclists. We hosted registered cyclists from 18 states. The Redbud Ride was also selected to be one of only 4 cycling events chosen to be part of the inaugural Kentucky Century Challenge. May The Laurel County Shrine Club Bluegrass and Gospel Festival was held at the Laurel County Fairgrounds. In 2013, the event attracted nationally known bluegrass bands such as Marty Raybon and Full Circle, The Freemans, the Granscals, Dean Osborne and several others. The Kentucky Scholastic 3D Archery Championship was held in Laurel County for the first time. The event attracted elementary, middle school and high school archery shooters from across Kentucky. total purse for the tournament exceeded $80,000. June The American Shooters Association (ASA) PRO/AM Archery Tournament, held at the Laurel County Fairgrounds, became the largest 3D archery tournament in the world. We hosted almost 1,700 competitors from 38 states and a handful of foreign countries. The The London-Laurel County Tourist Commission welcomed the Kentucky State H.O.G. Rally for the first time. About 1,000 Harley Davidson owners from throughout the United States visited London and Laurel County for three days. Hotel and restaurant owners as well as local police reported that the participants of the rally were the most well behaved and polite group they had been involved with. The H.O.G Rally will return to London in (Continued on page 2)

2 2013 in Review Continued. June (Continued from page 1) The week-long Kentucky State Women s Golf Championship was held at Crooked Creek Golf Course. Karen Puckett, president of the Kentucky Women s Amateur Golf Association stated Crooked Creek and the entire Laurel County community opened it s arms to the association and embraced us. Between the community and the golf course, I am sure the state tournament will be returning to London for another positive experience. We look forward to returning to London in the near future for another successful tournament. July The Sheltowee Extreme 12-Hour Adventure Race was held for the first time at Laurel River Lake. Competitors from as far away as Minnesota and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi competed for 12 hours in trail running, mountain biking, paddling, swimming and orienteering. The Laurel County Fair was again held at the Laurel County Fairgrounds. The fair featured agriculture events, pageants, entertainment and carnival rides. August The AJGA TaylorMade Adidas Golf Qualifier was held the Sunday before the AJGA tournament. Local tourism officials expected golfers from within 150 miles to travel to London to try to qualify for the AJGA event. Instead, we hosted teenagers and their families from all over the world for this one day tournament. The PNC Junior Golf Championship, Presented by London and Laurel County was held at Crooked Creek Golf Course. We hosted 143 of the best teenage golfers in the world for the 5-day event. We hosted golfers and their families from China, Japan, Israel, Ireland, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada and throughout the United States. The annual Laurel County Homecoming was held at Levi Jackson State Park. This was the 78th year of the homecoming. September The 2013 version of the World Chicken Festival proved to be one of the most successful and well attended Chicken Festivals ever. The weather was perfect. Non profit food vendors reported having very high sales. The ride company reported that they had sold more ride tickets than any previous Chicken Festival. The Chicken Festival Committee served over 7,000 chicken dinners. October The Thriller Ride welcomed about 150 cyclists from 5 states. The Thriller Ride is a Halloween themed bicycle ride. The participants had three routes to choose from, the 64-mile Thriller, the 44- mile Zombie or the 25-mile Haloweenie. The highly acclaimed Wildcat Mountain Civil War Reenactment was again held on the 3rd weekend in October. The event was presented by the Laurel County Home Guard. Civil War enthusiasts visited from as far away as South Dakota.

3 Tentative 2014 Schedule of Events London-Laurel County Tourist Commission March Grills Gone Wild BBQ Festival and Competition London Optimist Club Park April Redbud Ride Block Party and Bicycle Ride Downtown London April Kentucky Scholastic 3D Archery Championship Tournament Laurel County Fairgrounds May Laurel County Shrine Club Bluegrass Festival Laurel County Fairgrounds May National Scholastic 3D Archery Championship Tournament Laurel County Fairgrounds May 30-June 1 June (date to be determined) Archery Shooters Association (ASA) PRO/AM Archery Championship HeartChase London Laurel County Fairgrounds Downtown London July 6-12 Laurel County Fair Laurel County Fairgrounds July 12 Laurel Lake Half Ironman Triathlon Laurel River Lake July Tour de London Bicycle Race Heritage Hills July 26 Sheltowee Extreme 12-Hour Adventure Race Laurel River Lake July 27 AJGA TaylorMade Adidas Golf Qualifier Crooked Creek Golf Club July PNC Junior Championship, Presented by London and Laurel County Crooked Creek Golf Club August Laurel County Homecoming Levi Jackson State Park September World Chicken Festival Downtown London October 6-12 Fishers of Men Midwest Regional Bass Fishing Championship Laurel River Lake October 11 The Thriller Ride Downtown London October Wildcat Mountain Civil War Reenactment Hazel Patch

4 BBQ Festival Coming to London March 28 and 29 Grills Gone Wild Anticipation mounts as plans get underway for London's first-ever Grills Gone Wild Barbecue Festival. This newest event has been presented by the Inferno Group Corp. to the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission and will take place March 28-29, 2014 at the Laurel-London Optimist Club. The London-Laurel Tourist Commission is very pleased to welcome the Grills Gone Wild Kentucky State Championship Barbecue Festival to Laurel County. We understand that to be sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and to be declared a Kentucky State Championship by Governor Beshear is huge in competitive barbecue circles. We are honored Grills Gone Wild chose London and Laurel County for this event, said Rodney Hendrickson, of the Tourist Commission. We're excited to bring a new event to southeast Kentucky. We are one of only two State Championship competitions to the state. We hope this will bring a lot people to London. People have watched BBQ Pitmasters on TV, now we are bringing a little bit of that action here, said Travis Moody, president of Inferno Group. The event will include live music, a carnival, concession stands, cooking demonstrations and much more. Come experience the excitement of teams competing in this State Championship cook-off. The Kansas City BBQ Association will also conduct a training class to certify participants in becoming a certified BBQ contest judge. The class will be held on Friday, March 28. The fee for the class is $85. Those that are interested in participating in the class should phone Travis Moody at The competition - with a prize purse of $5,000 - will be fun for everyone. Make plans to come Friday, March 28 to watch things get started, and stay over through Saturday to enjoy the competition and entertainment. This is a KCBS (Kansas City BBQ Society) sanctioned event, where the teams will serve up their best ribs, chicken, beef brisket and pork. To learn more, visit Twelve Local Athletes Complete the Kentucky Century Challenge Twelve local cyclists were awarded the inaugural Kentucky Century Challenge bicycle jersey by completing three of the four designated 100-mile, one-day bicycle rides in Pictured are Kentucky Century Challenge finishers (front row left to right) Sharon Cornelius, David Nevels, David Warren, (back row) Mike Hale, Rodney Hendrickson, David Prewitt and Rickie Allen. Not Pictured are Norman Steele, June Settle, David Douglas, Travis Robinson and Mike Trosper. Participating cycling events were London s own Redbud Ride, the Horsey Hundred in Georgetown, the Preservation Pedal in Frankfort and the Old Kentucky Home Tour in Louisville. In 2014, the Kentucky Century Challenge will again begin with the London Redbud Ride on April 12. Other participating events in 2014 will be the Horsey Hundred, the Preservation Pedal which will be held in Winchester this year, and the Hub City Tour in Elizabethtown.

5 London-Laurel County Tourist Commission Events add Millions to the Economy By Rob McDaniel London Sentinel-Echo Staff writer Last year, hotel room sales in Laurel County grew from about $12.65 million to $14.1 million, an increase of about 12 percent. This increase is credited to a greater number of tourism events hosted, recruited and/or sponsored by the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission. According to the local Tourist Commission, 12 tourism events were held in 2013, boosting sales for hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Laurel County has 19 hotels with about 1,300 rooms, said London-Laurel County Tourism Commission Co-Director Rodney Hendrickson. Each month, the London-Laurel County Tourism Commission receives reports from each Laurel County hotel. In the past year, hotel room sales in Laurel County have increased from about $12.65 million to $14.1 million. Hendrickson said the reports indicate there was a major increase in hotel room nights during the months in which the commission hosted either a new event or saw major increases in participation of reoccurring events, such as the annual Redbud Ride and ASA Pro/AM Archery Tournament. The Redbud Ride, hosted each April, almost doubled in participation in 2013 with more than 1,100 riders. According to Hendrickson, during this month, hotel room sales increased from about $1.2 million the previous year to $1.4 million, an increase of 17 percent. Several months in which no tourism-related events took place, like late fall, winter and early spring, we actually saw slight decreases in hotel room night sales, Hendrickson said. In August, Laurel County hosted the PNC Junior Golf Championship Golf Tournament for the first time. This was a national event running Sunday through Thursday, Hendrickson said. The biggest increase in room night sales for the year was in August. In August, hotel room night sales increased from about $1.2 million last year to about 1.5 million, an increase of about 25 percent. The inaugural Kentucky Scholastic 3D Archery Championship in May, in addition to the large participation in the ASA Pro/AM Archery tournament that same weekend, resulted in a 17 percent increase in hotel room night sales from $1.2 million last year to $1.4 million this year. Hendrickson also noted in June, the London-Laurel County Tourism Commission hosted the Kentucky State H.O.G. (Harley Davidson Owner s Group) rally for the first time. The Rally attracted about 1,000 participants, and resulted in a 15-percent increase in hotel room sales in June from about $1.3 million last year to $1.5 million. A recent study conducted by VISA Credit Card Company revealed visitors spend about 9 percent of their traveling funds on hotels; the remaining 91 percent is spent on dining, retail purchases, transportation and other activities in the area. About 30 percent of that money is spent on retail sales, Hendrickson said. That money is almost evenly divided among chain stores and locally-owned businesses. Another 24 percent is spent on dining; 21 percent is spent on activities, including event registration, and 16 percent is spent on transportation. Although these percentages are based on national averages and not specific to London or Kentucky, it still means a boost for the local economy.

6 New London-Laurel County Tourism Slogan Selected Crossroads to Adventure Crossroads to Adventure was selected as the new slogan for the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission. During the months of August and September the public was given the opportunity to submit entries into a tourism slogan contest. James Burns entry Crossroads to Adventure was selected as the best slogan of the 132 entered. Burns, a teacher at Keavy and Hazel Green Elementary Schools and a softball coach at South Laurel High School, was awarded a prize of $100 for having the winning entry. Redbud Ride is set for April 12, 2014 The seventh annual Redbud Ride will take place in and around Laurel County on April 12. The Redbud Ride is a bicycling event that annually attracts more than 1,100 cyclists from over 20 states. Cyclists have come from as far away as Hawaii, Vermont, Utah and Ontario to participate in the ride. Over 90% of the cyclists are from out of town. Most stay in town for 2-3 days. The event has grown from it s humble beginnings of only 26 participants in This year, the Redbud Ride will again be the first Leg of the Kentucky Century Challenge. Any cyclist that completes the entire 100-mile route of the Redbud Ride and three other Kentucky century rides will be awarded a free commemorative cycling jersey. The Redbud Ride has been chosen as the Best Century Ride in America by Active.com and as the Best Sporting Event in the 47-county Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky service area. Let s all help welcome our cycling friends and make the 2014 Redbud Ride the best and most welcoming ride yet. You can register for the Redbud Ride at Registration is only $25 till January 20. After January 20, the registration price will be $30. Kentucky Century Challenge Looking for Local Sponsors The 2014 Kentucky Century Challenge is seeking local sponsors. Sponsors in the London-Laurel County area will help insure the Redbud Ride will remain a part of the Challenge for years to come. If your company is interested in sponsoring the event please contact Rodney at the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission at or rodney@laurelkytourism.com. The 2014 Kentucky Century Challenge begins on April 12 at the Redbud Ride right here in London. Next is the Horsey Hundred on May 23 in Georgetown. On June 21 the third leg of the Challenge will take place at the Preservation Pedal in Winchester. The last leg of the Challenge will be Hub City Tour in Elizabethtown.

7 London-Laurel County Awarded $5,000 Trail Town Grant from the Healthy Communities Program The Kentucky Department of Public Health recently informed the Laurel County Health Department, the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission, the City of London and London Downtown Inc. that we have been awarded a $5,000 grant. The grant will assist London and Laurel County in capitalizing on the economic and health benefits of increased outdoor recreation benefits. The grant program will specifically be used to enhance the Laurel County cycling program. The project will: Establish a cycling Trail Town kiosk at the Laurel County Farmers Market Purchase bicycle racks for downtown London Mark about 200 miles of Laurel County cycling routes with 8 by 8 cycling trail markers. Erect Share the Road signage along established cycling routes. Paint a Trail Town cycling mural at London Trail Town trailhead and kiosk New London-Laurel County Tourism Logo Unveiled Along with our new Crossroads to Adventure slogan the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission has unveiled it s new logo. The logo and slogan will be used on publications, websites, etc. to promote London and Laurel County as an adventure tourism destination. Inaugural Laurel Lake Half Ironman Triathlon to be held July 12 The first ever Laurel Lake Half Ironman Triathlon will be held on Saturday, July 12. The staging area for the race will be held at the spillway beach. The Half Ironman distance consists of a 1.2 mile swim in the pristine and crystal clear waters of Laurel Lake. The athletes will then transition to their bicycles. They will pedal through 56 miles of challenging and rolling hills. The cycling portion of the race will go through the scenic Daniel Boone National Forest, cross the Rockcastle River at Bee Rock and will pass through the little village of Mount Victory. The triathletes will then run 13.1 miles along the smooth and shady shoreline of Laurel Lake. You can register for the event at As the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission s gift to you, registration will be reduced by $15 by using the discount code LLTC. The discount ends on January 15.

8 January Upcoming Events January & February 2014 Jan. 10. Exhibit: Lincoln, the Constitution and the Civil War (all day). Civil War Banjo Melodies and History 6PM. Laurel County Public Library Jan. 11. Bicycle Advocacy Organizational Meeting in Lexington Jan. 11. Lincoln, the Constitution and the Civil War. (all day). Laurel County Public Library. Jan. 11. R.A.D. Self Defense Education for Women. 11 AM. Laurel County Public Library. Jan. 12. Exhibit - Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War (all day). Laurel County Public Library Jan. 14. The premieres for Michael Breeding s Kentucky Governor s Mansion: A Century of Reflection. Grand Theater, Frankfort, KY. Jan. 14. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Jan 15. The premieres for Michael Breeding s Kentucky Governor s Mansion: A Century of Reflection. Kentucky Theater, Lexington, KY. Jan Kentucky Travel Industries Association meeting in Frankfort, KY. Jan 16. London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Jan. 16. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Jan 20. Martin Luther King Holiday Jan 21. London-Laurel County Tourist Commission Meeting. Heritage Hills. Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. The meeting begins a Noon. Jan 21. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Jan Cincinnati Travel Show Jan Entrepreneurial SMARTS training program Jan 23. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Jan 28. Bike/Pedestrian Workshop. London, KY. Jan 28. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Jan. 30. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM February Feb. 1. Saint Joseph London Masquerade Gala Feb. 4. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Feb. 6. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Feb. 11. Free bicycle spinning class. Mike s Hike and Bike. 6 PM Feb. 18. London-Laurel County Tourist Commission Meeting. Heritage Hills. Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. The meeting begins a Noon. Feb. 20. London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon