 NEWS RELEASE Lisa Jackson 859-259-4224 Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov SOUTHERN LIGHTS STROLL SET THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN MOTION Run, Walk Or Stroll Through Annual Holiday Display In Heart Of Horse Country LEXINGTON, KY (November 1, 2012) With the return of the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., the Southern Lights Stroll once again debuts as its opening night on Thursday, November 15. The only evening of the entire event when the public is allowed to experience a major portion of the lighted route on foot, visitors may choose to run, walk or stroll their way through thousands of dazzling holiday lights in the heart of horse country, on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. Now in its' eleventh season, the Southern Lights Stroll has proven popular with casual walkers and families who bring out their children and pets to get photos and see the lights outside of a car, and with serious runners who come to compete in the 5K portion of the "stroll." John's Run/Walk Shop has donated their services to the competitive 5K race, and awards will be given to winners. Additional activities include complimentary Mini Train Express rides, refreshments, prize drawings and more. A food drive for God's Pantry and local animal shelters will be held in conjunction with this event. All participants are asked to bring non-perishable items to help the needy families of Central Kentucky and local animal shelters. Pre-registration through November 10 is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids 7-12. Registration after November 10 is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids 7-12. Walk-up registration on November 15 begins at 5:00 pm, and the stroll begins at 6:45 pm. Check-in is at the park's Visitor Information Center. The first 500 registered adults receive a souvenir t-shirt, and the first 200 registered kids receive a holiday ornament, compliments of Breyer. All proceeds of Southern Lights and Southern Lights Stroll support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The 2012 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. and the Holly and Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers Funeral Home and Café Press Inc. Additional sponsors are Pepsi, Breyer, Kentucky Utilities, SafetyTec, John's Run/Walk Shop and the Mini Train Express Company. In September, the American Bus Association (ABA) selected Southern Lights a Top 100 event for 2013, which is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Southern Lights is open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm nightly from November 16 to December 31, 2012. Indoor attractions will be open every night except November 22 and December 24 - 31. The cost is $15.00 per car Sunday through Thursday and $20.00 per car on Friday and Saturday. Contact the KHP Foundation for more information at (859) 255-5727, foundation@khpfoundation.org, or www.khpfoundation.org. -30- The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector. This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park. Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more. |
