





Written by Dylan Marson
What started as a LEGO® building business on wheels to clear out space in their house is blossoming into a fully fledged brick & mortar business for Dacian and Duane Keaton, with doors opening on November 7, 2026 in Georgetown, Kentucky.
The Brick Mobile has operated in the Georgetown area for a couple of years now and quickly became a success story, offering LEGO® building activities for parties and events, as well as educational STEAM workshops across the state that teach lessons in science, technology, engineering & mechanics.
The entire operation was actually born out of hardship when Dacian developed an extremely rare & unexplainable cancer diagnosis that casued her to lose her voice after a full laryngectomy in 2018.
It was during this painful time that the couple had to do some soul-searching and reevaluate their dreams, ultimately landing on a way to monetize Duane's enormous LEGO® collection, which was taking up way too much space in their house.
Once the Brick Mobile was up and running, they quickly discovered a major gap in affordable options for workshops at schools. Duane, being a former educator, was the perfect fit for that problem. Since then, they;ve been so busy they haven't even had time to look back.
"We hope the build center will provide a place of safety & community for families and individuals in Georgetown, Said Dacian Keaton, "A place where we can love back on people as people loved us through cancer."
Their new brick-and-mortar location aims to build on the foundations of fun and education that made their mobile business so successful. The Brick Mobile Build Center is a place where you can build, play, learn, shop and create all under one roof.
There will be a small retail section at the store, but the main attraction will be the building stations, where visitors can make their own creations with a dizzying array of plastic bricks and minifigs.
Wield your creativity, construct something fantastic, then weigh it on the scale for purchase and take it home! It's the perfect fusion of a Build-A-Bear experience and brick building, all at a very affordable price point!
"We never want our programs to be exclusive and we never want to price out anyone," Said Keaton, "Everything we do, we do with a vision to make our programs something everyone and anyone can enjoy, regardless of cost."
General admission for a 90-minute build session starts at $12 per builder, and the first accompanying adult who does not build is FREE! Additional builders from the same household are just $8 each.
Prefer to have instructions when you build? You can rent brick-building sets ranging from 300 piece projects to 1,500 piece behemoths, which are available by reservation only!
The build center is designed for all ages, (Adults included) with a DUPLO station for young builders under the age of 4 and workshops & events planned for kids ages 4 and up!
Looking ahead you can expect adults only swim nights for ages 18 and up, date-night workshops and all manner of intergenerational experiences and events that the entire family can enjoy together.
Even if you aren't a master builder yourself, art lovers might also find much to appreciate at the new business, with Brick Art by Duane's artwork featured along the walls.
Duane Keaton has been building LEGO® sets his entire life and has found a unique way to combine that passion with his love of art. His mosaic works vary in size and can render stunning detail when you consider that they are made entirely from plastic bricks!
"When I retired from teaching, my dream was to be a painter and I tried hard to get to the point where I was happy with the paintings I made, but I could never get the paint to do what I wanted it to do," Said Duane Keaton, "I enjoy the challenge of using what colors are available in LEGO® bricks to create portraits that could have a painterly feel — My dream has remained the same: to create art that uses color to convey thoughtfulness or peace or joy."
Building a home in Georgetown, Kentucky with a perfect storm of passion, art, family fun & education, this is one small business you won't want to skip!
The grand opening of The Brick Mobile Build Center will be held on Saturday November 7th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 401 Outlet Center Dr., Suite 145, in Georgetown, Kentucky. There will be giveaways, prizes, build challenges, a limited number of grab bags and even a community build project where visitors can build a LEGO® sign that will be hung on the wall of the business.
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is the Communications Manager for Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
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Visitors Fuel Local Success
Driving record tourism impact in the Birthplace of Bourbon,
Georgetown/Scott County, KY
Georgetown, KY – June 30, 2026 – With record‑setting economic impact reaching $191.5 million in 2025, Georgetown‑Scott County Tourism is proving the adage that every visit counts, and that every visitor leaves behind more than memories.
“Tourism continues to be one of the most powerful forces shaping our community’s growth,” said Lori Saunders, executive director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism. “When travelers choose Georgetown and Scott County, they’re not just enjoying our lodgings, attractions, restaurants, shops and outdoor spaces, they’re directly supporting local jobs, strengthening small businesses and helping us build a vibrant, welcoming place to live.
“This year’s record numbers reflect both the dedication of our tourism partners and the genuine hospitality that keeps visitors returning again and again,” she added.

In Scott County, tourism supported 1,259 jobs, produced $38.8 million in labor income and generated $14.7 million in local tax revenues. (Each household in Georgetown/Scott County would need to be taxed an additional $650 to replace the visitor‑generated taxes received in 2025.)
Scott County mirrored the momentum of the state, with Kentucky tourism overall generating a record $14.6 billion economic impact in 2025 and supporting nearly 97,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. It marks the fourth consecutive record year for the Bluegrass State, which also welcomed 81.1 million travelers—an increase of more than 1 million over 2024.
Locally, Georgetown/Scott County’s numbers represent a 2.956 percent increase in spending, a 1.5 percent increase in labor income and a 2.08 percent increase in state and local taxes from 2024.
“The economic impact of tourism is so far‑reaching,” said Saunders. “From supporting jobs to enhancing quality of life for our residents to delivering an outstanding visitor experience through our unique combination of offerings, we are pleased and honored to play a role in sharing Georgetown/Scott County’s story and celebrate another record‑breaking year of tourism.”
Local tourism and business leaders reacted to the news with the following statements:
· Melissa Mattox, owner of downtown boutique Miss Behaven, said, “As a downtown business we are thrilled with the number of visitors that come through our doors weekly. It’s always our pleasure to meet and interact with folks from all over the United States and Canada as well as other countries. We see an incredible number of tourists throughout a large portion of the year which we are grateful for as it definitely helps our business thrive.”
· Jonathon Gruchow, former owner of one of Georgetown’s most popular restaurants, Fava’s, and current owner of several short‑term rentals in Georgetown, said, “The tourism in Scott County is amazing. We at Springside Bed and Breakfast are busy almost year‑round with people traveling from all over the United States and countries around the world.”
· Liz Goble, owner of Whispering Woods Riding Stables, said, “One of the greatest benefits of increased tourism is the opportunity to meet so many people. Our visitors come from far and wide, bringing unique backgrounds and cultures, which enables us to share our Kentucky love of horses. It’s incredible to see so many people brought together by a shared passion: horseback riding in Kentucky. Without tourism, many of those meaningful connections would never happen.”
As these community partners indicate, tourism is not just about visitation—it’s about offering outstanding travel experiences and fostering meaningful connections, all while sharing Georgetown/Scott County’s story. This is something the team at Georgetown/Scott County Tourism takes seriously and champions through a consistent program of experiential events, clearly defined marketing and advertising objectives and robust outreach via social media platforms and in‑person engagement. These efforts are further amplified through strong relationships with travel writers and influencers, whose authentic storytelling helps showcase Georgetown and Scott County to new audiences and inspires visitors to experience the destination firsthand.
As Erica Emerson from Rodney’s on Broadway stated, “Georgetown tourism has helped bring people to our lovely city and to introduce them to all the wonderful places and people that it offers. They have supported Rodney’s on Broadway by recommending us to visitors and bringing special guests and travel writers in to dine. This means a lot and we are grateful for the support from our community.”
According to the Kentucky governor’s office, tourism is up because of attractions like the bourbon industry, horse racing, state parks, downtown districts and major events. For Georgetown/Scott County, known as the Birthplace of Bourbon and renowned for its historic and pristine Victorian-era downtown district, which encompasses six blocks of retail and restaurants, these statewide gains underscore the strength of a destination that continues to captivate visitors with its authenticity, heritage and unmistakable sense of place.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
502-863-2547
PHOTOS SHOWN
Photo of Downtown District?
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
HI- and LOW-RES photos available.
ABOUT GEORGETOWN, KY | Harness the fun in Georgetown, Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Sitting in the midst of Kentucky Horse Country, Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon and hometown of numerous horse-centric attractions – Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Whispering Woods Riding Stables, the Steve Hockensmith Fine Art Gallery – and events, including the Kentucky Three Day Event, Horsey Hundred, Best of the Bluegrass - Festival of the Horse and the National Horse Show. A small town bursting with charm thanks to a Victorian-era downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants and craft breweries, Georgetown is also Kentucky’s fastest-growing community. It is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tour; the official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden – Yuko-En; Elkhorn Creek; Greek Revival antebellum mansion Ward Hall; a circa 1917 Rosenwald School; Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained glass shop; and Kentucky Proud farms that play like agricultural theme parks. Accommodations include unique stays, campgrounds and 19 brand name chain hotels. Accolades: USA Today 10Best named Old Friends #2 and The Kentucky Horse Park #6 among “Best Kentucky Attractions-2017”; Money magazine chose Georgetown as the “Best Place to Live in Kentucky”; U.S. News and World Report declared Georgetown one of “8 Small Southern Towns to Visit in 2018.” www.facebook.com/gotogtown

Georgetown Honors History, Faith and Family at Emancipation Day Celebration
Free community event features Buffalo Soldiers, gospel music, dinner and historic collage.
Georgetown, KY – July 20, 2026 – History comes alive through powerful reenactments, storytelling, gospel music and shared community fellowship during Georgetown’s Emancipation Day celebration, held on the grounds adjacent to and across the street from Georgetown’s Wayman Chapel AME Church on Sat., August 1, 2026.
Organized by military veteran and Scott County African American Heritage Association (SCAAHA) member Willa Relford Gentry, this free event invites local families and visitors to gather for a day of reflection, thanksgiving and fellowship. The event is created in partnership with the SCAAHA and Wayman Chapel AME Church (locally known as Little Brick).
The Emancipation Day celebration features a lineup of historical presenters, including the United States Colored Infantry Re-enactment Soldiers and the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Attendees will also be treated to presentations by evangelist Steven Taylor and Pastor Berry Crump, serving in the role of a Griot, living keeper of history, storytelling and cultural memory.
Central to the day’s message is “Back to Basic Gospel,” a musical tribute recalling the first action taken by ancestors upon receiving news of freedom: offering thanks to the God that set them free. Providing the soundtrack are acclaimed musical groups Lisa Young & The Anointed Voices of Zion and the Golden Harps.
A complimentary community dinner featuring a menu of roast pig, fried fish and chicken, and accompanied by baked beans, potato salad and more, will be served between the musical performances. Local home cooks are encouraged to bring their favorite side dishes and desserts to the potluck tables to accompany the main spread.
Attendees will be treated to the Scott County African American Families Historical Collage, a massive stationary banner that measures eight feet tall and 25 feet long. Weaving together approximately 1,600 historic and contemporary photographs, it represents African American families not only from Georgetown but every historic Black village across Scott County.
To honor those who came before them, organizers ask that all attendees dress as they believe their ancestors might have dressed on the day they gained their freedom. Historic attire can range from traditional formal wear of the era to simple, meaningful everyday pieces.
“My sister sent me an old long dress with a long white apron plus a headwrap,” said Gentry.
While the Emancipation Day event, including dinner, is free, a donation box will be available onsite for those wishing to support the SCAAHA’s ongoing preservation efforts. Community members are welcome to volunteer their time assisting with the day’s setup, food serving and final cleanup.
Guests should bring lawn chairs for this outdoor gathering. For more information about this day of family, history and fellowship, contact Willa Gentry at 859-619-3738. To learn more about visiting Georgetown/Scott County, visit www.georgetownky.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Willa Redford Gentry,
859-619-3738
PHOTOS SHOWN
Photo: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
HI- and LOW-RES photos available.
ABOUT GEORGETOWN, KY | Harness the fun in Georgetown, Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Sitting in the midst of Kentucky Horse Country, Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon and hometown of numerous horse-centric attractions – Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Whispering Woods Riding Stables, the Steve Hockensmith Fine Art Gallery – and events, including the Kentucky Three Day Event, Horsey Hundred, Best of the Bluegrass - Festival of the Horse and the National Horse Show. A small town bursting with charm thanks to a Victorian-era downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants and craft breweries, Georgetown is also Kentucky’s fastest-growing community. It is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tour; the official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden – Yuko-En; Elkhorn Creek; Greek Revival antebellum mansion Ward Hall; a circa 1917 Rosenwald School; Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained glass shop; and Kentucky Proud farms that play like agricultural theme parks. Accommodations include unique stays, campgrounds and 19 brand name chain hotels. Accolades: USA Today 10Best named Old Friends #2 and The Kentucky Horse Park #6 among “Best Kentucky Attractions-2017”; Money magazine chose Georgetown as the “Best Place to Live in Kentucky”; U.S. News and World Report declared Georgetown one of “8 Small Southern Towns to Visit in 2018.” www.facebook.com/gotogtown
Located on the north-facing wall of the Elkhorn Pottery building at 116 North Broadway, a vibrant new piece of public art celebrates Georgetown's unique cultural heritage. The mural — titled Our Place, Our Story — features imagery that honors the region’s bluegrass landscapes, agricultural legacy, historic architecture, and dynamic community spirit.
Led by the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission (GSCTC), the mural project was funded in part through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations and local partnerships, demonstrating the power of collaboration among the public, private, and community sectors. The space for the wall was generously donated to the project by the building owner Judy Smith.
"It's a significant part of Georgetown's history, the building itself, and the scene that is portrayed," Said Smith, "It's pretty symbolic of what we are now, we are a vibrant town and we're still a pretty good agricultural community and to me thats special."

“We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Smith and her granddaughter, Hannah Logsdon, owner of Elkhorn Pottery, for embracing this vision and allowing their building to become part of Georgetown’s growing public art story,” Said Lori Saunders, the Executive Director of GSCTC, “Their support of this project reflects the pride and investment local business owners have in keeping Historic Downtown Georgetown vibrant and welcoming.”
Artists were contacted across the Bluegrass and participated in a submission process conducted by GSCTC. Artist Chris Chappell was ultimately selected to bring his vision to life to beautify Historic Georgetown, Kentucky. Chappell completed the entire mural "free-hand" without the assistance of stencils or a projector.
“I feel very fortunate to have been chosen for this mural and am excited to contribute art to this wonderful town,” said Chappell, “ The people here are really great.”
Chappel boasts 20 years of artistic experience, and his murals can be found dotted across the Bluegrass state with a signature colorful style & the creative incorporation of mirrors.

“Public art has the power to transform a space, spark conversation, and create a stronger sense of place,” said Lori Saunders, Executive Director of the Tourism Commission. “This mural is more than just artwork, it’s a celebration of Georgetown’s history, creativity, and community spirit. We hope it becomes an iconic downtown landmark and a favorite photo spot for both residents and visitors. As we continue expanding our mural trail, projects like this help tell Georgetown’s story in a vibrant and memorable way while encouraging people to explore our historic downtown.”
Author: Dylan Marson
Dylan Marson is the Communications Manager for Georgetown/Scott County Tourism.
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History Restored in Sadieville, Kentucky
Rosenwald School opens its doors this Summer
Georgetown, KY – May 28, 2026 – The Historic Rosenwald School in Sadieville, KY is opening its doors to the public this summer June 19 and August 15 to showcase the culmination of a 14 year renovation and share an important part of our county's history brought back to life.
For those unfamiliar with the school, it is one of 5,000 similar institutions erected across the South from Virginia to Texas during the early part of the 20th century to provide education for African American children.
They were named for Julius Rosenwald, then president of Sears, Roebuck and Company and a noted philanthropist, who donated the funds for the schools.
Working in tandem with educator/activist Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald’s ground-breaking project was often described as the seminal event in providing educational equality during the Jim Crow era.
Of the original 5,000 schools, approximately 500 remain, and of those, only 250 have been preserved.
“We are very fortunate to have one of them here in Sadieville,” said Laura Centers, Sadieville clerk/treasurer and a tourism board volunteer.
The school was not only preserved, but renovated thanks to grants from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a donation from the Friends of Sadieville, Inc. and countless hours of selfless labor from community volunteers.
What visitors will see is a one-room schoolhouse furnished exactly as it would have been during its operation from 1920 until it closed in 1954 following integration.

Desks are scattered across a room with large windows to let in natural light as there was no electricity and the only heat came from a coal stove which remains as a focal point of the room.
Décor is sparse, but there are pictures and a book referencing The Road to Nicodemus, an African American diaspora west across the Mississippi River where they established a farming community in Kansas known as Nicodemus. The community still has a population of some 20 people, 14 of whom are descendants of the original settlers.
Centers says that on the two opening dates there will be an onsite volunteer guide on hand to talk about the original Rosenwald School.
The guide will also describe the extensive renovation project which began in 2011, and included restoring the building’s foundation; patching the drywall on the walls and ceiling; rehabbing windows and replacing doors; dealing with termite damage and redoing the pine floors.
The renovation won the Ida M. Willis Preservation Award in 2012, and was a key factor in Sadieville being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
When asked if there would be more dates in the future when the school will be open to visitors, Centers was hopeful.
“Right now, we are attempting to gauge the interest of the public – both from a tourism and a historical perspective,” Centers said. “We certainly think we have quite a story to tell.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Laura Centers
City of Sadieville
Bailey Gilkerson, Associate Director
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
502-863-2547