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The 43rd Annual Festival of the Horse gallops back into Downtown Georgetown, Kentucky September 6-8, bringing with it an expanded Festival Area, Kentucky craft vendors, local headlining musicians, a craft beer garden, all of your favorite festival foods, family-fun activities like Fox Creek Amusement rides as well as the Grand Parade of Horses, the Georgetown Community Hospital Colt & Filly Review Parade and more at this free-admission event that celebrates the Best of the Bluegrass.
Live music takes center stage all weekend, with local and regional artists performing on the Country Boy Stage. Featuring Hannah Dasher, George Molton, Eric Bolander, Holly Forbes, Marshull, and many more!
Fest fun facts
● 70+ vendor booths, ranging from handmade woodworking and crafts to jewelry, apparel, artistry, authors and home décor, located along Main Street.
● Numerous food and beer vendors highlighting gelato, brews, international cuisine, gourmet burgers and more.
● NEW VIP lounge area by Rolling Leaf Mobile Cigar Lounge; located beside the Georgetown & Scott County Museum along with a whole host of new craft vendors & local artists.
● Festival activities: Georgetown Community Hospital’s Colt & Filly Review Parade – the largest parade in the county (Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m.); The Grand Parade of Horses (Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.) Blessing of the Animals and Pet Parade (Sept. 8 at 1:30pm)
● There will be new and exciting street performers & roaming entertainment every day of the event including Ezra Papp Entertainment, The Balloon Man of Kentucky, and Sky’s the Limit Stilt Walking.
● Other festival events: On Saturday, Sept. 7, we will have the Scott County Public Library, Storytelling by Debra Kumar, Booiaka, Jazzercise Demonstration, Harrison County Boot Stompers, Ward Hall Historic Dancers, Georgetown Gentlemen Old Timey Baseball Game and Paws in the Pool on Sept. 8th
● Due to delays with the Farmers Market Pavillion, Amusement Rides by Fox Creek Amusements have been relocated from the City Hall Parking Lot to between the Justice Building & Scott County Attorney’s Office and will spill over into the Old Center of Town Parking Lot.
● Thrive Lactation and Feeding will be offering a private space at 104 North Hamilton for women and mothers during the festival. For more details please call 765-748-4452
● Sponsors include Country Boy Brewing, Georgetown Community Hospital, Hubbard Mechanical & Comfortmaker, Kentucky Utilities, Tipsy Cow Productions, Midas of Georgetown, Celebrate Georgetown and Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.
Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY
Festival website: www.FestivaloftheHorse.org | 502-863-2547 |
Date Friday-Sunday, Sept. 6-8, 2024
• 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
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ABOUT FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE | The Festival of the Horse has been a lively tradition in downtown Georgetown, celebrating the role of the horse in the heart of the Bluegrass, since the 1980s. This popular three-day event gives locals and visitors an opportunity to come together and commemorate horse heritage in the center of Kentucky Horse Country while listening to a variety of live music.
ABOUT GEORGETOWN, KY | Harness the fun in Georgetown, Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Sitting in the midst of Kentucky Horse Country, Georgetown is the (disputed) birthplace of bourbon and hometown of numerous horse-centric attractions – Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Whispering Woods Riding Stables, the Three Hill Farm Horsemanship Training Experience, the Steve Hockensmith Fine Art Gallery and Robert Clark Gallery – and events, including the Kentucky Three Day Event, Horsey Hundred, 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, craft breweries and distilleries, 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 15 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
Dylan Marson
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission
+1 844-863-8600

GEORGETOWN, KY – November 19, 2024 –
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism is proud to announce its recognition for excellence in marketing and promotion, taking home awards for three outstanding campaigns:
These award-winning campaigns highlight the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism team in promoting the unique charm, attractions, and experiences that make Georgetown and the Bluegrass Region a top destination for visitors.
"That’s Georgetown, KY for Ya" earned recognition for its exceptional graphics, which will be the foundation for our upcoming campaign. These visuals will be prominently featured on our new website, brochures, and other marketing materials, showcasing Georgetown's charm and character like never before.
The Bluegrass Region Joy Ride Campaign and Kentucky After Dark were multi-jurisdictional partnerships. The Joy Ride campaign included Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Scott and Woodford Counties. This collaboration brought together the unique assets of each county to craft campaigns that showcased the best of the Bluegrass Region. The initiative resulted in 777 million media impressions and served 18.4 million media IMPs, highlighting the best experiences the Bluegrass Region has to offer.
Kentucky After Dark, included Beattyville - Lee County, Brandenburg-Meade County, Cadiz, KY, Franklin - Simpson County, Cynthiana - Harrison County, Frankfort - Franklin County, Georgetown - Scott County, Harlan County, Henderson, KY, Hopkinsville, KY, Kentucky Lake, Lawrenceburg - Anderson County, Lexington, KY, Louisville, KY, Manchester, KY, Mayfield - Graves County, Northern Kentucky, Oldham County, Powell County, Richmond, KY, Somerset - Pulaski County. The campaign delivered 1.7 billion impressions and generated $16.08 million in earned media value, effectively showcasing Kentucky's unique paranormal experiences.
“That’s Georgetown, KY for Ya” captures the essence of Georgetown’s vibrant community, blending small-town charm with modern attractions. The Bluegrass Region Joy Ride Campaign showcases the region's scenic beauty and adventure. At the same time, Kentucky After Dark highlights the exciting folklore, lore and after-hours experiences across Kentucky.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible team behind Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, as well as our collaborative partnerships with neighboring communities,” said Lori Saunders, Executive Director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism. “We’re thrilled to see our campaigns resonating with visitors and earning recognition at such a high level. It’s a win for our team and everyone who loves Georgetown/Scott County, the Bluegrass Region, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
The awards reflect Georgetown/Scott County Tourism’s commitment to innovation in marketing and promoting the area’s unique culture, history, and attractions.
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and upcoming initiatives, visit www.georgetownky.com or follow us on social media.
Lori Saunders
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

GEORGETOWN, KY – November 19, 2024 –
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Georgetown, KY! There’s something about a small-town Christmas that engages the entire community and evokes a sense of nostalgia. Just think of it as a Norman Rockwell magazine cover sprung to life.
Georgetown may be a small town, but it has big plans for the holiday season ahead. It all kicks off Saturday, November 30th on Small Business Saturday. At least 23 downtown businesses – from boutiques and a beauty salon to restaurants and even a non-profit will offer extended hours in an effort to encourage shopping local.
One of those shops is Seeds & Saplings, a children’s store on East Main Street, whose owner Resa Browning is spearheading the effort. “It’s been proven that for every $100 you spend at a local small business, $86 is returned to the community in some fashion,” says Browning.
If Georgetown residents and visitors needed any more encouragement to “shop small,” the first 25 customers making a purchase at each participating store will receive a red and white Downtown Georgetown reusable bag.
Another participating business, A Common Thread, which specializes in custom apparel, has designed a special shirt which merchants have been encouraged to purchase and wear to show an added layer of unity.
On December 7th, the annual Home for the Holidays parade with this year’s theme, “Fairy Tale Winter Wonderland,” will take to the streets beginning at 6:00 p.m. “Again, we are suggesting shops and restaurants to keep their doors open before and after the parade with special candlelight hours from 5:00-8:00pm,” says Browning.
During the parade, however, all eyes will be on those taking part which include businesses, churches, hospitals, school groups and community leaders – all vying for an award given in one of three categories. “We will have the Spectacular Sparkles Award for the float with the most outstanding light display,” says Lori Saunders, Executive Director of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission. “Then there’s the Magic Spirit Performance Award,” she continues, “open to any entry that includes some form of entertainment. Finally, there’s the Jingle All the Way Award for the most outstanding marching/walking group,” adds Saunders.
The parade VIP, however, will be the man in the red suit himself. Santa Claus will make his way down the parade route on a fire engine (what with the reindeer resting up for what’s to come), and afterward he will usher in the start of the season with the lighting of the 18-foot cedar at the Scott County Courthouse, which is Georgetown’s official Christmas tree.
On December 15th, a brand-new event, the Holiday Hop and Help, will conclude the trifecta of special events. This one will not only provide another opportunity to tick items off your Christmas gift list, but will also provide support for Scott County’s non-profit organizations ranging from the Scott County Humane Society to Amen House, a local mission dedicated to ending hunger in the community.
Fifteen businesses have entered into the spirit of the season by choosing a community non-profit to support in a variety of ways. It's not just the non-profits who will benefit from the Holiday Hop and Help event. Cards will be handed out to shoppers who will then have them signed at each participating business. Afterward, a drawing will be held and three lucky shoppers will get an early Christmas present.
“Each will receive $100 in joint downtown Georgetown gift certificate which can be used at a participating business(es) of their choice,” says Browning. “This is just another part of our focus on giving back to our community,” she says.
And after all, isn’t giving what Christmas is all about?
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and upcoming initiatives, visit www.georgetownky.com or follow us on social media.
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Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is the Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting amid Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest-growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse, and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown has dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery, Blue Run Spirits Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 19 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and upcoming initiatives, visit www.georgetownky.com or follow us on social media.
Lori Saunders
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

GEORGETOWN, KY – December 20, 2024 –
The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (KACVB) recently held its 4th Quarter Meeting in Franklin, Kentucky, bringing together tourism professionals from across the state to exchange ideas, gain insights and recognize excellence in the industry.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Simpson County Judge Executive Mason Barnes, setting the stage for a day filled with engaging discussions and networking opportunities.
Meeting Highlights:
HR Panel: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Employees
Speakers included:
Presentations from the Kentucky Department of Tourism
• Kimberly Gester, Kentucky Department of Tourism, discussed the state’s Incentive Program.
• Nancy Turner, Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, provided updates on statewide initiatives.
Keynote: Building Relationships with Local Officials
• Rich Ornstein from the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACO) shared strategies to improve relations with local leaders.
Market Insights
• Tania Goeschi of STR/Costar presented data and trends to enhance marketing strategies.
Attendees also enjoyed unique activities highlighting Franklin's charm, creating memorable experiences, and connecting tourism professionals.
On the final day of the conference, the membership meeting recognized outstanding contributions to tourism with the following awards:
The meeting also marked the induction of the new slate of KACVB officers for 2025:
The association recognized Lori Murphy-Tatum for her leadership and dedication during her term as President, which significantly contributed to advancing KACVB’s mission and fostering collaboration among tourism professionals.
During the conference, KACVB members contributed significantly to the local economy, spending nearly $10,000 at local businesses and attractions.
KACVB remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting the Bluegrass State as a premier travel destination.
About KACVB: The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus is committed to supporting tourism professionals in advancing the industry through education, advocacy, and networking.
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and upcoming initiatives, visit www.georgetownky.com or follow us on social media.
Lori Saunders
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism

GEORGETOWN, KY – December 19, 2024 –
Lori Saunders, Executive Director of Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, has been named President of the Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (KACVB) for 2025. Lori brings years of experience in tourism and destination marketing to her new leadership role. As an active member of KACVB, she has worked alongside industry leaders to promote Kentucky’s unique attractions, drive economic growth, and support communities across the state.
“I am honored to serve as President of KACVB and continue the incredible work of this organization,” said Saunders. “I look forward to working with this fantastic team of officers to build on our collective success and strengthen Kentucky’s tourism industry.

The newly elected officers joining Saunders are:
• Vice President: Michele Allen, Somerset-Pulaski County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Treasurer: Abby Dixon, Henderson Tourist Commission
• Secretary: Amy Ellis, Franklin/Simpson County Tourism Commission
Lori Saunders succeeds Past President Lori Murphy, who led the association with exceptional dedication and vision. “Her hard work has laid a strong foundation for us to build upon, and I am committed to continuing that momentum to move Kentucky tourism forward,” Saunders added.
The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus represents tourism professionals across the state. They work together to promote Kentucky as a visitor destination.
“Lori’s passion for Kentucky and her proven leadership in tourism make her the perfect fit for this role,” said Traci Cunningham, a Past President of KACVB and Executive Director of Oak Grove Tourism. “Her vision, combined with her hands-on approach, will be an asset to our organization as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Cunningham added, “ Lori is not just a leader but a beacon of vision, guiding with wisdom and inspiring others to reach new heights together.”
The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (KACVB) is committed to supporting tourism professionals statewide through education, networking, and advocacy. With Saunders at the helm, KACVB aims to amplify the collective voice of Kentucky’s tourism leaders and ensure the industry's continued success.
“As President of KACVB, I am committed to being a strong advocate for Kentucky’s tourism industry at both the state and national levels,” Saunders said. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for our communities, and I look forward to working with legislators and stakeholders to ensure that our industry continues to thrive and receive the support it deserves.”
About KACVB
The Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting Kentucky’s tourism industry through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
For more information about Georgetown/Scott County Tourism and upcoming initiatives, visit www.georgetownky.com or follow us on social media.
Bailey Gilkerson, Associate Director
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission