AMERICA 250
LOUISVILLE CELEBRATES NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
PUBLISHER COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 431-3037
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
BETH BECKWITH MELISSA GIBSON GAVIN LAPAILLE
HELEN E. MCKINNEY
STEVE WISER
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (463) 842-1488
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR JOSH BROWN
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER ERIC NEER
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT SKYLAR ANDERTON
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT
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LUXURY MOMENTS
THE LUXE CART CO. ELEVATES EVENTS WITH MOBILE BAR EXPERIENCES
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
Kimberly Rankin has a habit of signing up her husband, Demetrius, for all kinds of new adventures. Her latest one might be the most ambitious yet. In the spring of 2025, the Rankins launched The LUXE Cart Co., a luxury mobile bar and cart rental company dedicated to turning everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Specializing
in elegant, photo-worthy dry-hire rentals, their carts elevate weddings, clientappreciation parties, showers and backyard gatherings with sophistication and ease.
A real estate broker by trade, Kimberly originally came up with the idea as a way to reward past clients and stand out in Louisville’s competitive market. What started as a thoughtful client-appreciation gesture quickly gained traction and grew into its own business.
“There are so many real estate agents in Louisville, so I wanted to stand out,” Kimberly says. “I started having parties on different holidays, so I got these carts to give back to my past clients. They were a hit, and
The LUXE Cart currently offers three signature options available for rentals. The LUXE Mobile Tap Bar can serve up to four different drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, cold brew, kombucha or lemonade) straight from taps, while the LUXE Champagne Cart is for elegant bottle service. The LUXE Champagne Wall is a statement-making display that holds 40 glasses in a stylish, photo-worthy way.
The carts have been used throughout Louisville, from events on the waterfront to corporate parties and milestone celebrations. The LUXE Cart primarily serves Louisville and southern Indiana but will travel further depending on the event.
The Mobile Tap Bar was built by a company
it started to become its own business.”
in Virginia, with Kimberly and Demetrius driving to pick it up. The Champagne Wall and Cart were created locally, and Kimberly had a hand in their design. All three can be customized for different events to match customers’ wishes.
“They’re mostly used for weddings and events like that, so I like the clean, white colors,” Kimberly says. “It’s something that can serve lots of different purposes with one style. I ask customers what their theme is. I have fake flowers and other decorations I can put on top of the cart if they want to make it fit their event perfectly.”
While the Rankins do not supply the alcohol, they partner with local vendors and can provide recommendations. The LUXE Cart team handles all setup and takedown, and they can arrange certified bartenders/ servers upon request to keep events running smoothly. Cold drinks (including nonalcoholic options) work especially well in the tap bar.
“It can be a bit of a cost savings for these events because everything is already put together,” Demetrius says. “Your wait time to be served is a lot quicker when you have four mobile taps rather than a bartender mixing drinks and taking one or two orders at a time. As long as you have an event with 20 people or more, the mobile tap bar works very well. The champagne cart, on the other hand, can feel more intimate.”
Kimberly typically manages bookings and marketing, while Demetrius is the “muscle” who handles transportation and keg setup. The couple has already learned a lot about operating the business while balancing two full-time careers and four children.
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“For the most part, it is just the two of us,” Demetrius says. “Some of it depends on our schedules, trying to juggle our jobs and family while making this successful. That plays into it logistically.”
Both Kimberly and Demetrius agree it’s been a fun experience working together and being part of their customers’ memorable events.
“I’m a very social person when it comes to real estate,” Kimberly says. “I network all the time and enjoy meeting new people. Usually when we are doing this, people are happy.
In real estate, sometimes it’s not so happy. It’s always a fun event, and people are in a good mood because they’re celebrating a milestone of some kind.”
“It makes you feel good when you have lots of people thanking you for being there,” Demetrius says. “They’re taking pictures with the cart and sharing them on social media. You’re there for multiple hours, but it goes so fast because people are always coming up to talk to me. I like to troubleshoot and think about what we can do to improve the experience next time. I don’t think we’ll quit our jobs, but it’ll be
something fun we can do together and share with other people.”
Long term, The LUXE Cart Co. plans to hire additional help to expand bookings and is considering a second mobile cart — perhaps one focused on coffee service rather than alcohol. The Rankins also hope to pass the business on to their daughter, who already joins them at events and is learning the ropes alongside them.
“Our goal is to help our daughter,” Kimberly says. “I’m training her to be our partner. A lot of these events could be for people her age. She knows a lot of people in the city as well. Demetrius and I are not going to be doing parties until midnight the rest of our lives, but we want something to leave to our kids — a business that is already set up that they can take over.”
For more information on The LUXE Cart Co. and how to book, check out its website at theluxecartco.org, call (502) 802-8495 or email theluxecartco@gmail.com.
Proudly Serving Your Loved Ones Greater Louisville & Surrounding Areas
Owners: Erica Kessinger, Dawn Mitchell, & Bob Tomek
REVOLUTIONARY ROOTS
LOUISVILLE MUSEUM BRINGS AMERICA’S FOUNDING ERA TO LIFE
Writer / Helen E. McKinney
It’s not in any of the places you would think it would be — Philadelphia, Boston or Washington, D.C. One of the most “truly American” museums centering on the Revolutionary War era is in Louisville, Kentucky.
The National Society Sons of the American Revolution Education Center & Museum is located at 809 W. Main St. and has been undergoing a major renovation. It is a place where you can learn about our nation’s past, see artifacts used in daily life 250 years ago, and research your Patriot ancestor.
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) was founded in 1889 and has since been headquartered in Louisville. A $30 million project, the expanded 10,000-squarefoot SAR Education Center & Museum will highlight the ideals of our patriot ancestors and tell the story of the American Revolution on the world stage.
Planned in preparation for America’s 250th birthday, visitors will be able to tour two
floors consisting of three galleries, 17 hightech interactive exhibits and a theater that will bring the past to life. The SAR’s national Genealogical Research Library, located next to the museum, houses one of the nation’s premier genealogical libraries, containing more than 50,000 books featuring historical lineage from floor to ceiling.
“The project is being completed in phases,” says Rae Ann Sauer, director for education and outreach at NSSAR. “By late fall, the museum will be open to select groups and the grand opening will be in early 2027.”
She says the museum is set to be “an immersive experience, where visitors are taken back in time to the sights, sounds and smells of the American Revolution.” She pointed out that there will be many digital interactive elements, which will also be available online for members and the public around the country to use.
Sauer says that to date, more than $28 million has been raised for this project over several years, including funding for the
SAR Genealogical Research Library. “$5 million of that money was a grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, while most of the rest was from private donors, most from out of state.”
Phil Bloyd, executive director for SAR, says the new museum and education center “represents a defining moment for the Sons of the American Revolution. We are incredibly fortunate to call Louisville home to this landmark institution, where the story of our nation’s founding will come to life for generations. This facility will significantly expand our capacity to deliver high-quality educational programming, engage broader audiences, and elevate the visibility of our mission across the country — ensuring that the ideals of the American Revolution continue to inform and inspire for years to come.”
The focus of the nonprofit SAR is to honor Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving communities, educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our
Zachary Distel, SAR
Rae Ann Sauer, SAR
Phil Bloyd, SAR Executie Director
country, and constantly seeking ways to preserve this American history. SAR members are very active, volunteering countless hours a year in their local communities to carry out this mission.
NSSAR is a congressionally chartered organization and one of the largest male societies in the country. Any male 18 years or older — regardless of race, religion or ethnic background — who can prove blood lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership in the SAR.
The SAR Genealogical Research Library is free for SAR members and $5 for the public. It is filled with resources for tracing family history, early American records and Revolutionary War connections. You’ll find family histories, state records and archives, along with online databases.
A plus to having the library and museum in Louisville is that “many Revolutionary War
museums are on the East Coast in cities such as Philadelphia or Boston. Many families in the U.S. may not be able to make it to those locations. However, Louisville is within a day’s driving distance of over half the country’s population, making it much more accessible to the average family,” Sauer says.
The crowning glory is that select premier 18th-century artifacts from the SAR collection will be on display to help tell the broader story of what life was like in 18th-century colonial America, she says. The basement has a climate-controlled room filled with artifacts from the American Revolution, including a signed document from 1776 by George Washington.
Zac Distel, SAR curator and director of collections, says approximately “10-20% of the collection will be on display at any given time. This is typical for museums, as a top priority is to preserve the collection for current and future generations. Artifacts will routinely be rotated to allow them to ‘rest,’
and so visitors will see something new each time they visit.”
Thanks to the generosity of SAR members from across the country, the vast majority of artifacts in the SAR’s collection have been donated, he says. “Such artifacts are evidence of the American Revolution and inform our understanding of those historical events.”
Close examination of each artifact leads us to “learn more about the people and events of the Revolution. What is this made of? How was it made? Who made it? When was it made? Where was it made?
Answering these questions about each artifact helps it tell the story of the American Revolution.”
Even though it seems a daunting task to select a portion of the museum’s collection to be displayed, Distel says a curator’s most difficult task is perhaps to “decide what will not appear in an exhibit. Each artifact that
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will appear in the new museum will have been meticulously selected and considered for its condition, the story it tells, and its ability to engage visitors and spark their interest in the American Revolution. So, yes, this is a difficult task but one that the SAR is very glad to grapple with.”
Kentucky played an important role in the Revolutionary War. While the SAR collection is not specific to Kentucky, Distel
says the society has a deep appreciation for the location of its museum and has worked hard to ensure it will tell the story of the Revolution in the West. For example, he says the SAR recently acquired a 1782 document signed by Daniel Boone that highlights the tumultuous months following the Battle of Blue Licks.
The location of the museum is equally important. The SAR National Headquarters
is on the outskirts of Fort Nelson. This was a fort built in 1781 by troops under Gen. George Rogers Clark. It was the second onshore fort erected on the Ohio River in the area that is now downtown Louisville.
“Artifacts related to Fort Nelson are very scarce, but the SAR was able to acquire a voucher written and signed by George Rogers Clark at Fort Nelson. It is remarkable to look at a document that is
nearly 250 years old and written less than 500 feet from headquarters!”
To add to the spirit of the era, a replica Liberty Bell will be featured in the museum, Sauer says. It is an exact replica of the original, made by Whitechapel Bell Foundry in England, the same company that made the original in Philadelphia. “The SAR wanted to take on this project to share its extensive collection of 18th-century documents and artifacts with the public.”
Through Labor Day weekend, visitors will be able to see a rare 1823 William Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence on display in the Craik Room of the SAR Genealogical Research Library. It is free to view in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
For more information, call 502-589-1776 or visit sar.org/headquarters.
AMERICA 250
LOUISVILLE CELEBRATES NATION’S 250th ANNIVERSARY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
The 13 colonies had declared rebellion against Great Britain in 1775, and the American Revolutionary War was already underway when the Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington its commander in chief. One year later, the Declaration of Independence was adopted unanimously in 1776.
This year, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
It’s the Semiquincentennial, dubbed America 250, and celebratory events promise to be bigger and better than ever — even happening long before and after our nation’s Independence Day, including county and state fair themes, holiday celebrations and special events, all with America 250 at the center.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro Council created the America250KY Committee in Louisville to plan, encourage, develop and implement events all year long, and they hope to highlight Louisville’s unique story and its contribution to the country in the process.
Whether you celebrate the Fourth of July with the traditional cookout and fireworks or look
for something new and exciting to do each year, there’s no doubt that July 4, 2026, will be a special one.
Over July 3-5, parks, businesses and towns in the Louisville area are hosting a variety of events you won’t want to miss.
• Celebrate Independence Day weekend with the first-ever J-Town Stars & Stripes Fest at 7 p.m. July 3 and 4 at Jeffersontown Amphitheater. Catch JD Shelburne with Brock Shoemaker on July 3 and The Crashers with Josh Logan on July 4. Tickets are $10 per person each evening.
• Kentucky Kingdom: Bluegrass & Booms — All weekend long, July 3-5, Kentucky Kingdom will commemorate Independence Day weekend with daily fireworks, unique food offerings, live music, extended operating hours and more.
• The Little Patriot Fun Run is at 4 p.m. July 3, starting at Independence Bank, 3901 Shelbyville Road, St. Matthews. As part of the River City Races Run 502 Series, participants younger than 9 are invited to run 49 yards or 84 yards depending on age. Tickets are $10 per person.
• Directly following is the St. Matthews Freedom
Fest from 4-9 p.m. July 3 on Westport Road. Kicking off the holiday weekend, visitors can enjoy live music, a kids area with games, military displays and local St. Matthews restaurants serving the public. More than 50 market vendors will be on hand, and proceeds benefit the St. Matthews Fire Department Benevolence Fund.
• The following morning, the annual Independence Day 5K will start at 8 a.m. July 4 at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave. Kick off the nation’s celebration and grab the entire family to participate in a decades-old walk/run race through the neighborhoods of St. Matthews.
• Trellis Brewing hosts Everyone Rides Together at 10 a.m. July 4, beginning and ending at 827 Logan St. The fifth annual cycling event offers a 24- or 34-mile route.
• Crescent Hill’s Fourth of July Festival, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4 at Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave., includes a full day of activities and entertainment, including an
art fair, food trucks, live music, a pet contest, cake-baking contest and, of course, fireworks at 10 p.m.
• The Waterfront’s Fourth of July Festival is from 5-10 p.m. July 4 at 129 E. River Road. Gather on the Big Four Lawn to enjoy family activities, the Waterfront’s Most Talented variety show produced in partnership with Jou Jou Presents, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. from a barge on the Ohio River.
• An America 250 Celebration from 6-10 p.m. July 5 at Wetherby Park, 11803 Old Shelbyville Road, will serve as a stop on the City of Middletown’s 2026 concert series. Enjoy live music by The Checkmates, bringing a patriotic flair to the evening, along with time spent with friends and family as the holiday weekend winds down.
HOW DID LOUISVILLE OBTAIN ITS OWN COPY?
Nearly 50 years after Thomas Jefferson and others signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, John Quincy Adams, son of signer John Adams and then secretary of state, hired William Stone to create an exact copy as the original ink had begun to fade.
It took him three years, but Stone perfectly copied the Declaration and its 56 signatures onto a copper plate for reprinting. In 1823, 200 copies on parchment paper were delivered to each of the original signers still living, the president, Congress, the Supreme Court, several Cabinet secretaries, each state and territory, and several universities.
Today, only 31 of those 200 copies are known to survive, and only one remains in Kentucky.
The family of William P. Mulloy donated it to Louisville in 1986.
CAMOUFLAGE CROAK EGGS FLOAT HABITAT HIBERNATE INSECTS LARVAE LEAP LILY PAD LUNGS MATING MUD PREDATOR RIVER SPECIES STICKY STREAM TONGUE TROPICAL WART WEBBED P F M S T I
THRILLS REMEMBERED
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT PARKS ONCE DEFINED SUMMER FUN IN LOUISVILLE
Writer / Steve Wiser
Shrieks and thrills are all part of the exhilarating experience of an amusement park. Getting away for a brief diversion from daily life is what these spine-tingling destinations are all about. Louisvillians have been enjoying these delightful escapes for more than 100 years. While Kentucky Kingdom’s ‘Lightning Run’ and ‘Wind Chaser’ are some of today’s exciting rides, ‘Shoot the Chutes’ and the ‘Comet’ were just as much fun in the early 1900s.
On April 27, 1907, the “White City” amusement park opened on 14 acres at the western end of Greenwood Avenue, adjacent to the Ohio River. Promoted as the “Coney Island of the South,” its attractions included the ‘Canal of Venice’ boats, a scenic railroad, a vaudeville stage and a bathing beach. The highlight was the ‘Shoot the Chutes,’ which had thrill-seekers sitting in a boat. This boat was then pulled up a steep ramp by a cable and released, plunging the screaming passengers into the lagoon below. It is not known if there were any restraining devices for the riders or how drenched they were afterward, but it definitely was a white-
knuckle E-ticket trip.
Louisville’s ‘White City’ was based on Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair Exposition, which was nicknamed the ‘White City.’ Like Chicago, Louisville’s White City had whitewashed structures that were lit by 250,000 lights. Throughout the nation, there were at least 27 additional White City amusement parks.
Just north of White City was an even grander and more famous amusement park: Fontaine Ferry. Named for Aaron Fontaine, who operated a ferry at the western terminus of Fontaine Ferry Road (now known as Market Street), Louisvillians have mispronounced the family name ever since as FOUNtian Ferry. It opened in 1905 by Hopkins Amusements of St. Louis. John Miller, who was responsible for planning the acclaimed Palisades Park in New Jersey, designed it.
Fontaine Ferry had more than 50 rides and attractions on 64 acres. A wooden roller coaster, roller-skating rink, an
extremely large swimming pool, a Ferris wheel, a carousel and, in later years, a gokart turnpike were some of the enticing attendance-getters. Besides these features, the park also had live entertainment by national celebrities such as trumpeter Louis Armstrong, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the John Philip Sousa Band, dancer Fred Astaire, vaudeville humorist Will Rogers, actress Mary Pickford and singer Frank Sinatra, among many others.
No visit was complete without a trip to ‘Hilarity Hall,’ an enclosed pavilion containing several feat-defying challenges like tumbling inside the rotating ‘Barrel of Fun,’ zooming down a steep slide on a burlap sack or spinning uncontrollably within a wooden bowl. Sam and Sue, two oversized jovial mannequins, greeted the daring guests.
Located next to the Ohio River, the 1937 flood inundated the grounds, causing the park to miss that season, but it reopened in 1938. However, during this racially segregated Jim Crow period, Fontaine Ferry
prohibited minorities from admittance until after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted.
Across the Ohio River in New Albany was a similar festive location that was more of a sports park than amusement. Glenwood Park, started in 1903, was located near the intersection of Spring and Beharrell streets. While it did have a carousel and miniature railroad, there were more athletic activities like baseball and football fields, tennis courts, fishing and swimming in nearby Silver Creek, as well as a theater and dance hall. A large Chautauqua tent offered educational displays and presentations.
For a more extended leisure pursuit, Rose Island upriver in Southern Indiana near Charlestown was the place to relax. David Rose, a Louisville printing company executive, purchased 118 acres of the former Fern Grove recreational camp in 1923. It wasn’t actually an “island” but a
White City
Creek and the Ohio River. Rose built a hotel, swimming pool, golf course, zoo (with wolves, monkeys and a bear), restaurant and dance hall. He also had 22 summer cottages constructed. Rose Island did have a carousel, pony rides and canoeing, but it was more of a resort than an amusement park. It was an extremely popular getaway with 132,000 visitors in 1932.
Traveling to Rose Island was an adventure in itself. A steamboat trip from the downtown wharf up past Six Mile Island and Twelve Mile Island on the Ohio River provided heightened anticipation for the soon-to-beenjoyed amenities.
And, in the early 1900s, when automobiles were not as prevalent, public transportation in the form of streetcars provided another
fascinating ride as part of the amusement park experience. The streetcar lines ran westward along Market Street to arrive at Fontaine Ferry and along Broadway to access White City. For Glenwood Park, an even more enthralling trip was had on the interurban rail line that went over the Ohio River via the Big Four Bridge and then around to New Albany. The Louisville and Southern Indiana Traction Company
owned Glenwood Park and thus benefitted in several ways from this unique logistical arrangement.
All four of these amusement parks were exceedingly popular, with crowds enjoying the summertime festivities. But within 50 years, they were mostly memories of a bygone era. So, what happened to these funfilled retreats of yesteryear?
Rose Island succumbed to the devastation inflicted by the flood of 1937. Attendance had already been negatively impacted by the Great Depression. The property was acquired during World War II for the ammunition plant. Today, the property is a city park for Charlestown. There are a few reminders still visible such as the swimming pool, which has been infilled with gravel, display plaques illustrating its past glory and namesake Rose Island Road near Prospect.
Glenwood Park closed in 1935, prior to the flood. Its land was developed into a
residential district with streets named Glenwood Court and Glenwood Park.
White City only lasted two years, from 1907 to 1909. Due to its much smaller size compared to its neighbor Fontaine Ferry (14 acres versus 64 acres), it couldn’t compete and struggled financially. It was sold in 1910 and renamed ‘Riverview Park.’ This successor met the same fate, closing prior to the 1913 season. A residential development was built there, with one of the streets named ‘Riverview Avenue.’
Fontaine Ferry had the longest run, 64 years, from 1905 to 1969. On opening day, May 4, 1969, vandals ransacked the park and robbed some of the staff and patrons. Fearing further damage, along with guests’ safety being compromised, management decided to immediately close it permanently. The park was sold and reopened as ‘Ghost Town on the River’ in 1972, but eventually closed after the 1975 season. The City of Louisville purchased
the property in 1981. The Fontaine Estates neighborhood was built in the late 1990s along with the Shawnee Sports Complex. Only the concrete foundations for the Comet roller coaster may still be visible as remnants of this fondly remembered vibrant location.
Louisvillians today can get their excitement locally at Kentucky Kingdom, located at the Fairgrounds, or drive two hours north on I-71 to Kings Island, or travel to Holiday World, which is just over an hour west on I-64. But ‘Shoot the Chutes’ and the wooden roller coasters of 100 years ago elicited just as many shrieks and thrills.
Steve Wiser is a local historian, author and architect.
Rose Island
ROAD TRIP READY
EIGHT NEARBY GETAWAYS WORTH THE DRIVE
If it’s time for a change of pace and something new, there are adventures just around the corner. If you’ve been sitting at home wondering what to do or where to go, consider a nearby road trip. If you’d like to get out of the house, dust off your shoulders and come back home with new trinkets for the kids, here are some trip ideas for you. Don’t worry — each location listed below is within a half-day drive of Louisville. Get ready to pull out a nice outfit, comfy shoes and a camera!
BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY
You could start in Bardstown, a charming place steeped in engaging history. Visit the historic downtown area, try some bourbon and explore My Old Kentucky Home State Park. It’s the perfect spot to soak up some Kentucky charm. Don’t forget to catch the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September, featuring bourbon tastings and live music.
HAZLETON, INDIANA
If you’re willing to skip a hop, beat and a jump over into Indiana, there’s a privately owned location you can visit for free: the awardwinning Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Located near Petersburg in Gibson and Pike counties, this scenic site is often used to host weddings and offers nature trails. It is open annually from April 1 through June 1 and is a premier Southern Indiana destination. It has been recommended to visit when the flowers are blooming at their peak. Be sure, once you’re on the paths, to scavenger hunt for a lake and a stone arch.
PADUCAH, KENTUCKY
Paducah is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. With its rich heritage and thriving arts scene, the city has a unique vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah brings art, culture and heartwarming experiences to life.
Check out Hotel Metropolitan, a stunning historic hotel that has been restored to its former glory and now serves as a hub for creatives and travelers alike. As a key stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, it hosted music legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner, and now operates as a museum.
Also be sure to stop by the Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum, located at 631 Kentucky Ave. in Paducah. This 1852 Greek Revival home served as the residence of Confederate Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman from 1852 to 1861. Today, the site operates as a museum focusing on Western
Writer / Beth Beckwith
Kentucky’s Civil War history.
Both spots are steeped in local legend and happen to be haunted. If you’re feeling brave, you might just catch a glimpse of a ghostly guest. Haunted Discoveries recently made a haunted discovery there that can soon be found on YouTube for free.
If you get the chance, stop in at the Paducah Quilt Show in April, featuring stunning quilts and live music.
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Lexington is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Explore the downtown area, visit the Kentucky Horse Park and take a bourbon tour with your loved ones. They’ll be sure to enjoy the charming shops and restaurants. You can catch the Kentucky Horse Show in August, featuring top-notch equestrian competitions.
CINCINNATI, OHIO
If given the chance, check out the Cincinnati Music Festival in July to enjoy good food, good vibes and live music.
One other recommendation is to visit the nearby aquarium and the adjacent popular courtyard area. If you have kids, they’ll love the train ride that passes through while you sip on a hot mocha or grab a bite to eat as you watch it roll by.
Cincinnati is a city with a lot of character. Don’t miss a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo. Explore the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and try some famous Cincinnati chili. It’s a fun little skip and a jump from Louisville for a day trip.
Mammoth Cave is a natural wonder with breathtaking underground tours and aboveground hiking trails. Take a guided tour to explore the cave’s majestic chambers, book a canoe excursion or check out Dinosaur World.
If you catch it in time before summer is far behind, you can join the park’s annual Candlelight Tour in December for a unique winter experience.
RED RIVER GORGE, KENTUCKY
Red River Gorge is a nature lover’s paradise with scenic views, hiking trails and the iconic Sky Bridge. Explore the Daniel Boone National Forest and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Catch the Red River Gorge Festival in May, featuring live music and outdoor activities. Ask the locals about their favorite nearby pizza joint and they’ll likely all say the same thing. Plus, you’ll make some new friends.
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE
Beyond its striking park-like setting, the cave stands out as one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Eastern Woodlands. People have visited Dunbar Cave for thousands of years, and its walls hold significant Mississippian Native American artwork from the 14th century.
Spanning 144 scenic acres, the park features hiking paths, wildlife-watching opportunities, picnic areas and guided cave tours during select seasons.
To the Mississippian communities who lived near the Red River in the 14th century, and possibly to others as well, Dunbar Cave was considered sacred ground. While it is a tangible place you can walk into, Mississippians saw it as a literal gateway to the Underworld, the realm believed to lie beneath our own. They left behind numerous images on the cave walls, some sketched in charcoal and others etched directly into the limestone.
Research shows that play is essential for your child’s development. It sparks curiosity, boosts motivation, and nurtures creativity. Through play, children explore, experiment, and develop key cognitive and emotional skills for lifelong success.
Join us at Providence CCPS to see how our professionally facilitated, play-based program for infants to prekindergarten can unlock your child’s full potential.
Call 502-267-4249 to schedule a tour or visit www.providenceccps.com to learn more.
Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville, TN offers something special year-round.
We may not know the exact meaning behind every drawing, but those symbols still carry spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples of the Southeast.
Clarksville was founded along the Cumberland River, and the waterways remain the heart of the community today. They make Clarksville a regional destination for water sports like boating, fishing, skiing, kayaking and canoeing.
Clarksville also offers plenty of petfriendly hotels, so bring Fido along if desired.
When at these locations, asking locals what’s new or what’s going on that day could be exactly what you’re looking for to create a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.
So go ahead — take a drive, book a room and find the key to your next adventure. Be sure to come back with a story!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1
CHICAGO
625 S. 4th Street
Louisville, KY
8 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00pm. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket. Dates, times, prices and Artist are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the venue website closer to your event date for the latest information. Use of personal cell phones for pictures are allowed at the discretion of the show. No Professional Cameras, Flash Photography, Audio or Video Recording of any kind are permitted.
3
RED NOT CHILI PEPPERS
611 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY
8 p.m.
The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket. Dates, times, prices and Artist are subject to change without notice. Personal cameras are allowed at the discretion of the artist. No Professional Cameras, Flash Photography, Audio or Video Recording of any kind are permitted. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026
JULY
SPOON & THE BETHS: US TOUR 2026 PRESENTED BY WFPK
1080 Amphitheater RD
Louisville, KY
7 p.m.
This is an ALL AGES event.
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CRUISE-E-OKE
Louisville, KY
7 p.m.
You’ve tried karaoke… but have you tried Cruise-eoke? Grab your crew and hop onboard for a cruise that’s as entertaining as you are–because you are the entertainment. Get ready to leave your troubles behind and sing your heart out.
WILD LIGHTS AT THE LOUISVILLE ZOO 2026
Louisville, KY
7-10 p.m.
May 15 – July 26, 2026 Thursdays – Sundays only
Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly. Route closes at 11:30 p.m.
This year’s festival debuts a brand-new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays across four immersive themed realms: Magical Forest, Magical Ocean, Pre-Historic Animals, and Wondrous Asia. Brought to life with vibrant colors and larger-thanlife sculptures, nearly every spectacular display you’ll encounter in 2026 is completely new, ranging from glowing wildlife to mythic scenes. Tickets vary from $16 to $35.
4
WATERFRONT PARK FOURTH OF JULY
Waterfront Park TurfMutt Great Lawn 1101 E River Rd
Louisville, KY
5-10 p.m.
Join us at Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 4, for a festive celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. Festivities begin at 5:00 PM with family-friendly activities and a live DJ and spectacular fireworks display over the Ohio River at 10:00 PM.
Event Schedule:
5:00 p.m. – Family activities and live DJ
5:00–8:30 p.m. – Kosair for Kids Children’s Area featuring family-friendly games and activities focused on science, music, art, and nature
10:00 p.m. – Fireworks over the Ohio River
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NATURALISTIC GARDENING
3033 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY
10 a.m.
Using Native Plants & Eco-Friendly Methods to Create a Sustainable Landscape/Garden that Pleases You & Critters Too!
KILLER QUEEN - A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN FT. PATRICK MYERS AS FREDDIE MERCURY
625 S. 4th Street
Louisville, KY
8 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket. Dates, times, prices and Artist are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the venue website closer to your event date for the latest information. Use of personal cell phones for pictures are allowed at the discretion of the show. No Professional Cameras, Flash Photography, Audio or Video Recording of any kind are permitted.
LOUISVILLE WATER TOWER & WATERWORKS MUSEUM OPEN DATE
3005 River Rd, Louisville, KY / Noon-5 p.m.
Explore 165 years of history at the Louisville Water Tower and WaterWorks Museum. Located inside the original 1860 pumping stations, public visits feature historic films, memorabilia, a giant steam engine, and tower tours. Visit the second Sunday of each month from noon–5 p.m. (tours start at 1 p.m.). Valid ID and credit card required.
16 RIVER TALES OVER COCKTAILS: “PIRATES, TREACHERY, BATTLES, AND ESCAPES”
5700 Captains Quarters Road Prospect, KY / 5 p.m.
History Cocktail Cruise aboard the CQ Princess
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
22
AN EVENING WITH BAND OF HORSES AND DINOSAUR JR.
1080 Amphitheater RD Louisville, KY / 8 p.m.
This is an ALL AGES event.
23
THE PARKLANDS WALKING CLUB (SYCAMORE TRAIL)
Marshall Playground and Sprayground Louisville, KY / 5:30 p.m.
Join the free Parklands Walking Club twice a month for leisurely, community-focused hikes, rain or shine. No registration is required. Morning sessions meet at 8:30 a.m. (starts 8:45 a.m.); evening sessions meet at 5:30 p.m. (starts 5:45 p.m.). Always check our website for weather alerts. Upcoming Hike: On July 23rd at 5:30 p.m., meet rangers at the PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park for a 1.3-mile round-trip walk along the dirt Sycamore Trail.
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NOTABLE LOUISVILLE WOMEN AND THE SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT GOLF CART TOUR
701 Baxter Ave. Louisville, KY / 10 a.m.
Some of the most prolific change in society can be attributed to the leadership of women. Contributions of these wonderful leaders range widely- from education, to suffrage-related causes, writing, and much more! As a matter of fact, much of the change brought about by the women in Cave Hill Cemetery impact us tremendously today. We invite you to come learn about these leaders in society during a walking tour with docent, Gwen Rogers.
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LOUISVILLE BATS VS. INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS
401 E Main St. / Louisville, KY
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WFPK WATERFRONT WEDNESDAY
Over the Rhine (with full band) Abby Hamilton, Young Artist Showcase winner (6:00 p.m.) 1101 River Road Louisville, KY
5 p.m.
91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.
HOME CUISINE, LOUISVILLE’S LOCAL & HEALTHY MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE, HAS BEEN PREPARING DELICIOUS, CHEF CRAFTED MEALS FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS.
Are you ready for the ease of fresh (never frozen) meals prepared with the finest LOCAL ingredients, delivered right to your front door? Pick between Classic, Paleo, Vegetarian or Keto meals; ready for you just hours after preparation. Sandy Pike (Former Owner of Jack Frys, Cafe Society, and The Queen of Tarts) Has been impressing Louisville with her recipes for 40+ years. Hop online and place your order today.
HOPEFUL HEARTS
LOCAL NONPROFIT IMPACTS CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD
Writer / Melissa Gibson
In the early 1990s, Bob and Kathy Drane were living a somewhat ordinary and traditional life. Bob’s career afforded the Dranes a nice home and, even after eight years of infertility struggles, the couple were able to have a daughter, Jessica.
They were members of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville and, out of the blue in 1993, Bob — the one who didn’t enjoy traveling — signed up to go on a mission trip to Ukraine for 18 days with other church members.
“He came back and was never, ever quite the same,” Kathy Drane said. “He became super involved in mission work; led groups of 20 or more to China, India, Sudan — he just fell in love with missions.”
Kathy took a little more prodding. Their daughter was in grade school and life was busy.
Finally, in 1997, Bob gifted Kathy and Jessica passports and tickets to Ukraine for the spring of 1998 and it’s safe to say it changed the Dranes’ lives forever.
“I went with a bad attitude. I didn’t really want to be there, but on the last day of our
trip, we went to the state-run orphanage for children. They were no older than three and a half or so. Bob’s team had done work there and he wanted us to meet the director,” Drane said.
The visit went well and as they walked away, Drane recalls her daughter calling her back toward the orphanage to see two identical twins, Olla and Natasha, who were “precious.” However, Drane was 47 years old, had recently healed from back surgery and felt the dream of having a sibling for Jessica was long gone.
“Jessica was saying we should take these twins home. She said, ‘We have such a big house for just three people. Why is your heart so hard?’ I dismissed it but back at home, back at work and school, this feeling would not leave me alone,” Drane said. “I kept hearing her words: ‘Why is your heart so hard?’”
The family started the process of adopting Olla and Natasha in June.
Drane believed the girls to be around 10 months old at just 16 pounds apiece and in 9-month clothing, but the twins were two and a half at that time — a sure sign of malnutrition.
They received approval for adoption in October, but by then, Natasha had developed an upper respiratory infection and had passed away.
“Due to inadequate conditions in the
orphanage, severe winter weather and no one caring enough to buy a $10 prescription for penicillin, a little child died,” Drane said.
They returned to Ukraine to adopt Olla and Drane said she’s been the light of the family over the past two decades. It was a decision Drane never regretted, but it also led to something she would have never expected.
Drane began sharing her story and the process she and her husband took toward adoption. As word got out, she began receiving phone calls from families who
were dealing with infertility and interested in adoption from all over the country.
“I started hosting groups at the church. I couldn’t continue talking to each individual family like I did in the beginning, so in the long run, as I helped other families, I traveled back and forth to Ukraine with couples, eventually placing more than 600 children with families in the U.S. over an eight-year period,” Drane said.
Many of those families, in turn, wanted to give back and help too.
That’s where Hopeful Hearts comes in.
Instead of aiding in adoption, Drane founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at working with abandoned and at-risk children all over the world.
“We provide medical, nutritional and educational assistance. We’ve put braces on their teeth and sent them to school and have paid for college. From our standpoint, most importantly, we’ve taught them about Jesus,” Drane said.
Today, Hopeful Hearts has made an impact in seven countries: Ukraine, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kenya and India.
They partner with an organization already
established, such as an orphanage or nonprofit located in those countries, and help wherever they can.
“We’re meeting people where they are and providing what they need when needed,” Drane said. “We go to each location at least once per year and often do a VBS for the kids with arts and crafts, Bible lessons, games and fresh food.”
For example, one of Hopeful Hearts’ latest partnerships came when a gentleman from Myanmar reached out. He told them since Myanmar doesn’t have state-run orphanages, he had taken 51 children in from off the street.
“We purchased 15 acres and built a house on each acre. Each house holds a set of
house parents and 20 to 25 children. They have to earn their own money, but we provide free housing and their rice supplement for the month,” Drane said. “Now, we support more than 400 kids in Myanmar.”
The children were in need of bicycles in the small Christian village Hopeful Hearts was able to develop, but the nonprofit knew they couldn’t afford such an expense.
“We reached out to some of our supporters and within a matter of months, we had more than 470 bicycles delivered in Myanmar. It looked like the Tour de France,” Drane said. “We’ve also been given the opportunity to support children who are refugees from the war in Russia and Ukraine.”
Drane couldn’t have imagined the path created from a visit to an orphanage and adopting a young girl in need to caring for thousands around the world.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride; quite a life I would have never dreamed for myself or my family. We only have one paid employee, the rest of us are volunteers and it’s a passion,” Drane said. “We’re just a small grassroots nonprofit. We’re not flashy. We’ve just got a lot of people who love the Lord and love these kids and feel like we need to do something.”
Visit hopefulheartsfoundation.org for more information or to donate support to the Hopeful Hearts mission.
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