City Editor Aaron’s favorite stories:

• Rocky the Dog | This story came to me from reader Jessica K. Rocky the Dog is a pet rock + neighborhood art piece that puts a smile on the face of all who cross his path.
• Will Harbut and Man O’ War | History pieces are some of my favorite to write. Researching and writing about these local legends was an honor and a pleasure.
• Leestown Coffee House | Lexington loves to support local. That’s just a fact. The owners of this coffee shop to a leap of faith to open their business, knowing that Lexington would show up to support them.

City Editor Molly’s favorite stories:

• Be the Broker | I love dreaming up businesses in the available buildings around town — it was fun to learn that y’all did the same thing.
• The Sorella Sisters | I really have loved all of the Q&As I’ve done, but getting a peek into the creative minds of Alma + Selma was just as sweet as their delicious gelato.
• Hank the Horse | I spotted Hank at JosephBeth Bookseller’s once and of course, had to learn more. Like Lexington, his story + Tammi Jo Regan’s mission are so heart-warming and beautiful.

Celebrate with us

• Paris Photography Club | Tues., Sept. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Paris-Bourbon County Library, 701 High St., Paris | Free | Meet with other photography enthusiasts to chat about projects, inspiration, and best practices. 📸
• Central Kentucky Improv | Tues., Sept. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Al’s Bar, 601 N. Limestone | $10 | Lexington’s premiere improv group will be performing short skits that are sure to make you laugh. 🎭

• Michler’s Oktoberfest | Wed., Sept. 28-Fri., Sept. 30 | 4-10 p.m. | Michler’s, 417 E Maxwell St. | Free, price of purchase | This Oktoberfest party takes place in the garden with live music, giant pretzels, and extra beer taps. 🍁
• “The Office” Trivia Night | Wed., Sept. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | Bluegrass Bistro, 1800 Newtown Pike | Free, price of purchase | Head to the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort’s restaurant to test your knowledge about your favorite Scranton, PA characters — the winning team gets a $50 food credit. ❓

• UK Jazz Ensemble and Lab Band | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Singletary Center, 405 Rose St. | $10 | Enjoy live jazz from UK students at this year’s inaugural concert. 🎷
• Swingin’ with Sinatra | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Boone Tavern, 100 Main St. North, Berea | Free, registration required | Lee Dean will be performing Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits including, “My Way,” “That’s Life,” and more. 🎶

• Festival Latino | Fri., Sept. 30 | 5-11 p.m. | Downtown Lexington, 120 N. Limestone | Free | Celebrate Latin American art + culture at this outdoor festival with live music, dancing, and authentic cuisine. 🎊
• Harrodsburg Oktoberfest 2022 | Fri., Sept. 30-Sun., Oct. 2 | Times vary | Main Street, Harrodsburg | Free, price of purchase | This street festival brings a gathering of art and beer enthusiasts and features live music, food, and shopping. 🍻

• West Sixth Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 1 | 11 a.m. | West Sixth Brewery, 501 W. Sixth St., Ste. 100 | Free, price of purchase | Enjoy locally-brewed German-style beers, live music, and food — with benefits going towards local nonprofit foodchain. 🍺
• Freaky Flicks: Hocus Pocus | Sat., Oct. 1 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd. | Free | Bring your blankets and chairs to watch the Sanderson sisters put a spell on the town of Salem. 🎞

• 66º | Sunny | 3% chance of rain

• Sawyer’s Downtown Bar and Grille will be reopening soon. An exact date hasn’t been announced, but the owner is aiming to have the popular downtown burger spot open at its new location, 140 W. Main St., before Big Blue Madness on Fri., Oct. 14. 🍔 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
• Today, the Lexington Public Library is celebrating the reopening of its Eastside Branch Makerspace, 3000 Blake James Dr. This free community resource uses science + technology tools to help Lexingtonians develop their problem-solving skills. An open house event will be held on Thurs., Sept. 30 from 3-5 p.m.

• Mark your calendars for the Council-at-Large Forum and Ice Cream Social happening on Thurs., Oct. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St. Ice cream will be served while community members get the opportunity to speak directly with At-Large candidates. (CivicLex)
• Lexingtonians can now request mail-in absentee ballots for state general elections that will be held on Tues., Nov. 8. The deadline to apply is Tues., Oct. 25 . Only citizens who meet certain requirements will be eligible to receive a mail-in ballot. View the requirements. 🗳

• Lexington has been awarded $4.2 million in grant funding that will allow the city to hire an additional 21 firefighters. This money will cover the staffing costs of the new firefighters for three years. 🚒 (WKYT)

• Lexington was recently featured on Wallethub’s 2022 list of “Best Cities for Vegans and Vegetarians.” On the list, Lexington ranked No. 10 due to its affordability, accessibility + quality of veggie-forward dining. If you’re looking for a few meatless munchie options, check out The Social Vegan, 101 W. Loudoun Ave., or Moody Mike’s food truck. 🥗

• Home sales across Lexington have declined for the second month in a row, the first time since 2020. Home sales were down 14% in the month of August across the Bluegrass. In general, sales have cooled down since June, when mortgage rates were as high as 6%. 🏡 (The Lane Report)

• The UK men’s basketball team will play its annual Blue-White Game in Eastern Kentucky on Sat., Oct. 22 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena, 126 Main St., Pikeville. All ticket revenue will go to those affected by flooding through Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief fund. Ticket information will be announced soon. 🏀 (UK Athletics)

• The YMCA of Central Kentucky is hosting its second annual Step Up for Kids event on Sat., Oct. 1 from 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Whitaker Family YMCA, 2681 Old Rosebud Rd. Walk your way to 100k steps in one day. Proceeds will help provide more childcare opportunities across the Bluegrass.

• Lexington’s Racial Justice and Equality Commission has been recognized as an Economic Equity and Inclusion Silver Award winner. The award highlights the commission’s work on its newest initiative — the Clean Slate Lexington Expungement Clinic and Job Fair, helping citizens restore voting rights + gain access to housing, education, and employment. (City of Lexington)

• Today is the last day of Rosh Hashanah, a two-day Jewish celebration of the New Year that started on Mon., Sept 26. Jewish community members use this time to reflect and celebrate with prayer, symbolic foods, and the blowing of a traditional horn called a shofar.

• Yesterday — Mon., Sept. 26 — marked 202 years since the death of Daniel Boone, the frontiersman + folk hero who became famous for his exploration and settlement of Kentucky. Daniel Boone is buried in Frankfort at the Frankfort Cemetery, 215 E. Main St., Frankfort. (Localtonians)
• Kentucky State Parks will be hosting the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Perryville, A Civil War Reenactment from Sat., Oct. 8-Sun., Oct. 9. The historical weekend will include lectures, guided tours, food trucks, and more.

• Football season is in full swing. If you’re headed to a game this fall, don’t forget to pack your game day essentials in a stadium approved bag. This clear crossbody with 8,000+ positive reviews is a must + we also love this trendy fanny pack option.*

• Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *

• A lodge
• Cabin rentals
• An on-site restaurant
• Zip lines
• Elk Tours
• Fishing
• Rock climbing
• Hiking