Fast facts

• Constantine Rafinesque, originally from Turkey, was a professor of botany and natural science at Transylvania University from 1819-1826.
• During his time there, he published scientific names for thousands of plants + hundreds of animals. One of those was the Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat.
• Legend has it, Constantine often showed up late to classes or skipped them completely. He was eventually fired by then-college president Horace Holley.

Seven-year curse

• Horace Holley died in 1827, just one year after Constantine’s firing.
• The old Main Campus building, where Old Morrison stands today, burned down.
• There were cholera + influenza outbreaks on campus.

Present day

• A grab + go café called the Rafskeller
• The mascot, Raf
• Raf Week — which kicks off this Sat., Oct. 22 + runs through Sat., Oct. 29 — features hauntingly-fun student events including PumpkinMania + a raffle to spend the night in the tomb.

• Back to the Library Booktacular Silent Auction | Thu., Oct. 20 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 12 a.m. | Central Library, 140 East Main St., Lexington | Bid on unique items like “Game of Thrones” scotch, a kid’s birthday party at the Kloiber Foundation STEAM Lab, and more to support Lexington Public Library.*
• Art Start: Fun with Paper, Paint, and Play-doh | Thu., Oct. 20 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Tates Creek Branch, 3628 Walden Dr., Lexington | Free | Toddlers + preschoolers can create masterpieces as they explore the styles of three famous artists.
• Carrie Underwood | Thu., Oct. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Rupp Arena, 430 West Vine Street, Lexington | $39.50 - $150.00 | Plan the perfect date night out to see country music singer + multi-media superstar Carrie Underwood who’s in town for The Denim & Rhinestones Tour.

• Burlap & Birch Grand Opening | Fri., Oct. 21 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Rd., Lexington | Free | Celebrate the opening of Burlap & Birch at Fayette Mall with free gifts, exclusive discounts, drinks + snack, and more.*
• Tootsie | Fri., Oct. 21 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 West Short Street, Lexington | $60.00 - $140.00 | A laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater (intended for mature audiences) that tells the story of Michael Dorsey — a talented yet difficult actor who lands a life-changing role.

• Thriller + Halloween Parade and Festival | Sat., Oct. 22 | 4:30-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Lexington, 200 E. Main Street, Lexington | Free | The fan-favorite Thriller parade is back followed by the city’s Halloween parade + festival including food, drinks, tricks, and treats.
• Crafted at the Woodford Event Room | Sat., Oct. 29 | 5-9 p.m. | Woodford Event Room, 203 East Woodford Street, Lawrenceburg | A rotating lineup of artists from the Anderson County Arts Council including popular local musicians, with food trucks, craft brewers, distillers + wineries.
• Subaru’s Make a Dog’s Day | Sat., Oct. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | Quantrell Subaru, 1450 E. New Circle Road, Lexington | Free | Help make a dog’s day by providing or finding a home for adoptable dogs at Quantrell Subaru which will provide new parent kits and treats.

• Sangria Sunday | Sun., Oct. 23 | 1-4 p.m. | Wildside Winery, 5500 Troy Pike, Versailles | Free | Sip on local wine, including the Sunday special Spanish Sangria, while listening to the sounds of Trippin’ Roots.

• 58º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

• Another Homeownership Education workshop will take place tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stop by the Black and Williams Neighborhood Community Center to learn about code enforcement, home repairs, filing claims + mortgage and loan forgiveness. 🏠

• Do you have some sizzlin’ skills in the kitchen? Then consider entering the Southern Cookoff Challenge at Southern Deli & Tavern, 207 S. Limestone, next Mon., Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. For more information or to enter, email Joseph Lane. 🍳

• Mark your calendars for Thurs., Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. for the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers screening of “Outta the Muck” at the Living Arts & Science Center. The free event will also feature a Q&A with the directors. 📽️

• Congratulations to LEXPARK Executive Director Gary Means for being appointed Board Chair of the International Parking & Mobility Institute. IPMI is the largest + leading association of parking and mobility professionals. Read more about the designation here.
• Hank the Horse is heading to the Big Apple. Our beloved bell-ringing horse will be traveling to New York City this winter to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Also, don’t forget to vote for Hank in America’s Favorite Pet Contest. 🐴 (ABC36)

• NCAA men’s basketball media selected UK to win the SEC title — the 17th time they have been chosen as a preseason favorite. Also, congratulations to Oscar Tshiebwe who was named SEC Preseason Player of the Year. (UK Athletics)

• Local nonprofit, Military Missions, is collecting items to send to overseas military service members during the holidays. Items they are seeking include socks, trail mix, breakfast bars + coffee. Community members are asked to sign up to help. (WKYT)
• Both the men’s and women’s UK basketball programs are partnering with the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation to host a free skills clinic this weekend for underserved children in Lexington. Stay tuned for a registration link. 🏀

• Did you know? Regularly cleaning your gutters can help prevent ice dams and other forms of gutter damage. Men In Kilts Lexington is offering $25 off gutter cleaning + 10% off if you add another exterior cleaning service, like window cleaning, now through Wed., Nov. 30. Pro tip: Get a free estimate on services now and schedule the actual service later. 🪟*

• Ditch the ribbon and twine. Natural wreaths made with dried flowers, berries, and grains are trending. This southeast Etsy seller makes beautiful arrangements we love — like this timeless dried lavender wreath. If you’re looking for something a little more seasonal, peep this fall garden wreath. 💐*

Highlights

• West Sixth beer stein holding competition | Sign-ups will be available day of with separate heats available for men and women — there’s space for 12 people in each heat.
• Hair tinsel | Stop by Pelo Beauty Collective for complimentary hair tinsel installations + discounts on the salon’s services.
• Pretzel-eating contest | Test your stomach strength with some Bear & the Butcher’s snacks.

Music

• Tee Dee Young
• Dead Air Dennis and Brian Himes
• DeBraun Thomas

Eat + drink