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60º | Mostly cloudy + rain | 69% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:51 a.m. | Sunset 6:53 p.m.
 

🐎 We’re off to the races
A rendering of the new Paddock Building.
A rendering of the new Paddock Building. | Photo courtesy of Keeneland
Keeneland announced its largest renovation project in the nearly 90 years it’s been in operation.

The $93 million project will bring brand new experiences to the grounds, including an on-site restaurant + bar, as well as improved saddling stalls for a safer equine environment.

A rendering of the interior of the Paddock area.

This rendering shows what the inside of the Paddock Building area could look like. | Photo courtesy of Keeneland

The new Paddock Building

Construction on the 100,000-sqft Paddock Building will begin in January 2024, where a three-story building will be erected where the current administrative building + Jockeys Quarters is located.

Racing fans don’t fret, meets and other experiences will continue to operate during construction.

Upon completion, it will host various ticketed experiences, offering amenities like:
  • Sit-down dining
  • New bar concepts
  • Panoramic rooftop
  • New jockeys quarters
  • Up to 1,400 additional tickets
Here, you’ll be able to enjoy views of Keeneland’s campus and get a front seat view as jockeys walk from the brand-new quarters onto the track.

A rendering of the new saddling stalls in the Paddock Building.

New saddling stalls aim to provide more room for both horses and jockeys. | Photo courtesy of Keeneland

Other improvements

To accommodate the new Paddock Building, Keeneland will also construct a two-story building that will help consolidate administrative offices, operations teams, as well as a still-in-development Visitors Center.

But the renovations go beyond the public and jockey experience — improvements to equine life are also in the works.

Current saddling stalls will be shifted to create a larger, safer environment for the horses, while also giving fans a one-of-a-kind view of the trusty steeds.

“The improvements to our saddling processes are not only functional in providing more space for horses and horsemen, but the results will offer unobstructed views to showcase the beauty and pageantry of our equine and human athletes,” said Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland.

Architectural firm Populous will help with the renovations, keeping true to Keeneland’s stonework-centric design.

The project, expected to total $93 million, has received approval from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority for incentives up to $23.2 million.

Keeneland projects the spaces will be completed by Fall 2025.
 
 
Events
Friday, Oct. 20
  • Cole Chaney | Friday, Oct. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $25.50 | See the last outdoor show of the year with this Eastern Kentucky folk musician.
  • Freaky Flicks | Friday, Oct. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St., Lexington | Join the parks department for hair-raising fun with a “Monster Mash” dance party + costume contest, followed by a showing of “Monsters Inc.”
Saturday, Oct. 21
  • Black Girl Joy Fest | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | Free | Come see the community work of the D.O.P.E. Black Girl Research Collective, including presentations, a planetarium show, and family-friendly fun.
  • Halloween Cocktail Class | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Spirited Lexington, 110 W. Vine St., Lexington | $65 | Sip your way get into the spirit by concocting your own Halloween-themed cocktails.
Sunday, Oct. 22
  • Barktober Fest | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 1-5 p.m. | The Summit at Fritz Farm, 120 Summit At Fritz Farm, Lexington | Free | Get the family and Fido in their spookiest Sunday best for a day of food trucks, a petting zoo, costume contests, live music, face painting, and more.
  • Fall in Love | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 4-6 p.m. | The Bodley-Bullock House, 200 Market St., Lexington | Free | Bring the whole family for a thrilling good time with balloon animals, trick-or-treating, and a showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Biz
  • Happy birthday, Belle’s Cocktail House. The rooftop bar that is a staple of downtown Lexington will ring in its 10 year anniversary with a weekend of activities beginning Thursday, Nov. 2. This includes a bourbon tasting fundraiser event + a party for the public on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Seasonal
  • Did you hear the gourd news? We’re extending the deadline for our 2023 Pumpkin Carving Contest. Don’t forget — traditional pumpkin carvings and designs will be accepted, but bonus points will be awarded to original and locally-themed designs. Be sure to submit your design before Wednesday, Oct 25.
Cause
  • The Cellar Bar & Grille is hosting “Rock Relief,” a benefit concert to support local nonprofit Greenhouse17 in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Bring your donations of shelf-stable foods, personal hygienic supplies, and kids’ clothes to 3256 Lansdowne Dr. tomorrow, Oct. 21 starting at 2 p.m.
Arts
  • Ready to step into the paranormal? Join the LexArts crew and Ken Boggle, star of Hulu series “Living for the Dead,” for the show’s Black Carpet premiere + after-party. Dress in ethereal attire and enjoy spirited refreshments alongside the ghostess with the mostess on Tuesday, Oct 24.
Plan Ahead
  • UK’s 2023 Curiosity Fair returns Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Here, members of the community are invited to participate in hands-on demonstrations + stop by informational booths to see what students are learning in their classes, research, and organizations. (UKNOW)
Sports
Eat
Shop
  • The cult-favorite brand of guys (and girlfriends everywhere) just released a new taming tool: The Lawn Mower® 5.0 Ultra. MANSCAPED®'s fifth generation groin and body hair trimmer features interchangeable dual SkinSafe® blades so you can trim first, then go completely smooth. Get 20% off + free shipping.*
Seasonal

🎄Sleigh bells ring

Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop moves to Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate for 2023 season
A wooden building with holiday greenery strung up
Farewell, Landsdowne Shoppes. | Photo by LEXtoday
Cue Andy Williams because, “It’s the holiday season.”

Last year, our favorite neighborhood holiday shop announced it will be moving from its longtime location at the Landsdowne Shoppes.

Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop revealed this week that for the 2023 holiday season, it will be set up at another favorite festive location — Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate — merging two pieces of Lexington history for one big bow-covered holiday season. Think: hot cocoa + cider, a live nativity season, trees, garlands, wreaths, and more.

While an exact open date has yet to be announced, based on years’ past, we can expect this annual tradition to open its doors mid-November.
The Buy

The Buy 10.20.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The French Terry Crewneck from Kennedy Gray. With its soft fabric, it’s the perfect piece to wear everywhere.
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The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat
From the editor
We’ve been loving the entries for our carving contest so far, but we knew we needed to give our readers some more time to really master their craft. We can’t wait to see what else y’all come up with.
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