Plus, see the renderings for 325 W. Main St.
 
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63º | 96% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. | Sunset 6:30 p.m.
 

We’ll take “Lexington” for 400

16 interesting facts about Lexington
lex-building-downtown
If you think you already know everything about Lexington, think again — keep reading to become a true Lexpert. | Photo by LEXtoday
Did you know burgoo is actually made with squirrels + blackbirds?

Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Lexington’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.

Either way, test your local knowledge with these 16 interesting facts.

Fact 1: Lexington holds a Guinness Book of World Records title for the largest gathering of people wearing hard hats — 2,136 people. The record was set at a UK men’s basketball game against Vanderbilt at Rupp Arena on Jan. 12, 2019. The hard hats were donated by local company Bullard.

Fact 2: Lexington is home to world’s first interstellar tourism campaign, sending a coded invitation to the TRAPPIST-1 solar system.

A cup of burgoo on top of a Keeneland catalogue.

The burgoo at Keeneland was voted as our readers’ favorite. | Photo by Becca Parington

Fact 3: Burgoo — a meaty soup staple found on menus around the city — was once made from blackbirds and squirrels. Thankfully, today’s version of the stew is made with beef, chicken, or pork.

Fact 4: The First African Baptist Church — founded in 1790 — is the third oldest African American congregation in the US, and the first established African American congregation in Kentucky.

Fact 5: The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team was the first team in college basketball history to win 2,000 games.

A young girl standing in front of a large pendulum clock inside the Lexington Public Library.

Time keeps on tickin’ tickin’ tickin’. | Photo courtesy of @frankfortkyfavs

Fact 6: Lexington’s downtown public library is home to the world’s largest ceiling clock. The five-story pendulum clock was built in 2001 and depicts the history of the horse in Kentucky.

Fact 7: For whatever reason, it’s illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket in Lexington.

Fact 8: Lexington was the first city in the US to launch a reenactment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video. It is performed downtown every year for Halloween.
City Guides are presented by VisitLEX.
8 more fun facts
VisitLEX
 
Events
Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Awesome Inc’s 5 Across | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 5-7 p.m. | The Mane on Main, 201 E. Main St., Lexington | $5 | Entrepreneurship, competition, and community collide as five local startups pitch for up to $5,500.
  • Bryant’s Open House | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 5-8 p.m. | Bryant’s Rent-All, 701 Red Mile Rd., Lexington | Free | Stop by to browse the latest designer looks in event planning — light bites will be provided.
Thursday, Feb. 29
  • “The 39 Steps” | Thursday, Feb. 29-Saturday, March 2 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Asbury University Greathouse Theatre, 1 Macklem Dr., Wilmore | $10-$15 | This suspense comedy retells Alfred Hitchcock’s spy thriller in a fun + farcical style.
Friday, March 1
  • Bourbon Date Night | Friday, March 1 | 6 p.m. | La Bonne Vie, 1060 Chinoe Rd., Ste. 108, Lexington | $168 | Taste the Bluegrass with a chef-led, four-course culinary experience + bourbon pairing.
  • Karaoke & Craft Night | Friday, March 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Luigart Studios, 110 Luigart Ct., Lexington | $5-$10 | LEX Creative ReUse invites you to dance, sing, and craft to your hearts content.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Coming Soon
  • According to an Instagram post, it looks like another speakeasy is appearing on the scene. This one comes to us from the hosts with the most at The Grove. So far, we know it will be an indoor, rentable space for small groups. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
Civic
  • The City of Lexington wants your input on current and future housing needs. Take this survey to share your thoughts on what types of housing units you think Lexington needs now or in the future.
Community
  • This Thursday, Feb. 29, the Public Input Subcommittee will meet at 10 a.m. to continue brainstorming ideas for public input events that take place outside of Council Chambers. The meeting will be held on the 5th floor of the Government Center + is open to the public.
Sports
  • The fan-favorite Blue-White Spring Game will return to Kroger Field on Saturday, April 13, tentatively scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Fans can choose to sit wherever they’d like in the lower bowl — for free — for the Wildcats’ spring showcase.
Kids
  • Registration is open for the brand new Kenwick Dancers program. Practices will be held at the Kenwick Community Center on Mondays + Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., where kids ages 8-13 will learn hip-hop and step dance forms.
Trending
  • If you’ve been to a game at Rupp Arena recently, you may have seen the Snackwards Cam. Well, now the whole world is seeing UK fans eat their gameday snacks backwards thanks to a few trending posts, garnering over 1 million views.
The Buy

The Buy 2.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.
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The Wrap
 
Molly Thompson in a black shirt

Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
Remember how we asked you to “Be the Broker” for 325 W. Main St.? Well, the first renderings have arrived, and let’s just say my jaw is on the floor. See for yourself.
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