The Olympic Rings standing proudly at Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville in April 2023. | Photo via Monica Garske, 6AM City
Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones. Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up 10 Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Lexington, KY that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Masai Russell, Track & Field: 100-meter hurdles This former Wildcat is heading to her first Olympics and along the way, broke the US Olympic Trials record that Gail Devers has held for 24 years. Fun fact: Russell will be competing against her assistant coach from UK, Devynne Charlton, who is representing the Bahamas in the 60-meter hurdles.
Devin Booker helped Team USA win gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. | Photo by Gregory Shamus of Getty Images
Devin Booker, Men’s basketball Despite only playing at UK for one season, Booker is a Lexington favorite after helping the Cats go 38-1 and advance to the Final Four during the 2014-2015 season. In the NBA, he’s played nine seasons for the Phoenix Suns, made four NBA All-Star appearances, and is playing in his second Olympics.
Bam Adebayo, Men’s basketball Fresh off signing a three-year extension with the Miami Heat, Adebayo is making his second Olympic appearance.
Lee Keifer, Fencing This Lexingtonian + Wildcat alum is already a three-time Olympian and gold medalist. And to really sweeten the news, she’ll be competing alongside her husband and fellow fencer, Gerek Meinhardt.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Track & Field: 400-meter hurdles + 400-meter sprint Despite only donning blue + white for one year, we are honored to have been called home during McLaughlin-Levrone’s decorated career. At age 24, she already has two gold medals from the 2020 Olympics + set the Olympic Trials record for the 400-meter hurdles (for a second time) at 50.65.
Networking After Hours | Wednesday, July 17 | 4:30-6 p.m. | The Manchester, 941 Manchester St., Lexington | $25 | Join Women Leading Kentucky for an evening of networking with fellow community business leaders at the rooftop bar, The Lost Palm.
4th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest | Wednesday, July 17 | 7 p.m. | Boonedogs, 5902 Old Richmond Rd., Lexington | Free | Sip on craft beer + listen to live music as you cheer on the contestants who will eat as many hot dogs as they can stomach for a chance to win prizes.
Thursday, July 18
Thursday Night Live | Thursday, July 18 | 5-8 p.m. | Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head downtown for the perfect post-work wind down featuring live music, drinks, and food vendors.
Intro to Hiking/Backpacking | Thursday, July 18 | 6-7 p.m. | Shillito Park, 300 W. Reynolds Rd., Lexington | Free | Bring your questions and sense of adventure as parks staff teach you how to prepare for the outdoors including map reading, equipment fitting + more.
Friday, July 19
Distillery Dash 5K/10K | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd., Lexington | $35-$45 | Choose your distance, 5K or 10K, then stick around for a post-race party with live music, bourbon tastings, and food trucks.
Saturday, July 20
Sip + Shop | Saturday, July 20 | 2-8 p.m. | Distillery District, 1170 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Come out and shop from ~40 creative vendors + listen to a live band courtesy of Kentucky Pop-Ups.
Carson’s at Andover announced its new venue, Events at The Hudson, is now open. Located at 3450 Todds Rd., the space is ideal for wedding rehearsals + receptions and corporate events, serving up those southern comfort favorites from the local restaurant. We’re excited to keep our wedding venue guide growing.
Legacy
Beloved community member and priest Father Norman Fischer died unexpectedly while helping at the Catholic Heart Work Camp in Delaware. Father Fischer was the chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School for nearly 20 years + served as the pastor at St. Peter Claver Church. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Drink
Goodfella’s in the Distillery District is unveiling a new Patio Tiki Bar menu this Saturday, July 20, 7-10 p.m. Stop by the Wiseguy Lounge upstairs to enjoy live jazz + funk music from J.J. Band while sipping on a Spirited Warrior, featuring Michter’s Rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, allspice, and pineapple.
Outdoors
Calling all night sky nature lovers. Shaker Village is hosting a special community science project in honor of National Moth Week. Join the team on Saturday, July 27 at 8:30 p.m. for the 2024 Moth Hike: Exploring Nighttime. Don’t forget your flashlights.
Travel
Lex Vegas meet Las Vegas. Nonstop flights from LEX to Las Vegas are available on Allegiant now through Sunday, Aug. 11. The route will take a brief hiatus, then return on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Drink Up
Drink Up Week — a celebration of our city’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming up quickly from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. We asked local businesses to join the fun by sharing drink deals; check out this map of promos that are poppin’ just for the occasion.
Finance
Navigating the myriad choices and strategies of finance + investing can feel as complex as deciphering the nuances of a fine bourbon. To help, American Trust Wealth created a guide that explores the art of managing wealth for investors — read it here.*†
Health
Did you know?Baptist Health Hamburg is now open, offering 24-hour emergency care, free valet parking, an on-site pharmacy, outpatient imaging and labs, an ambulatory surgery center, cancer center, and physical therapy in a location that’s easy to access. Learn more about providers, test results and services.*
Seasonal
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s Christmas in July, and we’re celebrating by gifting new and returning advertisers with special promotions to get your message in front of our readers. Get in touch to learn more (read: open your present).
The rounded arches throughout the property are inspired by bourbon barrels. | Photo by LEXtoday
The Manchester is more than just a beautiful boutique hotel. It actually could be your new favorite hangout — and not just for its eye-catching lobby + sweeping rooftop views — but for its weekly lineup of happenings.
Tuesday
Bourbon Tasting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | $40 per person Toast to our state’s treasured beverage with samples from regional distillers.
Wednesday
The Manchester Cinema Series, 8 p.m. | Free, price of purchase Watch a classic movie under the stars in the Granddam’s cozy courtyard.
Thursday
Trivia, 7:30 p.m. | Free, price of purchase Soak in those skyline views as you + your team try your hand at trivia.
Friday
Rooftop Sessions, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Free, price of purchase. Head to the rooftop bar for creative libations + grooving in the moonlight to a live DJ set.
Saturday
Bourbon Tasting, 2-3 p.m. | $40 per person Rooftop Sessions, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Free, price of purchase
I’m so excited because the Lexington Humane Society extended the deadline for its Perfectly Imperfect Pet Art Fundraiser to next Monday, July 22. Be sure to reserve your spot for a hand-painted portrait of your four-legged bestie.
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