Now in its 11th season, the light and music show boasts more than 15,000 individual lights. | Photo provided by Kayla Jones
Like so many holiday traditions, it started with a childhood memory. “When I was younger I had more vision.” Said Lexingtonian Ryan Jones, “I could see Christmas lights at night.” Recapturing that holiday magic from his youth, Jones hosts the Jones Family Christmas Light and Magic Show, celebrating 11 years this season.
Meet the Joneses
Jones, who is blind, is Vice President of Software Product Management at Visepro, a company that makes assistive technology. Also a drummer, Jones is a lifelong music lover. He credits his understanding of technology and music as sources of confidence that a synchronized light show could succeed.
The first show in 2014 was simply a proof of concept, with one song and a few hundred lights. Flash forward to this year, where the community can enjoy a 30-minute extravaganza featuring six songs from Trans-Siberian Orchestra and an untold number of lights — Jones lost count around 15,000.
When asked what he wants Lexingtonians to take away from this “gift to the community,” Jones had just one word — “hope.”
“Fancy and Frugal: Quilts of the Great Depression” | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | Central Library Gallery | Free | Wrap yourself up with history as you browse through an exhibit of handmade quilts from the 1930s.
Lexington Premiere of “Flow” | Friday, Dec. 6-Thursday, Dec. 12 | Times vary | Kentucky Theatre | $9.25+ | This brand new animated adventure is perfect for audiences of all ages + a portion of every ticket sold will support the Woodford Humane Society.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Grinch Week | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Amsden, Versailles | Price of purhcase | Relive the magic of this holiday classic with Grinch-inspired crafting, storytime, and snacks + photo ops.
Krampus Art Market | 5-10 p.m. | Villainous Gaming Pub | Price of purhcase | Browse original crafts from hometown artists + vendors while diving into Detroit-style pizza from Rise Up food truck.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Second Annual Holiday Party | 12-4 p.m. | The Studio, Nicholasville | Free | Enjoy sweets, sips, and shopping during this yearly celebration featuring a photo booth, bourbon + Kentucky Derby ornaments that are sure to go faster than Secretariat.
Slay Bells – A Holiday Drag & Variety Show Spectacular | 4-8 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center | $40 | Featuring a silent auction, live music, and a cash bar, this drag + variety show benefits Moveable Feast so you can feel fabulous as you support a worthy cause.
Frisch’s Big Boy is reported to close at least 12 of their restaurants across Kentucky, due to unpaid rent. Both Lexington locations of the regional diner chain are expected to close their doors, though it is unclear when — so go get a Big Boy while you can. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
The GoodGiving Challenge ends tonight at midnight — don’t miss your last chance to support Lexington’s favorite charitable + nonprofit organizations. At the time of publication over $1.8 million has already been raised.
Opening
Get ready for another on-the-go pick-me-up spot, because Lexington is getting a new drive-thru coffee shop. Dunkin Donuts is expected to open later this month in the former LaRosa’s spot on Richmond Road. This will be the fifth location of the coffee chain in town. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Arts
Kentucky’s first sculpture park is celebrating 15 years of outdoor art. Register now for the “Joy Full: Gratitude Gathering” at Josephine Sculpture Park on Sunday, Dec. 8. While there you can explore 70+ art installations, four miles of walking trails, and a 40-acre park. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Tech
Governor Andy Beshear plugged Kentucky’s growing tech industry at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony for Nicholasville’s Badger Technologies + Center of Robotics Excellence. Tech joins hospitality + other industries as vital parts of our economy. (LEX18)
Feel Good
A group of children from Winchester, known as “Nana’s Angels”, vow to send 300 Christmas cards to four nursing homes throughout Central Kentucky in honor of their departed grandmother. To help brighten someone’s holiday season, send them an email for more information. (LEX18)
Finance
The bad news: Car repair costs have surged 17% in the last year, with some repairs exceeding $6,000. The good news: An Endurance protection plan could save you thousands. Sign up and receive $450 off your new contract, plus a free year of Elite Benefits. Get your free quote.*
Home
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Trending
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Category
Eat
The new Joe Bologna’s is no baloney
Stained glass windows make for a unique experience at Joe Bologna’s | Photo courtesy of Joe Bologna’s
And just like that, we have less than a month left with theJoe Bologna at the helm of his beloved namesake pizza spot. Yes, after more than 51 years, Bologna is retiring. But fear not, the longtime staple itself isn’t going anywhere. Clear as marinara sauce?
Let’s deep dish on the upcoming changing of the guard in our local pizza scene.
February 2023: Joe Bologna’s celebrates 50 years in business
March 2024: Bologna announces his retirement + says if doesn’t find a buyer by August 1, the restaurant will close — all of Lexington goes in a frenzy
June 2024: Brandon Thurman saves the day and purchases the beloved pizza spot — the Kentucky native also owns High Proof Hideaway on Short Street
The good news for hungry Lexingtonians? The new owners have been training for the past five months with Bologna and don’t plan on making any changes.
Asked
Asked
Which Joe Bologna’s classic do you hope always stays the same?
A. Breadsticks, baby B. Simply Sicilian C. Magnificent manicotti D. Dessert of the day, every day
The AirFly Pro — it’s a nifty gadget that will wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment to Bluetooth headphones so you can ditch those pesky wired earbuds.
The forecast calls for some dry + sunny weather on Saturday and Sunday. Let’s get out and enjoy this weekend of warm weather at one of Lexington’s 100+ parks. Our comprehensive guide has park recommendations for nature lovers, dog owners + sports nuts.
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