We’re growing, Lexington. According to the latest census data, Lexington-Fayette County’s population is more than 320,000 — a 9% increase compared to 2010. Enter:Fayette Alliance, a local non-profit organization dedicated to making sure our area’s growth is equitable and sustainable.
Learn how to advocate for a sustainable future for Fayette County. | Photo provided by Silvestri Real Estate
Fayette Alliance advocates for sustainable land-use policies at the local government level. Did you know? The City of Lexington is currently working on Imagine Lexington 2045, a comprehensive plan that will pave the way for Lexington’s growth for the next 20+ years. Fayette Alliance is monitoring the development of this plan while providing education at the community level so residents can understand the importance of this process and how they can become involved.
There are currently two programs designed to educate Lexingtonians on sustainable growth practices:
The Grow Smart Academy has been educating participants on sustainability for 12 years. | Photo provided by Fayette Alliance
The Grow Smart Academy
Grow Smart Academy is a free, four-week program centered around educating participants on land-use planning. Grow Smart Academy students will learn about how these policies affect the environment, local economic development, and their overall quality of life.
The group will meet Tuesday evenings July 12-Aug. 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at various locations around Lexington. The program will feature national and local experts speaking on topics like affordable housing, smart growth, sustainability, transportation, the importance of agriculture to our economy, and more.Registration is currently open.
Smart Growth Ambassador Program
The Smart Growth Ambassador program is designed to teach and empower participants to advocate for sustainable and equitable growth. This is a way for those who are already knowledgeable and passionate about smart growth to learn how to properly promote that in their local government, neighborhood, and beyond.
The next orientation is scheduled for September with the exact date to be announced. The orientation will be divided into two parts, and afterward, participants will create their own action plans to continue advocacy. There are many ways to be an ambassador. The program also includes optional educational and volunteer outings and social events throughout the year. Those interested can let Fayette Alliance know and they’ll be added to the Ambassador list, which will update them via email about upcoming events.
Old Dominion | Thurs., June 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $98+ | Catch the infectious sound + clever lyrics of this Nashville-based country band. 🎵
Jeff Allen | Thurs., June 23 | 7 p.m. | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir. | $25+ | This legendary comic has been featured on America’s Got Talent, SiriusXM + more. 🎟️
Tie-Dye Workshop | Thurs., June 23 | 7 p.m. | Kre8Now Makerspace, 305 Codell Dr. | $45 | This workshop provides everything you need to make the perfect tie-dye masterpiece.
Friday
Pre-Pride Kick-off Party | Fri., June 24 | 4-11 p.m. | Pivot Brewery, 1400 Delaware Ave. | Free | Celebrate the eve of Lexington Pride Festival with drag shows, brewery tours, food + Pivot drinks. 🍻
Nature Portraits | Fri., June 24 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave. | Free | Learn the basics to processing mud, rocks + plants into painting pigments.
Special Sessions | Fri., June 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Castlewood Park, 201 Castlewood Dr. | Free | Bring the whole family along for a night of live music at this outdoor concert series. 🎶
Saturday
Garden in a Pot Project | Sat., June 25 | 10-11:30 a.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln. | Free | Learn how to grow local plants right for your own container garden. 🌷
Junior Explorers: Birds | Sat., June 25 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way | Free | Embark on a bird scavenger hunt through Raven Run + a bird-themed craft. 🐥
Sound Bath | Sat., June 25 | 6 p.m. | Lex Salt Cave, 409 N. Ashland Ave., Ste. 180-B | $50 | Experience meditative sound wave vibration with Kentucky-based sound healing practitioner, Ronnie Brown.
Sunday
1984 | Sun., June 26 | 3+7 p.m. | Base 249, 249 E. Main St. | $10 | The Elizabethtown High School Theatre Guild is performing George Orwell’s 1984. 🎭
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A new French restaurant called La Folie is opening in downtown at 111 Woodland Ave., in The Woodlands condominium complex. The restaurant is now accepting reservations for its soft opening + the menu features duck, lobster, veal, branzino, and mussels. 🍽
Development
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously approvedazoning change for the Dogwood Trace area off Harrodsburg Rd., near the Jessamine County line, that will allow for an 88-home development project. Cowgill Development is the developer of the property. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Lexington Sporting Club, the city’s new pro soccer team, announced plans for a 150-acre complex between Newtown Pike + Russell Cave Road, near the interstate. This is where the club hopes to build its new stadium and 12 youth soccer fields. 🏟 (WKYT)
Health
The new Baptist Health Hamburg hospital reached a major milestone this week. A commemorative steel beam, the final piece for the four-story ambulatory building, was signed by Baptist Health staff + put inplace during a ceremony. The hospital is expected to open in the spring of 2024. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Festival
The Lexington Pride Center announced that scam ticket sales for Saturday’s Pride Festival have been circulating throughout the community. There is no charge to get into any of the city’s Pride events + tickets are not required. However, donations are appreciated. 🎟
Environment
A black bear was recently spotted in southern Fayette County. Teddy + David Emmerich were staying in a cabin at Boone Creek Outdoors, 8291 Old Richmond Rd., when they spotted a single black bear while sitting on the porch. Two other cabin goers also reported seeing two cubs nearby. 🐻 (WKYT)
Number
$1. That’s how much you can snag a Boone beer for during happy hour at Boonedog’s — Wednesday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. Head on out to 5902 Old Richmond Rd. to beat the heat with a cheap pint. Don’t forget to try the Kentucky Dog — chow chow, sport peppers, house pickles, tomato + everything seasoning. 🍺
Lexingtonian
George Cranwell, a graduate of the UK College of Communication and Information, has landed an exciting new job — assistant production manager for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago. This is George’s first management and entertainment job + he now tours the country with the iconic band. (UK NOW)
Shop
Local coffee shop A Cup of Common Wealth has added a new addition to its retail shelves this week — custom-made leather Pride bands made by local artist Matt Cook.Swing by for a fresh cup of coffee + to accessorize your Pride flair.
A pet message from our sponsor
“Whiskey the Rottweiler was given less than 24 hours to live, and the referring veterinarian was sure he was going to die. But I made one simple change that saved Whiskey’s life, and kept him healthy for years and years.” *
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Last weekend, the LexArts Horse Mania horses made their debut on the grounds of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate. A local photographer used the opportunity to paint the ponies in a different light. He used a form of long exposure photography called light painting to give the horses a unique look.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: This weekend, I’m heading out to the Red River Gorge to participate in some volunteer trail work in the area. I love hiking + climbing in The Red, and I’m excited to give back to the place that has provided me and my family with so many great memories. If you’re interested in trail work at Red River Gorge, check out the Red River Gorge Trail Crew website.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about a summer recipe from a local chef.
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