McConnell Springs gets its due at documentary's world premiere

howard m. snyder Herald-leader social columnist

Folks gathered Thursday at The Kentucky Theatre for the world ­premiere of a documentary about ­McConnell Springs. This wasn't a benefit; it was a ”gift,“ said Isabel Yates, former vice mayor of Lexington and co-executive producer of the film.

Since Yates was vice mayor, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and money for the tiny park off Old Frankfort Pike, where, according to ­local ­legend, Lexington was named. And there she was, on stage at The Kentucky, introducing the people involved in making The Story of McConnell Springs.

Among the notable guests was producer and director Michael Breeding. The Springfield ­native's most recent films include Springfield's entry in the competition to host a hometown premiere of The Simpsons Movie and various films on topics as diverse as Louisville's Victorian mansions, ancient Chinese equine art and the history of Keeneland Race Course.

Breeding hired probably the best narrator to be found for documentaries, Peter Thomas Jr. His beautiful lilting voice has been heard on PBS, HBO, ABC and the National Geographic Channel. You might not recognize the name, but when he speaks, you instantly recognize the voice.

The film, which will air soon on Kentucky Educational Television, gives the history of the little spring, including the naming of Lexington. It also covers the use and abuse by European settlers up to now. It had been a dump.

”I've done 40 films about Kentucky, and I feel a part of it,“ Thomas said at a reception after the premiere. He had never visited the springs but planned to do that Friday.

An exuberant Yates proclaimed, ­”Everybody has been crazy about the film. It's a tremendous event.“ She went on to say, ”There are so many people here. That was the greatest audience, and they're from all walks of life. It's a party for all of Lexington.“

And Breeding's reaction to the reception? ”I'm just amazed. … I think we had about 600 people. Every seat was full, and I could not be more pleased.“

Bourbon bash for Bodley-Bullock

A bit earlier last week, the Junior League of Lexington held a benefit.

Sarah Jane Boyson, chairman of the event, explained: ”It's the annual Junior League bourbon tasting to benefit the preservation of the house.“

The house being the historic Bodley-Bullock House in Gratz Park, headquarters of the Junior League.

Maybe 120 casually dressed invitees were greeted in the 1814 mansion with harp music played by Junior League member and professional harpist Lee Ellen Martin. Guests nibbled on hors d'oeuvres and sampled the wares of such famous distilleries as Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Old Pogue and Four Roses.

If you don't know, the Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing women's potential and improving the community. Their purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Blake Bradley, a Lexington obstetrician and gynecologist and a guest at the party, told me, ”The Junior League of Lexington, like the national Junior League, is a philanthropic organization that consistently makes a positive effect in the community in which they serve.“ He added, ”It's not the same organization“ of a couple of generations ago. The women involved now are a diverse group and more career-oriented.

The benefit was just a prelude to the Junior League's big fund-raiser: the group's annual horse show, held each July. It is the first leg of the American Saddlebred Triple Crown and the world's largest outdoor saddlebred horse show. Nearly 1,000 exhibitors travel from all over the world to compete for the $70,000 in prize money. The proceeds from that event will go to charitable organizations in Lexington and around the state.