Lexington will kick off the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with a parade of horses, according to Mayor Jim Newberry, who also announced an expanded lineup of entertainers for the Spotlight Lexington festival.
The city will "show the world what an incredibly rich heritage we have when it comes to all things related to the horse," Newberry said during a news conference at the Courthouse Plaza. He was flanked by several exotic breeds, including an Akhal-Teke Russian sport horse and an Austrian Haflinger.
The parade is being organized by the International Equestrian Festival and the Downtown Lexington Corporation, which is taking applications from equine groups to participate at www.downtownlex.com.
The Spotlight Lexington festival will begin Sept. 24, one day before the Games begin, and will continue through Oct. 10. It will feature live entertainment, children's activities and arts and crafts from Kentucky vendors in three downtown venues for evening and weekend entertainment during the Games.
Newberry announced the entertainment lineup for Cheapside Park, which will include regional and local bands such as the Reel World String Band, the Big Maracas, The Swells, Superfecta and Tee Dee Young.
The main stage at the Courthouse Plaza will include entertainment from Broadway's Laura Bell Bundy, Sam Bush, J.D. Crowe and the Lexington Philharmonic. The third venue, Triangle Park, will feature children's activities and Kentucky arts and crafts.
For more information, including how to volunteer, go to www.lexingtonky.gov/spotlightlexington/.
