September doesn’t just kick off football in the Bluegrass – it’s also time for the biggest and best gathering of ducks on the Ohio!  2014 will mark the 11th annual Ken-Ducky Derby.  The free event, which will take place at Waterfront Park near Joe’s Crab Shack on Sunday, September 28, noon-5:00 p.m., will feature the duck race plus a family friendly festival with music, food, games and more.  

Adopting a duck for the event costs just five dollars and every dollar raised from the Ken-Ducky Derby goes to support Harbor House programs and initiatives, which empower individuals with disabilities and their families to lead fulfilled and productive lives.  Ducks can be adopted online at www.harborhouseduckderby.org or at any number of retail sponsor locations. (For sponsor location or upcoming events with adoption opportunities, visit www.hhlou.org.)

This year’s prizes include a grand-prize Honda Fit courtesy of Ken-Ducky Derby sponsor, Sam Swope Honda World.  Runner-up prizes include $1,000 and $500 cash, with the chance to win one-million dollars.  The festival will take place on The Waterfront near Joe’s Crab Shack Sunday, September, 28, noon-5 p.m.  Admission is free and activities include live music, inflatable fun houses, children’s crafts, face painting, arts and crafts booths, food and drinks, and much more.

For the past ten years, hundreds of people have gathered to enjoy the festival.  In the event’s history, nearly a quarter of a million ducks have been adopted in support of Harbor House.  Last year, more than 20,000 ducks were dropped into the Ohio River for the race.  It’s estimated that this year 25,000+ yellow rubber ducks will be dropped into the river during the 11th annual duck race.

The Southwest Community Festival is one of the biggest community events in Louisville celebrating and showcasing Southwest’s people, businesses, and culture. The Southwest Community Festival draws over 20,000 people, each year, to this one day event. The festival will be held at Sun Valley Park on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00am to 5:00pm at 6505 Bethany Lane in Valley Station.

New this year there will be a “Concert in the Park”. The concert will be Friday, October 3, 2014 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Several events which lead up to the festival include...

• Southwest Community Festival “Concert in the Park”, Friday, October 3, 2014, 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets! Sun Valley Park, 6505 Bethany Lane 
• Southwest Community Festival Spelling Bee,Thursday, October 9, 6:00pm., Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Hwy 
• Southwest Community Ministries Pancake Breakfast, Morning of Festival, October 11, 8:00am to 11:00am Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany  Lane. Proceeds Benefit Southwest Community Ministries 
• 29th Annual Southwest Community Festival, Saturday, October 11, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sun Valley Park, 6505 Bethany Lane 

Call 502-403-6188 or visit the website at www.southwestfestival.org with any questions or for more information.

Come to Greenwood Elementary on Saturday, September 20, for the 2nd Annual Greenwood Color Fun(d) Walk. Walk a 1/2 mile course and get doused with 6 different colors (dyed, food-grade corn starch) with your friends and family.

There will be food (including a specialty Greenwood funnel cake), music from DJ Nerdboi, a health fair, photo booth, info from community organizations, door prizes, and much more amazing fun for everyone.

The event costs $20 and all proceeds go to support the school PTA.

For more information about this event call 485-8260

Local artists will carve more than 5,000 pumpkins which will light a trail the length of five football fields at the base of Iroquois Park. Back for its second year in Louisville, the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular, sponsored by Thorntons, will take place nightly from October 9 through November 2.

The trail is open from dusk to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets range from $9 to $15, with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Metro Parks Foundation.   

The wooded trail begins just outside of Iroquois Amphitheater (1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214) and weaves its way for a third of a mile through the trees with themed vignettes set to music. The carved, lit pumpkins rotate on a weekly basis creating a different experience each weekend.

The event is held rain or shine. Coach drop-off and on-site parking is available.

Jack O' Lantern Spectacular is produced by Louisville Metro Parks in conjunction with Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company with 25 years' experience in redefining fall by transforming any landscape into an illuminated organic gallery.

Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is presented by Thorntons. Other sponsors include Republic Bank, The Galt House, The Kroger Company, and Alltech Brewing Company.

TICKET INFORMATION
Sunday – Thursday
Adults $12
Seniors (62+) $10
Children (3-12) $9

Friday - Saturday
Adults $15
Seniors (62+) $13
Children (3-12) $12

Individual tickets may be purchased in advance for specific nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or online at www.jackolanternlouisville.com.

Tickets for groups of 25 or more can be purchased in advance by calling 502-363-7766, or in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. leading up to the event. Box Office will be open after 4 p.m. beginning October 9.

New in 2014, unlimited season passes to the event will be available for $40.

Discounts are available at the Box Office when using your Thorntons Refreshing Rewards Card.  Not to be combined with any other discount offer or special.

The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but advanced purchased tickets may be exchanged for another day.