Breaking News: Louisville Tops the Event Horizon

A Festival and Event City
You might not realize it because they seem so commonplace here, but Louisville is a superstar when it comes to putting on festivals and events. Better yet, festivals and events create tremendous capital, generating healthy sources of revenue through tourism while contributing significantly to the quality of life and our overall attractiveness.

The World Festival and Event City Award
A few weeks ago, the International Festivals & Events Association announced and recognized the 2010 recipients of the inaugural “IFEA World Festival and Event City” award during the 55th Annual IFEA Convention and Expo in Saint Louis. The award is a way for the industry to support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide.

The Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award
You guessed it, Possibilitator: as Top North American City for Populations of Over One Million, Louisville was judged Number One in its class, “co-winning” the award with Sydney, Australia, which won it internationally. Governmental leadership coupled with professional and volunteer guidance was highlighted for its role in helping the events thrive economically and culturally.

Celebrating the Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award
Join us in the presentation of this international award this Friday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the lobby of the KFC Yum! Center (Third and Main Streets). Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Louisville Mayor-Elect Greg Fischer will be there to accept the award from Steve Schmader, President and CEO of IFEA. Also, a cool dozen of Possibility City’s homegrown festivals and events – from St. James to Forecastle — will receive awards for their special-ness.

Sharing the Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award Winner
You’re a mover and shaker. A Possibilitator. And just maybe you’re someone who knows of an event or an organization that should call Louisville home. Maybe your second-cousin-twice-removed is in charge of selecting a city to host its next convention, or your Uncle Morty got saddled with finding a cool place for next year’s annual company meeting.

Let us know what you know . . . and how you’d suggest we sell Louisville as a place where events, festivals, meetings, and conventions long to be. Send us an email by clicking here.

Did You Know . . .

• Louisville tourism generates $200 million in state and local taxes annually.
• The economic impact of direct visitor spending in Louisville is $1.1 billion.
• Tourism is the third-largest service industry in Louisville

Donorama hosts blood drive. Louisville donates sweat & tears as well.

Louisville Holiday Donorama
Tues and Wed, Dec 29 and 30
12 pm to 7 pm each day
Crowne Plaza (formerly Executive West)
830 Phillips Lane (across from the Fairgrounds)

Here’s a another perfect example of Louisville living up to our “It’s Possible Here” motto.

In just a few days the Red Cross is holding it’s biggest blood drive of the year, Donorama. 1,500 donors are expected to show up – a number that could overwhelm just about any other blood drive. But in Louisville, we step in and donate our time and energy, too. Check this out:

• As an official sponsor of this year’s Red Cross Donorama blood drive, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is providing a $10 KFC gift check to all presenting blood donors.
Donors will also be entered into drawings for other prizes. So…

• Thornton’s donated several $50 gas cards

• Tony Boombozz donated pizza gift certificates

• Louisville Slugger donated a gift certificate for a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat

• Panera Bread donated bagels for a year

• UofL donated autographed University of Louisville memorabilia

• And a little something extra for the High School crowd, UPS donated a Flight Simulator Experience.
Meanwhile,

• Courtesy of the Louisville Musicians Union, local bands will be there both days to entertain.

• Instead of the usual donuts and juice in the refreshment area, hot meals will be provided.

• Childcare will be provided throughout the drive thanks to volunteers willing to pull out their hair for a few hours.

• And Louisvillians, being a heartfelt bunch, we will be able to write a personal note about their donation on a large display at the drive.
By now you probably want to join in, so here are the details of what you’ll need to make a blood donation:

Bring a blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification at check-in. You must be at least 17-years old (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Any other questions call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or go online to givebloodgivelife.org. (You can also use those contacts to schedule a blood donation appointment at another time.)
To everyone, you rock.

The Results of the Possibility City Beauty Pageant

More Hot Bodywork and Muscle Than a Detroit Gym Pose-Off
From hot rods to cool rides, here in Possibility City every tricked-out cruiser is a potential crowd favorite. This week sees the arrival of two cataclysmic forces as chilled-out art cars meet bad-to-the-bone hot rods.

The 40th Annual Street Rod Nationals
Beginning on August 6, thousands of street rods will roll into town, rumbling through town, flaunting incredible paint-jobs, and drawing lustful stares from young and old. The National Street Rods Association is recognized as the world’s largest automotive participation event, attracting over 30,000 attendees, and generating more than $15 million in economic impact.

The 8th Annual Kentucky Art Car Weekend
Starting that very same day, The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and the International Contemporary Art Foundation will host the Kentucky Art Car Weekend that’ll showcase over 40 art cars from around the U.S. and Canada, including a repeat visit from the world-famous Camera Van. You want economic impact? The California Fantasy Van is covered in over $15,000 worth of coins and over 5,000 brass, copper, and bronze objects.

And Let Us Not Forget Those on Two Wheels
In conjunction with the exhibit “Wind in Your Hair: Vintage Motorcycles,” the KMAC Gallery Shop will host a book signing by Matthew Biberman, author of Big Sid’s Vincati’s memoir The Story of a Father, a Son, and the Motorcycle of a Lifetime. Mention this story if you buy something, and you’ll get a 20% discount.

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This Week’s FOL Recruitment Tip
Remember, we’re on the road to enrolling 20,000 members. In the spirit of covering cars with tacky appeals for attention, how about picking up some free Friend of Lou bumper stickers. Stop by the Visitor Information Center at 4th and Jefferson or click here to collect the goods.