Almost looks more like a sports headline than a Travel Blog headline………………… but sports and tourism can be one in the same………….more on that later. Last week I went to the fair, worked in the State Tourism booth and met some great people. This year’s State Fair was my 18th fair (16 in a row) to enjoy! I met a lady who was enjoying her 39 state fair IN A ROW! WOW!………….
I got to see the world’s largest dog and the world’s smallest bag of smoked almonds all in one day! LOL……
        Earlier I mentioned how sports and tourism play off of each other, wondering why or how? Well, here’s an example: When you travel to see your favorite sports team you eat out, sometime stay overnight and assuredly buy gas and snacks! That’s what you do on vacation right! The Little League World Series has been a tourism draw for 50 years in Williamsport, PA. The Ryder Cup next month in Louisville will not only host American and European players but, it and most of Central Kentucky, will benefit from thousands of fans spending money on hotel rooms, dining out and on hats and shirts…………………. High School and College football are the same, for instance, when those dreaded Hilltoppers from Bowling Green invade Roy Kidd Stadium on Sept. 6 in Richmond many of the ‘Topper fans will grab a motel room and go get something to eat after the game. Now, there is sports tourism in its finest form! High school can be the same, atleast from a fuel and eating out idea. Local golf tourney’s also provide small communities with a great chance at capturing tourism dollars.
           Upcoming news and notes……………. I’ll be hosting some really important Travel/Golf writer’s into Kentucky the week of the Ryder Cup. Some of the top Canadian, Irish and English writer’s will be travelling the state with me and playing some Ky. State Park Course’s too! I’ll swing them by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown and then on to Valhalla! Tough Job! I Know! ha. The State Fair runs through Thursday and the Ryder Cup runs Sept. 16-21st!
Special hats off to several people for several reasons………..Tara Guenther, Susan Rieber, Julie Garland, Mary Wathen, Fred James, Greg Smith, Doug Crowe, Stacey Brothwell and Gator, Cricket and JC!
“Slow Down, buckle Up and get there in one piece”