Mayor unveils 250th anniversary celebration plans

Mayor Linda Gorton today popped the cork on plans for the city's upcoming 250th anniversary, a year-long celebration of all things Lexington!

"We're counting down the days," Gorton said. "Lexington is 249-and-three-quarters years old. We just can't wait until we get to 250!"

Gorton appointed the 250Lex Commission to plan a year-long celebration, with events each month. Local businesses, restaurants, and non-profit organizations are involved in hosting these events.

Events held during each month of 2025 will focus on different aspects of Lexington. January will be events focused on wellness; February, history; March, education; April, music and the written word; May, diversity; June "Come Home"; July, culinary; August, business; September, sports; October, equine; November, arts; and December, future of Lexington.

The commission has confirmed a number of events. Some are still works in progress. Most events are free, and all are open to the public.

Kip Cornett, Co-Chair of the 250Lex Commission said, "This project is about growth - economic growth, educational growth and personal growth. We will bring our 250th anniversary to life by building awareness of where Lexington has been, where it is now and where it will be in the future."

Eunice Beatty, Co-Chair of the 250Lex Commission said, "250Lex has been hard at work, preparing for a fun, inclusive year of celebration. From a diverse range of cultural community grants to partnerships with local schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations - our 250th anniversary will be visible in every corner of our city and will have something for everyone."

Mary Quinn Ramer, VisitLex President said, "The city's 250th birthday celebration in 2025 will certainly boost Lexington's tourism economy. With signature events and festivities planned throughout the year, the influx of visitors will support our hospitality industry businesses and partners, as guests enjoy our local restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, and venues. VisitLEX looks forward to welcoming all of our guests - first-time visitors, and those who are coming back home - to our community throughout our anniversary year."

250Lex will kick off the year-long celebration on December 31, with a downtown New Year's Eve event. The event is free and open to the public.

Other events include a "Big Ass Bourbon Tasting"; the unveiling of public art celebrating the 250th anniversary in the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza; an original orchestral piece that has been commissioned from Shawn Okpebholo to be performed by the Lexington Philharmonic at the Singletary Center; a history exhibit; a special production by Lexington's Children's Theatre; and much more.

250Lex is largely supported by its corporate sponsors, including VisitLex, CHI Saint Joseph, the University of Kentucky, Central Bank, the City of Lexington, and Mount Brilliant Farm, Big Ass Fans, Baptist Health, Coca-Cola, and Gray Construction, among others.

250Lex partners assisting with events and/or providing in-kind services include Commerce Lexington, Smiley Pete Publishing, the Lexington Legends, University of Kentucky Athletics, JMI Sports, the Kentucky Horse Park, and others.

The 250Lex Commission will soon launch its official website - www.250lex.com - where the community stay up to date on all things 250Lex. You can also learn more by following @250LexKY on Facebook or X. Follow @250LexingtonKY on Instagram.

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