FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

COMMISSIONER ADVISES KENTUCKIANS TO SAVE GAS

AND HAVE AN AGRITOURISM ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

FRANKFORT, Ky. — With gas over $3.50 a gallon and predictions that it could climb higher, everybody is looking for ways to cut summer travel costs as much as possible.

“I know a great way Kentuckians can save money on gas this summer,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Whether it’s a family vacation, weekend getaway or overnight trip, stay right here in Kentucky and experience an agritourism adventure near you.”

The term agritourism was developed by the tourism industry as a way to define an emerging trend of people visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation for enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation.

A complete list of Kentucky agritourism attractions is available online at www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com. Hayrides and corn mazes are the most common agritourism attractions in the state, but the fun doesn’t stop there. There are 220 agritourism businesses listed on the Web site -- everything from a leisurely tour of a Kentucky winery to agri-adventure tourism, which involves spending the night on a farm and actually working the fields or feeding the animals.

The Web site enables visitors to search any or all of the nine regions of the state. Or you can browse an alphabetical list of all Kentucky attractions under the “Attractions” icon. Each agritourism business has its own Web page, and many have their own Web sites.

Among the many upcoming agritourism events:

• Elk Creek Vineyards near Owenton will host an artists’ reception on May 17, the Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show and Dinner on May 24, and five-time Grammy-winning blues musician Buddy Guy with Roomful of Blues and Sonny Moorman on May 31.
• Ruby Moon Vineyard & Winery in Henderson County will host a scavenger hunt on May 17, a washer pitching tournament on May 24 and Demonstration Days in the Vineyard on May 31.
• The sixth annual Llama and Alpaca Daze is set for May 24 from noon-4 p.m. EDT at the Scott County Park.

• Equus Run Vineyards in Midway will host its 10th Anniversary Celebration May 24 with a wine tasting and a live band. Its fourth annual Pick of the Vine wine tasting fundraiser will be May 30, and the Bluegrass Conspiracy band will headline Tunes in the Vines on May 31.
• Country Corner Greenhouse in Shepherdsville will host a free seminar May 24 on perennial flowers with garden expert Jeneen Wiche.
• Whispering Woods Riding Stable will host a Wild West Weekend May 24-26 in Georgetown with games, food, crafts, pony rides and a petting zoo.
• Kentucky wines can be sampled and bought at the Wickland Wine and Theatre Festival on May 29.
• The Bardstown Wine Hop will be May 30. On May 31, the Bardstown Rotary Club will sponsor a cheese and wine tasting featuring eight award-winning Kentucky wines.

Look for agritourism attractions and events in your area at www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com.

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