PRESS RELEASE
2024 Legends of Bourbon County Festival To Honor Curlin of Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, Paris, Kentucky October 11-13, 2024
By Melissa C. Jurgensen
The Paris Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the second annual Legends of Bourbon County Festival which will be held October 11-13, 2024, to coincide with the Keeneland fall race meet. This year’s festivities will honor two time Horse of the Year and champion Curlin, perennial leading classic sire standing at stud at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa. Curlin has defined himself as one of the most preeminent sires at stud today, commanding a stud fee of $250,000.00 LFSN. In the 40 year history of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Curlin is the leading sire by Breeders’ Cup wins. He is the only stallion to have sired the winner of three Breeders’ Cup races on the same day for two consecutive years, an extraordinary accomplishment. Curlin also distinguishes himself as the only sire in history to have progeny win four individual Eclipse Awards in the same year. Curlin’s sons have also sired the 2022 and 2023 Kentucky Derby winners.
The three-day event will kick off on Friday, October 11 with a formal dinner honoring Curlin to be billed as the ‘Fall Meet Gala’. The Gala will be held on the historic grounds of Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa. The event will feature a gourmet meal, live music and auction items. The festival will continue on October 12 and 13 in downtown Paris and at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa. There will be a Thoroughbred Marketplace along Main Street in downtown Paris for the duration of the festival which will feature high end vendors of equine and Kentucky-centric gifts and décor. Local downtown businesses will be open to welcome visiting guests and local residents. There will also be guided tours scheduled at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa throughout the weekend. Live music will be presented on a staging area across from Secretariat Park, and there will also be autograph sessions with notable individuals in the thoroughbred industry including jockeys. Sunday October 13 will be designated a ‘Family Fun Day’ downtown with activities for all ages.
In July, August and September there will be a trio of foot races held on three select horse farms in the rolling hills of Bourbon County designated as the ‘Triple Crown Race Series’. The first race in the series will take place at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa.
“We’re so excited to have Curlin here in Bourbon County!” said Lauren Biddle, the Executive Director of the Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce. “We are so thankful that John and Angie Sikura are opening up their beautiful farm and for being involved in our community. We’re looking forward to working with the Sikura family on the festival this year. Here in Bourbon County we have more value in the horse industry than any other county in the nation. It’s wonderful to be able to show that off and to celebrate what we have here!”
“John and I are thrilled to be a part of this esteemed event featuring Curlin!”, said Angie Sikura. “We are pleased to partner in spotlighting all that Bourbon County has to offer, not only with the thoroughbred industry, but also the city of Paris’ quaint downtown with its boutiques, eateries, antique stores, coffee shops and its artisan bakery!”
For further information: LegendsofBourbounCountyFestival.com