VISIT HOPKINSVILLE
HOPKINSVILLE-CHRISTIAN COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
MERRY BETH TOMASZEWSKI, BOARD CHAIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 – The Board of Directors for Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome Ryan Clark as the new Executive Director. Ryan comes to Visit Hopkinsville from the Oak Grove Tourism Commission, where he was the Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Events. Prior to that, he worked for the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the Kentucky State Park System, promoting tourism, managing events and festivals.

Ryan has a master’s degree in Nonprofit Organization Management, specializing in marketing, and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Park Management, specializing in adventure and event management. He is currently working on his doctorate in Education and Community Leadership.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Ryan as our new Executive Director for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ryan has an extensive background in tourism, marketing, and event management. He also has a knowledge of Christian County and its businesses and attractions. His experience and passion for tourism make him the ideal choice for this position.” – Merry Beth Tomaszewski, Board Chair.

While Ryan is currently transitioning from his position at the Oak Grove Tourism Commission to his new career at Visit Hopkinsville, we will invite the public to stop by the Visitors Center at 1730 E. 9th St., Hopkinsville, KY 42240 for an official warm welcome at a later date.

VISIT HOPKINSVILLE

HOPKINSVILLE-CHRISTIAN COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

MERRY BETH TOMASZEWSKI, BOARD CHAIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 – Brooke Jung, the Executive Director for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Visitors Bureau, has officially announced her resignation from her 5+ year position as of November 17, 2023.

In her statement, Brooke explained she had been approached by Visit Albuquerque (NM) about a new opportunity, and after much deliberation, has decided to take the position.

While Brooke has been with Visit Hopkinsville, her accomplishments have been many. She and her team have won numerous awards, turned visionary concepts into creative art pieces, and honored the local farming heritage with the Batter Capital of the World brand, including the branding of a cast iron skillet that became the “it” Christmas gift for Hopkinsville and Christian County residents.

A few of her highlights over the last 5 years are:

• Secured over $1 million in Kentucky Department of Tourism funds for community and multi-jurisdictional projects
• Proclaimed Hopkinsville the Batter Capital of the World (including launching the Cornbread Challenge, pancake art experiences, Wheat Stalk, Pancake, and Batter Bowl public art installations & Lodge Cast Iron Skillet partnership)
• Fostered a sister city partnership with Carentan, France
• Hosted the only Scripps Spelling Bee Regional Qualifying Event in Kentucky in 2022
• Won awards for innovation and best in show at state level competitions, and the Grand Pinnacle award at the international level competition
• Created wayfinding maps for the city and county that are distributed by the thousands annually
• Increased social media engagement by over 400%
• Tourism has increased to record breaking numbers over the past two years

We are grateful to Brooke for her creative leadership and years of putting Hopkinsville and Christian County in the spotlight. While we will all miss her energy and positivity, we also know she will still be sending visitors to our fair city; even if it’s all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Tourism impact continues to grow with record-breaking visitor spending

Christian County, KY – Visitor spending and visitation growth have broken records once again in Christian County, according to a report released by the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

Economic impact figures show that visitors to the area spent $237.19 million in 2022, which is $25 million more than the $212.9 million record previously set in 2021.

“We are once again elated to see record-breaking numbers for tourism in Christian County,” said Hopkinsville-Christian County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brooke Jung. “We are constantly hearing from visitors what wonderful experiences they have while exploring all facets of our community, and these numbers definitely reflect just that. We look forward to continuing the promotion of all that Hopkinsville & Christian County has to offer.”

Jung noted a continued interest in craft bourbon distilleries, destination weddings, business travelers, festival-goers and general vacation travelers, as well as the ongoing interest in the Batter Capital of the World initiative, attributed to the monumental growth.

“We are once again thrilled to see such a large increase in tourism spending.” said Oak Grove Tourism Commission Executive Director, Traci Cunningham. “Oak Grove has certainly seen record breaking attendance in our Award-Winning festivals which has contributed to the economic impact numbers.  Oak Grove Racing and Gaming is also one of the many attractions in our community that has impacted the tourism industry.  We hear from visitors from all over what a great experience they have in Oak Grove and how they intend to spread the word. I can’t think of anything that excites me more than the tourism industry and the 2022 economic impact numbers in Christian County. We will continue to do our part in promoting a community full of southern hospitality and making sure all visitors continue to have a wonderful experience.”

Not only did Christian County see an increase in tourism spending, but also in employment. A total of 1,791 tourism-related jobs were reported county-wide in the hospitality sector, up from 1,649 in 2021, generating $45.85 million in labor income. In addition, tourism in Christian County contributed $15.7 million in state and local taxes. Using the Tourism Economics model, the economic impact of the tourism industry in Kentucky generated $12.9 billion in visitor spending in 2022, supporting more than 91,668 jobs and $936.7 million in state and local taxes.

$ 5.00 Admission Fee for Home Games @ Christian County High School Field

June 1 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Bowling Green Pistons @ 6:30 PM @ Bowling Green Ballpark
June 2 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Paducah Chiefs @ 6:30 PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 3 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Clarksville Whirlybirdz @ 6:30 PM @Rossview High School Field
June 4 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Full Count Rhythm @ 6:30 PM @ Drakes Creek Park
June 6 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Bowling Green Pistons @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 7 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Fulton Railroaders @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 8 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Owensboro Riverdawgs @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 9 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Fulton Railroaders @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 10 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Louisville Jockeys @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 11 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Henderson Flash @ 6:30PM @ Park Field
June 13 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Madisonville Flash @ 6:30PM @ Elmer Kelley Stadium
June 14 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Clarksville Whirlybirdz @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 15 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Madisonville Miners @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 16 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Muhlenburg Stallions @ 6:30PM @ Stallions Stadium
June 17 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Louisville Jockeys @ 6:30PM @ Derby City Field
June 18 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Fulton Railroaders @ 6:30PM @ Lohaus Field
June 20 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Madisonville Miners @ 6:30PM @ Elmer Kelley Stadium
June 21 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Owensboro Riverdawgs @ 6:30PM @ Chautauqua Park
June 22 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Muhlenburg Stallions @ 6:30PM @ Stallions Stadium
June 23 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Paducah Chiefs @ 6:30PM @ Brooks Stadium
June 24 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Paducah Chiefs @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 25 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Henderson Flash @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 27 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Full Count Rhythm @ 6:30PM @ Drakes Creek Park
June 28 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Full Count Rhythm @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
June 29 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Dubois County Bombers @ 6:30PM @ League Stadium
June 30 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Henderson Flash @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 1 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Louisville Jockeys @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 2 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Dubois County Bombers @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 4 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Clarksville Whirlybirdz @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 5 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Dubois County Bombers @ 6:30PM @ League Stadium
July 6 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Bowling Green Pistons @ 6:30PM @ Bowling Green Ballpark
July 7 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Fulton Railroaders @ 6:30PM @ Lohaus Field
July 8 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Owensboro Riverdawgs @ 6:30PM @ Chautauqua Park
July 9 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Muhlenburg Stallions @ 6:30PM @ Stallions Stadium
July 10 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Full Count Rhythm @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 11 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Clarksville Whirlybirdz @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 13 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Paducah Chiefs @ 6:30PM @ Brooks Stadium
July 14 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Bowling Green Pistons @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 15 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Full Count Rhythm @ 6:30PM @ Drakes Creek Park
July 16 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Fulton Railroaders @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field
July 18 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Clarksville Whirlybirdz @ 6:30PM @ Rossview High School Field
July 19 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Bowling Green Pistons @ 6:30PM @ Bowling Green Ballpark
July 20 — Hoptown Hoppers vs. Paducah Chiefs @ 6:30PM @ Christian County High School Field

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Black History Month Program- A Talk with HRH King Gerard-Marie Messina
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Hopkinsville Community College, Anderson Room in the Emerging Technologies Building

We have exciting news about the Black History Month Program 2023 hosted by Professor Anita M. Diop of the African Roots and Heritage Foundation along with Hopkinsville Community College History and Philosophy Clubs. We invite you to come and reconnect with the African heritage that was lost in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

We have the pleasure of presenting to the community His Majesty Gerard-Marie Messina, King of the MBOG-Para community of the EKANG-Beti People of the Center Region in Cameroon, Central Africa who will speak with us on the topic of “Identity and Return to Africa: from Garveyism to African-Americanism.”

In brief, Professor Gérard-Marie Messina is an Associate Professor of (African Literature and Civilizations) and also teaches for the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (University of Yaoundé II) in the Department of International Economics, and with the Pan African University- Institute of Governance in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Professor Messina serves as the Executive Director of the Laboratory of Political Semiology, Imaginary of Anthropology and History of Black Civilizations as well as, the Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Transport – Cameroon, Central Africa.
Most notably he is the Traditional Ruler: KING of MBOG-PARA COMMUNITY of the EKANG BETI PEOPLE –CENTRE REGION OF CAMEROON, Central Africa.

For more information contact: Professor Anita M Diop at 614-390-8864 or email [email protected] or visit the website: https://www.arhf.net

Sponsors: African Roots & Heritage Foundation, History Club, Religion & Philosophy Club, PHI Bet Lambda

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Black History Month Proclamation
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
5:50 p.m.
Location: Hopkinsville Municipal Building- Presented by Human Rights Commission
The city of Hopkinsville and the Christian County Government will proclaim February as Black History Month. The proclamation will be read to the public inside City Council chambers on the first floor of the Hopkinsville Municipal Building, 715 S. Virginia St.

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The Supper Club: Kenyan Experience
Thursday, February 9, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Location: Museums of Historic Hopkinsville- Christian County

The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County and the Human Rights Commission of Hopkinsville-Christian County invite you to join The Supper Club: Inspiring Cultural & Culinary Conversations, an open group that will explore the diversity of our community through food. The club is open to anyone who loves food, conversation, and learning about other cultures through commensality, which means together at the table.

The Supper Club will meet at the Pennyroyal Area Museum at 6 pm on the second Thursday of February, April, June, October, and December. We will meet on the third Thursday in August. Each program will feature a different ethnic food. The recipe will be demonstrated for the group by a special “chef,” and everyone will have the opportunity to taste the cuisine. Guests will take home a recipe and any unique ingredients required to cook the dish at home.

Cultures Featured
February 9: Kenyan with Dr. David W. Kabithe
April 13: Japanese
June 8: Irish
August 17: Indian
October 12: Puerto Rican
December 14: Jewish

Join the Supper Club for $50.00 for all six sessions. The cost to attend individual presentations will be $10.00 each. Tickets can be purchased at the Pennyroyal Area Museum or online through Eventbrite.

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Learning where we belong: a bell hooks conversation series
Saturday, February 11, 2023
11:00 a.m.
Location: The Corner Coffee House

The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County and the Christian County Literacy Council is continuing the conversation of bell hooks and her work on Saturday, February 11 at 11am at the Corner Coffeehouse. This conversation will center around hooks’ book Belonging: A Culture of Place.

Writer, cultural critic, and Hopkinsville native bell hooks explores what it means to be connected to a place and how that place shapes and affects who we are. hooks writes of creating a narrative map of her past and how that represented the geography of her heart. Through this connection to our past and with a rootedness in a place, hooks evokes a powerful vision of the beloved community where all people can feel as though they belong.

Conversation will be led by Jennifer P. Brown, Francene Gilmer, Alissa Keller, and Gwenda Motley. Reading the book is not necessary; however, limited copies will be available at the Pennyroyal Area Museum or can be purchased through Amazon. The discussion is FREE to attend

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Black History Month event discussing Pioneer’s Inc. History
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hopkinsville Community College
Pioneers, Inc will be to discuss Pioneers history which is located in Hopkinsville, KY. It will be in Emerging Technologies Building, Anderson Room with refreshments to be served. Come join us and listen to the history of the Pioneers, Inc.

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Super Saturday: Black History Month
Saturday, February 18, 2023
11:00a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Location: Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County
Stories, crafts & food experience highlighting African American culture & heritage

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Black Market Hoptown

Saturday, February 18, 2023
2:00 p.m.
Location: Hopkinsville Brewing Company- presented by Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats

Celebrate Black History Month by discovering new black-owned businesses in Hoptown. Vendors will range from knitting and resin artists, book authors, candle makers, food trucks and more. Enjoy what Black Market Hoptown has to offer at this new event!
Confirmed vendors:
– Resinate with Ames
– Manifested Creations
– Majestic Shade Tree
– Let’s Talk Natural boutique
– Wanda’s Creations
– Jewel Ann Candles Co.
– Missy’s Extreme Cakes & Bakes
– Unlawful Luxury apparel
– Uniquely Braced handmade jewelry
– Pink Zebra

Performing live: Hopkinsville native and Nashville R&B artist Trez Bell

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Hopkinsville High School Black Student Union: Local Legends Program
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Location: Museums of Historic Hopkinsville- Christian County
Sharing stories of great accomplishments and contributions, students will enhance the museum’s exhibition with presentations on Local Legends from our local African American community. From Ted Poston and bell hooks to Attucks High School and Brooks Memorial Hospital, this program will highlight the people, places, and organizations that continue to make our history vibrant and diverse.
Light refreshments will be served, and a children’s corner with crafts and story time will be available. The program is FREE and open to the public.

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Black History Celebration
Saturday, February 25, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Location: War Memorial Building
Naomi Chapter No. 6 OES PHA
Donation: $30

A Saga of Pain and Resilience

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To add your Black History Month event to our community calendar, visit: https://www.visithopkinsville.com/events/community/add/

Hoptown to host only qualifier in Kentucky

January 18, 2023        

Hopkinsville, KY –Visit Hopkinsville is proud to announce it is an official 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner, which will give students an opportunity to participate in America’s longest-running educational competition. 

Visit Hopkinsville is the only organization in the state that will be guaranteeing a Kentucky student has the chance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this year. This Bee will be the only regional qualifying event in the commonwealth and will send three competitors onto nationals.

“We are thrilled to welcome spelling bee competitors and their families to Hopkinsville for this prestigious honor and exciting event,” said Brooke Jung, Executive Director for Visit Hopkinsville. “We are equally as excited that three champions will move on from our event to represent Kentucky on the national stage.” 

As the exclusive regional partner for the Western Kentucky region, Visit Hopkinsville will sponsor the regional spelling bee competition on Sunday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alhambra Theatre, and will send three regional champions to the national competition in May 2023, where they will have the opportunity to compete for the Scripps Cup. 

Visit Hopkinsville — the city’s tourism arm — was awarded two years of financial support for this event from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This initiative provides funding through the Kentucky Department of Tourism and Governor Beshear’s efforts to foster economic recovery of the tourism industry. 

Planning efforts for the event are underway with representatives from Visit Hopkinsville, Pennyroyal Arts Council and Christian County Literacy Council. 

To qualify for the regional bee, students must attend a school enrolled in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program. The deadline for schools to register is Feb. 15. The top 40 school champions from the 29-county region will move on to the regional qualifying event in Hopkinsville.

By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Each year, the Bee reaches millions of students across the country and around the world with the classroom materials it provides schools enrolled in the yearlong program.

Participation in regional bees also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers. 

Schools in Western Kentucky are eligible to enroll in the 2022-2023 program now through Feb. 15, 2023. Educators can visit Spellingbee.com/enrollment to learn more and enroll their schools in the program. 

Additional sponsorship opportunities for the Regional Bee are available, contact Brooke Jung at 270-887-2300 for more information.

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About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:  
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.  

Media contact: Brooke Jung, Executive Director, Hopkinsville Convention & Visitors Bureau at
270-887-2300 or [email protected].

For more Information check out Christian County 4-H!

1. Riding The Rails Into Fall (Parker Farms, 1388 Millers Mill Rd, Oak Grove)
2. Hay! I’m on my Way (Garnett Farms, 1800 John Rives Rd., Hopkinsville)
3. Growing with Extension (Christian County Extension, 12850 Pembroke Rd.)
4. Hoptown Cre-hay-tion (Visit Hopkinsville, 1730 E. 9th Street, Hopkinsville)
5. “Hay”cus Pocus (St Peter & Paul Catholic School, 902 E. 9th Street, Hopkinsville)
6. The Yeast We Can DO (Hopkinsville Brewing Company, 102 E. 5th Street, Hopkinsville)
7. Be A Book Worm (Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, 1101 Bethel Street, Hopkinsville)
8. Grow with Planters Bank (Planters Bank, Corner of Virginia & 14th Street)
9. Camp “hay”ning Trail (612 W. 7th Street, Hopkinsville)
10. Hopkinsville FF-Hay Tiger (Hopkinsville High School FFA, 430 Koffman Drive, Hopkinsville)
11. Make your Moove (Farm Credit Mid-America, 3205 Eagle Way, Hopkinsville)
12. Duck “Hay” (Mills Family, 6788 Pierce Lane, Hopkinsville

Get links to virtual events and more details at https://christian.ca.uky.edu/content/tree-week

Saturday, October 8th

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Tree Giveaway @ Old School Parking Lot, 123 W. Nashville Street, Pembroke.

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Tree Week Kids Crafts @ Hopkinsville Public Works Department.

Sunday, October 9th

1:30 PM: Tree Walk on the River Walk @ Little River Park.

Monday, October 10th

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: How Not To Kill a Tree @ KY Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

1:00 PM: The Fabulous World of Fungi @ KY Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

1:00 PM: Mulch Madness @ Westside Park (next to the new Sheriff’s Dept at the corner of 9th and 7th Streets).

6:00 PM: Tree Trivia Takeover at the Tavern @ Main St. Tavern Restaurant.

All Week: Local Landscapes and Tree Art Display @ Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County.

All Week: YMCA Fall Break Camp @ Hopkinsville YMCA.

Tuesday, October 11th

10:00 AM: Guided Tree Hike @ Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

11:00 AM: Identifying Kentucky’s Trees @ KY Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

6:00 PM: Small Trees for Small Spaces @ Hopkinsville Brewing Company.

Wednesday, October 12th

10:00 AM: Storytime! @ Hopkinsville Christian County Public Library.

10:00 AM: The Importance of City Trees @ KY Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

11:30 AM: How to Help Your Trees Thrive @ www.kentuckyhortnews.com (Virtual Event).

Thursday, October 13th

9:00 AM- Small Trees for Small Spaces @ KY Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

Friday, October 14th

10:00 AM: Fall Tree Walk @ Jeffers’ Bend Environmental Center.

12:00 PM: Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives @ Ky Urban Forest Initiative (Virtual Event).

Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Hoptown Harvest Festival, September 23-24, 2022! Check out all of the great events!

more: Hoptown Harvest Festival