LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: December 15, 2006

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

Ah, Christmas in the Bluegrass…

Greetings from Frankfort ! The elections are over, the commercials and onslaught of candidate vote for me mail has ceased! As your State Representative I have been attending Interim Joint Committee meetings during the summer and fall, studying local and statewide issues, speaking with many constituents and preparing for the upcoming 2007 Session. Be assured I will be keeping you posted on our activities as we roll into action this January.

I love this time of the year, when the air turns brisk, and we look around our neighborhoods at the emergence of holiday lights and decorations. Our mail boxes fill with warm wishes and holiday greetings. If we allow ourselves, the delight of children's laughter and wonderment embraces our hearts. Within the Christmas season arises anticipation , by the devout, the lukewarm, the non-believer… there is nostalgia of the season that summons memories and moves the human heart. There seems to arise a common image of a world changed… for a moment peace on earth as sung by the angelic choir is joined by the human voices of the season. 

The holidays are a wonderful and enchanting time to be with family. Our Northern Kentucky community offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the season. Since Kentucky is blessed with some of the Nation's most beautiful parks, I would like to share with you some of the holiday happenings around the Bluegrass . Fifty-two of our State parks have joined in the spirit of the season, hosting many holiday events for every member of the family, young and old.

Not far from home, General Butler State Park is hosting the Festival of Trees. The viewing of Holiday Trees Festival is a partnership with local schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations. Trees remain on display through December.

The Kentucky Horse Park 's Annual Southern Lights Spectacular Sights on Holiday Nights has been designed to appeal to every age group. It represents what Kentucky 's famous Bluegrass region has to offer in southern hospitality, horses and holiday cheer.  Hours are 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm nightly now through December 23.

If you're up for a holiday road trip, Blue Licks Battlefield State Park features a Holiday Dinner Theatre, December 8th and 9th. After enjoying the all you can eat buffet, sit back and take in a performance by this years featured entertainer, Bill Lepp, five time West Virginia Entertainment Champion.

Another great way to start off the Christmas season is at Pennyrile Forest State Park . There will be an abundance of holiday spirit there this year, with an array of crafts and buffet dinner. Santa will be making an early stop on December 9th.

Santa will also be spreading Christmas cheer this year, when he stops by Dale Hollow Lake State Park on December 10 th . Hitching up his sleigh, Santa dashes over to Kenlake State Park , where adults and kids alike will enjoy the amazing lights show, also on December 10. After visiting the lights display, you can stop inside the hotel for arts and crafts along with refreshments, and Christmas cheer.

Buckhorn Lake State Park will be transformed into the North Pole with their Holiday Open House. Of course, the North Pole wouldn't be complete without a visit from Santa, who will make an appearance on December 16.

The Holiday Season doesn't end with Christmas. Rough River Dam and Barren River Lake State Parks invite you to ring in the New Year with their family celebration. A family of four can enjoy the New Year's Eve package, which covers lodging, all evening activities and refreshments.

You can also enjoy your State Parks, as well as the Kentucky History Center, Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Artisan Center year round with an "Unbridled Spirit" gift card. The card may be used for lodging, purchases at gift shops and restaurants.

For a complete listing of State Parks, their events, or for more information, visit the Kentucky State Parks website at www.parks.ky.gov .

With this year drawing to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Kentucky General Assembly. From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed, happy New Year.