Kentucky

Cultural Icons: Bourbon and Sport

Coal mining is an important industry for Kentucky and has created large social networks in the eastern part of the state. Coal operator organizations were initially formed to help workers and management bargain, but now they function as associations of common interest in items such as consultation and lobbying. These began as local organizations, although a state organization soon formed. The Harlan County Coal Operators Association, founded in 1916, is the longest-running association in Kentucky. The Kentucky Coal Association (KCA), founded in 1942, is comprised of both surface and underground-production coal miners from across the state, as well as both union and nonunion operators. KCA deals with current complex issues surrounding the coal mining industry.

Over 95 percent of the world's bourbon is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky. Kentuckians have been making bourbon since 1776. The Kentucky Distilleries Association supports the 10 distilleries operating in the state. This distinctly Kentucky industry generates wealth and jobs and increases tourism, especially with the facilities tour on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Six distilleries are included in the tour: Four Roses Bourbon, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey Bourbon, and Woodford Reserve. The tour has attracted visitors from all 50 states and 25 countries since opening in 1999. Each year in September, Bardstown hosts the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a six-day event that features activities such as the ancient craft of barrel making, bourbon-style cooking, music and, of course, the drinking of smooth Kentucky bourbon.

Equestrian activities have played an important role in Kentucky since they began racing horses in 1789. Kentucky hosts five thoroughbred racetracks: Churchill Downs, Keeneland Racetrack, Ellis Park, Turfway Park, and Kentucky Downs, along with three standard-bred race tracks: the Red Mile, Players Bluegrass Downs, and Thunder Ridge. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission oversees all forms of state racing. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (a national trade organization), Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association are all located in Lexington. The Kentucky Horse Park and horse farms are popular attractions in Lexington, which is known as the “horse capital of the world.” The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 was held at the Kentucky Horse Park, the first time the event was held in a non-European country. The most popular horseracing event in America, the Kentucky Derby, showcases three-year-old thoroughbreds every May. The Derby, first of the Triple Crown races, brings together thousands of horseracing fans to the state every year.

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