UK Happenings

Lexington Legends and UK Event Planning Students Collaborate

panoramic photo of Legends ballpark
Photo courtesy of Lexington Legends.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 15, 2021) — The University of Kentucky’s Department of Integrated Strategic Communication event planning students, within the College of Communication and Information, in partnership with the Lexington Legends professional baseball organization, are planning an in-person vendor fair, while respecting CDC pandemic measurements, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday, April 24, at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, the Legends' home field. 

The event, to be held rain or shine, is expected to attract people from across Lexington, Fayette and surrounding counties while giving nearly 25 local businesses an excellent opportunity to showcase their products and/or services. The Lexington Legends want to provide small businesses in the area a chance to reach the local community through an in-person event (while observing CDC protocols) following a most trying several months.

"I have been so impressed by the hard work and determination of the students from UK's Department of Integrated Strategic Communication,” said Kara Shepherd, chief brand officer for the Lexington Legends. “I am confident our event will be a success with these bright young minds leading the charge!" 

​Along with featuring several local businesses, the event will feature unique items for sale, food and activities for families of all ages. Vendors will set up their booths around the concourse for guests to come shop and enjoy a day at the ballpark while maintaining social distance. Lexington Legends Big L and the UK Wildcat will also be on hand to welcome guests.

“We are really excited about teaming up with the event planning class in the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication at UK! This is the definition of a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Andy Shea, president and CEO of the Lexington Legends. “Great real-world experience for the students and a very great event for the Legends!" 

​“Shop Local with the Legends” is free and open to the public. Guests are reminded to adhere to CDC safety guidelines related to COVID-19 while on site, including wearing a mask and physically distancing. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.