Harrison County Tomorrow group making promotion plans for 2010 Equestrian Games

In just 20 months, 600,000 visitors from 60 countries will be flocking to the  Bluegrass for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

How will Harrison County participate?

That’s a multi-faceted question that a contingent of citizens are beginning to answer.

Dr. Lori Garkovich of the University of Kentucky told about 30 people Monday that the group needs to concentrate on four questions:

•What can Harrison County offer in the way of a WOW experience?

•What does Harrison County have in common with neighboring counties that can be jointly pursued?

•What can Harrison County showcase? and

•What is Harrison County’s brand?

Garkovich said that while the Games are scheduled for Sept. 25 through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park, guests will be coming earlier and staying later.

She suggested that events be planned for the period before and after, and possibly at the beginning. However, she said the crowning moments of the Games will be in the final days and those who will be attending will not want to miss the final activities.

Chamber director Pat Grenier said the Taste of Harrison County has been moved to accommodate possible visitors. She said there is also some discussion of moving the Raggedy Ann Festival next year.

Teryl Tribble, with Friends of Griffith Woods, said there is a possibility of having an afternoon nature walk on the 400-acre farm on U.S. 62 West.

Garkovich said there is merit in the nature walk idea because that it something that will likely be unique.

“There are 119 other counties out there,” Garkovich said. “You have to think about what sets you apart from them.”

There was discussion of a tobacco museum or an agriculture tour, which might include a mock tobacco auction, driving tour of the barn quilts, Rohs’ ghost walk, and an audio driving tour to Civil War sites.

The contingency, some of whom are representatives of the Harrison County Tomorrow committees, agreed to meet again on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Extension office.

The meetings are open to the public and more participation is encouraged.