Patrick Dotson Online

So in less than a month we will have the FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park. I read somewhere when all of this started that the Horse Park had a $34 million budget for improvements. They are at $110 million right now, only $30 million is privately invested. The rest? Public money.

For those who have been under a rock for the last couple of years, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the first time this event has ever been done outside of Europe. It will bring over 700 competitors to Lexington and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Economy boost? You could say that. Hotel rooms that are normally $70/night are going for $450/night.

Lexington has benefited tremendously from this. Road improvements, new buildings, area clean ups, etc. are all excellent and have been executed quite well. While most of us Lexingtonians are sick of the road construction, the long term benefits will be worth it. Will we recoup all money spent during the 18-day event? NO WAY. However, lots of the improvements were well overdue.

I don’t, however, understand why New Circle Road was paved when it didn’t really need it while Versailles Road still remains a pothole nightmare. The road that leads from downtown to Keeneland, the castle, and several well-known horse farms will jar fillings loose if you’re not careful.

I have a feeling I’m really going to enjoy the FEI Games in Lexington. For about the first four days. Seeing that many people here and watching how the locals handle all the imports will be entertaining. However, the traffic, the waits at restaurants, and general mass confusion will quickly wear on my nerves and I’ll probably work from home most of the time.

I am glad we will get the publicity, though. Hold on tight, Lexington, it’ll be over soon.