Owensboro Moves Into the National Conversation Owensboro isn’t building toward something—it’s already arriving. The BBQ & Barrels Bourbon Experience now features Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam. That kind of name doesn’t show up by accident. It means something is working—and people are paying attention. The Owensboro Times covered it here:https://www.owensborotimes.com/features/2026/04/bbq-barrels-to-feature-jim-beam-master-distiller-fred-noe-expanded-bourbon-experience/ “This puts our community on a national stage,” said Mark Calitri, President & CEO of Visit…
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The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: April 27 – May 3
2026 Strawberry Festival Have a berry sweet time at Strawberry Fest! Happening on select dates, May 1–31, this strawberry-filled experience at Trunnell’s is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Enjoy picking fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the vine in the U-Pick fields, then treat yourself to delicious strawberry-themed snacks, drinks, and farm-fresh food! With fun photo ops, festive vibes, and plenty of activities for all…
Mark Calitri’s The Winning Leadership Playbook™ Added to Daviess County Public Library Collection
Mark Calitri’s The Winning Leadership Playbook™: The Pete Rose Way — Hustle, Heart, and High-Performance has officially been added to the collection at the Daviess County Public Library. That matters. Libraries choose books they believe bring value to their community. This wasn’t simply about putting another title on a shelf. The library saw value in the message: hustle, accountability, teamwork, standards, and leadership that works in the real world. Built…
The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: April 6 – April 12
Burgers & Barnyard Bash Award-winning burgers, live music, and so much barnyard fun! On April 11 & 12, head to the Cottage Farmstand for the ultimate outdoor picnic experience! From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, enjoy exclusive Cottage Burger Week specials like the Owensburger and the Daviess Co. Double. Plus, take part in mini golf, outdoor games, and meet barnyard animals. Best of all, this fun-filled event is completely FREE!…
Owensboro Scoop: BBQ & Barrels Distilleries Coming
BBQ & Barrels, set for May 8-9, 2026, in downtown Owensboro, KY, is a celebration of the city’s deep-rooted traditions in barbecue and bourbon. The “Barrels” portion highlights Owensboro’s historic connection to Kentucky bourbon, showcased through a ticketed bourbon experience at the Owensboro Convention Center. This ticketed event offers the ultimate bourbon experience at an unbeatable value, combining the chance to savor exceptional bourbon with a delightful BBQ culinary adventure. Over…
Owensboro Scoop: BBQ & Barrels
While BBQ and Barrels may be known for its exceptional barbecue and renowned bourbon, the event offers so much more, making it one of Owensboro’s premier family-friendly festivals. The festivities begin on Friday, May 8, featuring a brand new Artisan Craft Expo filled with unique merchants and handcrafted goods. Attendees can browse local vendors and artisans while taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of BBQ and Barrels. On Saturday,…
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Recognition Highlights Visit Owensboro Leaders
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Recognition Highlights the Work Behind the Growth Published March 2026 When recognition comes from the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, it carries weight. It reflects results, not just effort. That’s what this moment represents as Daylin Tolgo and Nicole Faris are recognized for their work at Visit Owensboro. Daylin serves as Director of Marketing and Services, helping lead major initiatives like Burger Week, BBQ & Barrels,…
Wathen Speaks at Grind Session Banquet
The nation’s biggest winter prep basketball circuit, the Grind Session, was in town this past weekend for their World Championships. The Grind Session is known for producing high-level Division 1 basketball talent; many of whom often go on to play in the NBA and WNBA ranks. With the circuit’s full women’s postseason tournament being played in the Sportscenter this year, the Grind Session held its end-of-the-season banquet and awards ceremony on the…
Bourbon That Rides the River Is Coming to Owensboro
.Floating rickhouses. Yes, that’s real. O.H. Ingram River-Aged Whiskey ages bourbon on the Mississippi River, not in a traditional warehouse. Their barrels sit on the water and move with the current every day. That motion, along with the heat, humidity, and river air, becomes part of how the bourbon develops in the barrel. It’s actually a throwback to how bourbon once moved in the 1800s, when barrels traveled the river…
The Power of the Kentucky 2A Championships
The Power of the Kentucky 2A Championships High school basketball means something in Kentucky. The Kentucky 2A Championships give student-athletes another real stage to compete. Mid-size schools from across the Commonwealth battle through sectional tournaments to earn a shot at a statewide title. It’s competitive. It’s intense. It matters. More importantly, the tournament prepares teams for the stretch that defines a season — district tournaments, regional championships, and the ultimate goal in Kentucky high school basketball, the Sweet 16. This…