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Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park has been named winner of a special award from the National Restaurant Association. Ann Latta, Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet Secretary and Acting Commissioner of the Department of Parks, visited the park and presented the national award to Park Manager Doug Price in the Worthington Lodge Monday afternoon.
In an article in a Kentucky Restaurant Association publication, the park’s Christmas for Kids program is highlighted as the primary factor in the park at Blue Licks being named one of two national award winners, the other being in Wichita, Kansas. The article states: “When Santa arrives at Blue Licks Battlefield State resort Park, the unmistakable look of pure delight envelops every child’s face - and for good reason. Many of the children attending the park’s Christmas for Kids event never get to experience the joy and festivities of the holiday season.“
"The Christmas for Kids event began in 1999 as a way to reach out to children in local schools and to give back to the community that so strongly supports the park. In its first year, the event was solely funded and organized by the park - and greeted with enthusiastic support. Soon, the entire community looked for ways to pitch in. A local dentist gives away toothbrushes and toothpaste. Grocery stores donate fruit. Santa Claus comes to visit, and a storyteller entrances the children with holiday tales."
"Christmas for Kids is a big triumph in the community. Nearly 170 children invited from four local schools participated in the 2002 event, where they enjoyed breakfast or lunch, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, handmade Christmas tree ornaments, story time, and a bag brimming with fruit, candy canes, crayons, coloring books and much more."
"Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park doesn’t rest after the holidays. The entire park participates in the state government’s annual Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign. Each year, 100 percent of the staff participates in the fundraising event, last year raising more money than any other Kentucky state park and winning one of the four state awards for best overall campaign performance."
“Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park staff members have worked to create a truly memorable holiday for needy children. The Kentucky Restaurant Association is proud to honor the park and its wonderful employees.” The park’s submission also included other examples of involvement in various projects and aspects of community life, such as:
- The park chef doing numerous food art demonstrations at local schools
- Libraries and senior groups
- Staff involvement as team members and participating in the Nicholas County
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