In 2025, we will celebrate Lexington’s founding in 1775. In September 2023, Mayor Linda Gorton announced the members of the Mayor’s 250 Lex Commission. The commission is planning an entire year’s worth of events honoring the cultural and historic significance of Lexington’s past, present and future.
Lexington was founded in 1775, one year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, by William McConnell and frontier explorers who set up camp near a natural springs, now known as McConnell Springs. In honor of the American Revolution battles in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the frontiersman named their site Lexington.
One focus of the commission will be the month of June 2025, called ‘Come Home’ month. June is the month Lexington is believed to have been named. The city is inviting anyone who has lived here, has family here, or would like to see all we have to offer to travel here for a month-long cultural experience.
Check back for more details as they become available on the design competition, sponsorships and scheduled events. To submit suggestions, email 250lex@lexingtonky.gov.
250LEX Cultural Grant Program
The 250LEX Commission invites Fayette County residents and non-profit organizations to apply for grants to assist with the creation of high-quality, meaningful programming, exhibits, events or public art related to Lexington’s 250th anniversary occurring in 2025. Review the complete guidelines and eligibility before submitting an application.
Commission members
- Eunice A. Beatty, Ph.D. – Co-chair
- Kip Cornett – Co-chair
- Lisa Adkins – Blue Grass Community Foundation
- Monica Calleja – Casa de la Cultura de Kentucky
- Markus Cross – Realtor
- Ray Daniels – Equity Solutions Group
- Annissa Franklin – Urban League
- Toa Green – Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream
- Preeti Gupta – Community Volunteer
- Amanda Hale – The Lexington School
- Tom Harris – University of Kentucky
- Christy Hiler – Cornett
- Whit Hiler – Cornett
- Amanda Higgins – Lexington History Museum
- Lisa Higgins-Hord – University of Kentucky
- Heather Lyons – Office of the Mayor
- Christa Marrillia – Keeneland Association
- Everett McCorvey – University of Kentucky Opera
- Megan Moloney – Transylvania University
- Mary Quinn Ramer – VisitLEX
- Brian Sipe – Central Bank Center
- Vice Mayor Dan Wu – City of Lexington
- Nathan Zamarron – LexArts
Troubadour Hometown Concert Series
The all-volunteer, community-run Troubadour Hometown Concert Series is moving to the Kentucky Theater in 2024.