The Vince Carter Team Real Estate Blog: April 2010

It's finally that time-the week we've all been waiting for! The state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville  are known worldwide thanks to the fastest and greatest two minutes of sports that takes place every year at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby horse race.  Dozens of festivities have led up to this race, and now here we are 5 days away, anticipating the results of a 120-second race!

Continue your celebration of the Kentucky Derby this week through a plethora of events right here in Louisville.  Check it out, show up, and get psyched for the Kentucky Derby!

Monday, April 26

Great Bed Races,  Broadbent Arena, 6pm Free admission with Pegasus pin. $6 KEC parking fee. $130 per race team.

ATT Derby Festival Morning Line,  Kentucky Derby Museum,  Monday & Tuesday from 6-11am
Local stations broadcast live from the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Don Fightmaster Golf Outing for Exceptional Children,  Shawnee Golf Course,   9am-12pm
Free admission for spectators. Activities include a lunch and awards ceremony featuring local celebrities.

Discovery Day, Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  11am-1:30pm
Free admission with Pegasus pin. No coolers, cans, bottles, or pets allowed. Educational and hands-on activities featuring Stage One: "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," Radio Disney Crew, Louisville Lightning Soccer Clinic,& an  inflatable playground. Plus interactive activities with YMCA Healthy Actions Team, Frazier International History Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, etc.

Happy Tail Hour at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville,  5pm-9pm
Free admission with Pegasus pin. PETS ON LEASHES WELCOMED! Adoptable animals will be available.

Knights of Columbus Charity Dinner,  Galt House Archibald Cochran Room,  6pm cocktails & 7pm dinner
Dinner tickets $30. Post-dinner reception tickets $10. Raises money for mentally handicapped. Presentation of Dean Eagle Memorial Award toward person who has excelled in promotion & coverage of Thoroughbred Racing.

Tuesday, April 27

$1 Hole-in-One Finals, Seneca Golf Course Hole #8, 6pm Free for spectators.

Parade Preview Party,  Kentucky Exposition Center South Wing C, Private Group Tours 9am-1pm and open to public 5-9pm
Free admission with Pegasus pin. $6 KEC parking fee. Preview all floats, complete with costumed characters and equestrian additions.

Run for the Rose,  Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  11:30am
Free admission with Pegasus pin. Contestants must compete to make it through an obstacle course.

Winefest,  Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  April 27-28 5-9pm
$35 per ticket. Includes free valet parking (with ticket purchased at The Melting Pot ), a complimentary wine glass, event pin, and samplings of great wines from over 20 Kentucky wineries.

Texas Hold'em Tournament, Belle of Cincinnati at Kroger's Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront, 4pm boarding & 6pm tournament
Includes 1 hour cruise. $15 per person. Entry is $125 buy-in, which includes $10,000 in chips and a commemorative pin. Limited to 325 participants.

Ramble for the Roses, Iroquois Park, 4-8pm
Walk begins at 6pm. Non-competitive 5K walk. Playground, cookout selection of food, drink, & children's games. Rain or shine. Free commemorative t-shirt with registration.

Anthem Healthy Lifestyle Showcase,  Jefferson Mall, 8am-2pm Health screenings provided. Aimed toward senior citizens.

Rhythmfest Featuring En Vogue with Midnight Star,  Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, 8pm Midnight Star  & 9pm En VogueFree admission with Pegasus Pin.

Wednesday, April 28

Great Steamboat Race,  4:45 boarding, 5:45 departure, 6pm race
$130 Belle of Louisville tickets. $75 Belle of Cincinnati tickets.

Battle of the Bounce,  Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, 11am
Free admission with Pegasus pin. $75 per person (four person teams) to enter. Incredible obstacle course competition.

James McMurtry Concert, Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, 7pm Will Hoge & 8pm James McMurtry
Free admission with Pegasus pin. No coolers, cans, bottles, or pets.

Don't miss out! There is still time to participate in this year's Kentucky Derby Festival 

Experience all the other great festival offerings, varied enough for every budget. Only a city as fantastic as Louisville could serve up such a month full of festivities! Check back Wednesday right here with The Vince Carter Team for a complete list of the final Kentucky Derby Events, and again on Friday to learn about the horses that make it all happen! See you then!

The state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville are known worldwide thanks to the fastest and greatest two minutes of sports that takes place every year at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby horse race. But many are unaware that the festivities leading up to this race begin even months before-a lot of energy goes into celebrating and anticipating the results of a 120-second race!

Even though the Kentucky Derby is only 8 days away, you can begin your celebration this week through a variety of events right here in Louisville.  Check it out, show up, and get psyched for the Kentucky Derby!

Saturday, April 24

Marathon & Mini Marathon,  3rd Street at Iroquois Manor, 7:30am
Free for spectators. Click here to register to run in a race.

Da'Ville Classic Drumline Showcase,  Kentucky International Convention Center Hall B,  1-4pm
$10 Admission. High School & Community drumlines from Kentucky and neighboring states go head to head.

The Slice of Louisville,  1310 West Broadway,  6-9pm
$45/Ticket. Live entertainment and food & wine samplings. See website for more information.

Saturday Evening Concert Featuring Uncle Kracker, Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  9pm
Free admission with 2010 Pegasus pin. Marathon & mini runners get in free with their finisher's medals. No coolers, cans, bottles, or pets.

Sunday, April 25

$1 Million Hole in One Semi Finals,  Water Tower @ River Road, 6pm
Free for spectators. Must qualify in preliminaries to participate.

Louisville Youth Orchestra Concert, Iroquois Amphitheatre,  3pm
Free admission with 2010 Pegasus pin.

Celebration Sunday with 88.5WJIE & 94.7WFIA,   Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  5pm-?
Free admission with Pegasus pin. Family activities, plus concerts by Booth Brothers (5pm), Mile 7 (6:30pm), and Building 429 (7pm).

Monday, April 26

Great Bed Races,  Broadbent Arena,  6pm
Free admission with Pegasus pin. $6 KEC parking fee. $130 per race team.

ATT Derby Festival Morning Line, Kentucky Derby Museum,  Monday & Tuesday from 6-11am
Local stations broadcast live from the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Don Fightmaster Golf Outing for Exceptional Children, Shawnee Golf Course,  9am-12pm
Free admission for spectators. Activities include a lunch and awards ceremony featuring local celebrities.

Discovery Day, Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,  11am-1:30pm
Free admission with Pegasus pin. No coolers, cans, bottles, or pets allowed. Educational and hands-on activities featuring Stage One: "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," Radio Disney Crew, Louisville Lightning Soccer Clinic,& an  inflatable playground. Plus interactive activities with YMCA Healthy Actions Team, Frazier International History Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, etc.

Happy Tail Hour at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville, 5pm-9pm Free admission with Pegasus pin. PETS ON LEASHES WELCOMED! Adoptable animals will be available.

Knights of Columbus Charity Dinner, Galt House Archibald Cochran Room,  6pm cocktails & 7pm dinner
Dinner tickets $30. Post-dinner reception tickets $10. Raises money for mentally handicapped. Presentation of Dean Eagle Memorial Award toward person who has excelled in promotion & coverage of Thoroughbred Racing.

So this year, don't let the Kentucky Derby Festival be just about the Derby.  Instead, take advantage of

the opportunity to experience the other great festival offerings, varied enough for every budget. Only a

city as fantastic as Louisville could serve up such a month full of festivities!

Check back each week right here with The Vince Carter Team to stay up to date on your Kentucky Derby Festival activities.

The state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville are known worldwide thanks to the fastest and greatest two minutes of sports that takes place every year at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby horse race.  But many are unaware that the festivities leading up to this race begin even months before-a lot of energy goes into celebrating and anticipating the results of a 120-second race!

Even though the Kentucky Derby is only 12 days away, you can begin your celebration this week through a variety of events right here in Louisville.  Check it out, show up, and get psyched for the Kentucky Derby!

Monday, April 19

King Southern Bank Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Audubon Country Club,  Tee times begin at 12pm
$2,000 per team.

Wednesday, April 21

$1 Million Hole in One Ladies Day, Water Tower at River Rd. & Zorn Ave., 10am-8pm
$1 per golf ball, Ladies B1G1 free all day today!

Thursday, April 22-a day FULL of entertainment opportunities!

Pajama Party, Sports & Social Club at 4^th Street Live!, 6-9pm Adults 21+ only. Pre-race party to anticipate the Great Bed Races. Wear PJs and enjoy free appetizers.

Bed Making Competition, Location to be updated soon. 6-9pm. Free admission with 2010 Pegasus pin.

Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park, Festival Plaza at Waterfront Park
Daily from 11am-11pm, Saturday 8am-11pm, Sunday 1-11pm. Free admission with 2010 Pegasus pin. Enjoy carnival-style cuisine, cold beverages, and the hottest live music.

Running Wild Expo, Kentucky International Convention Center, http://www.kyconvention.org/  Thursday 11am-7pm & Friday 11am-9pm
Free admission. See latest running gear, get nutritional advice & pre-race running tips, etc. See complete schedule online.

Taste of Derby Festival, Louisville Slugger Field,  5:30-8:30pm
Call Dare to Care food bank at 966-3821 for tickets, which are $75 each ($50 of which is tax-deductible). Sampling of Louisville's best dishes to help a worthy cause. Proceeds benefit Dare to Care Food Bank. Includes bourbon tasting, Bloody Mary contest, wine tasting, and silent auction. See website for complete list of participating restaurants.  

Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, Waterfront Park Great Lawn
Open daily until April 30^th 11am-11pm, Saturdays 8am-11pm, Sunday 1pm-11pm. Free admission with Pegasus pin. No coolers, can bottles, or pets allowed. Concerts, food, kid's inflatable playground, corn toss, movie night, Bourbon country, and more. See website http://kdf.org/events-Krogers-Fest-a-Ville-on-the-Waterfront.html for more information.

Great Balloon Fest,  "Previously recognized by Louisville Magazine as Louisville's "Best Event," the 38th annual U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race and 18th annual U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow will continue as two of the marquee events of the Derby Festival schedule, in addition to newer ballooning events such as the U.S. Bank Great Balloon Rush Hour Race, U.S. Bank Great Balloon Lift-off and U.S. Bank Great Balloon Tour.

These events come together to create a single, cohesive ballooning experience beloved by the entire community. In recognition of that special community feeling, we're officially designating this entire weekend as the U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest.

These five great events take place the weekend before the Kentucky Derby and attract tens of thousands of spectators to the Kentucky Exposition Center and other locations throughout Greater Louisville. In 2009, crowds estimated at more than 75,000 turned out for these family-friendly events." *http://kdf.org/events-US-Bank-Derby-Festival-Great-BalloonFest.html

Great Balloon Tour, Charlie Vettiner Park,  5pm-7pm  Preview of balloon events. Kicks off 2010 BalloonFest activities.

Great Balloon Glimmer, At Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, 8pm
Enjoy the chow wagon kick-off as you watch the balloons glow on the Great Lawn.

So this year, don't let the Kentucky Derby Festival  be just about the Derby. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to experience the other great festival offerings, varied enough for every budget. Only a city as fantastic as Louisville could serve up such a month full of festivities!

Check back each week right here with The Vince Carter Team to stay up to date on your Kentucky Derby Festival activities.

The state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville  are known worldwide thanks to the fastest and greatest two minutes of sports that takes place every year at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby horse race.  But many are unaware that the festivities leading up to this race begin even months before-a lot of energy goes into celebrating and anticipating the results of a 120-second race!

Even though the Kentucky Derby  is only 15 days away, you can begin your celebration this week through a variety of events right here in Louisville.  Check it out, show up, and get psyched for the Kentucky Derby!    

Friday, April 16

The AFB Fillies Derby Ball,  Galt House East Grand Ballroom,  6:30pm   $150/person                               

                                Corporate tables of 10 for $1,875
                                Features coronation of Derby Festival Queen

Saturday, April 17

Volleyball Classic,  Baxter Jack's  & Waterfront Park,  9am-9pm Country's largest outdoor vball tournament. Free admission with Pegasus pin.

Portland Thunder Block Party, 2000 Block of Northwestern Parkway, 2pm-12am Free admission with Pegasus pin.

Boomtown Presented by Tumbleweed, Tumbleweed on the Waterfront, 11am-11pm
Free admission

THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE, Downtown on the Riverfront
11am-Food & Festivities begin
3pm-Airshow begins
9:30pm-FIREWORKS BEGIN
Largest fireworks display in the area!
"Thunder Over Louisville is not only the official opening ceremonies for the two fun-filled weeks of the Kentucky Derby Festival, it is also the nation's largest annual fireworks show.

Rated as one of the top 100 events in North America, the Derby Festival's Opening Ceremonies is truly a sight to behold.  And each year, more than 500,000 eager thrill-seekers do just that.

The Thunder Air Show dazzles the crowd with more than 100 planes, aerobatics teams, daring sky diving teams and breathtaking stunts.  And the amazing technology of the United States Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines are always crowd favorites.  The assortment of military aircraft and demo teams in the sky and in the water make the Louisville waterfront come to life.

Other show features include Howitzers from Fort Knox, the latest humvee technology and M-1 Abrams Tanks.  Much like America's favorite pastime, Thunder salutes our country by waving the largest US flag ever flown.  It soars above the crowd via helicopter tow as the National Anthem provides a musical backdrop.

When it gets dark, the Thunder rolls.  The show will feature the latest in pyrotechnic power from Zambelli Internationale, America's "first family of fireworks".  Eight 400-foot barges assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites.

The breathtaking and mind-numbing 28-minute show includes the Zambelli's signature one-mile "waterfall" effect off the bridge, making the fireworks seem to rain down forever.  And in the crowd's memory of the show, it does!

After more than a decade, the show remains the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America.  Seen by millions worldwide via a July 4th rebroadcast on the Armed Forces Network to more than 150 countries, it is the state's pride.  A Discovery Channel documentary on fireworks shows says it best, ‘Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!'." http://kdf.org/events-Thunder-Over-Louisville.html

Sunday, April 18

Kentucky Derby Museum Launch Party,  at the Kentucky Derby Museum, 12pm-2pm  Free admission with Pegasus pin.

Children's Tea with the Derby Festival Princesses,  The Olmstead, 2pm  $25 per ticket, reservations required.

Monday, April 19

King Southern Bank Pro-Am Golf Tournament,  Audubon Country Club, Tee times begin at 12pm
$2,000 per team.

If you can make it to anything this weekend, make it to THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE. You will never forget this spectacular display of lights and sounds. Better yet, head out to enjoy all of this weekend's festivities, most of which are free with a Pegasus pin!

So this year, don't let the Kentucky Derby Festival be just about the

Derby.  Instead, take advantage of

the opportunity to experience the other great festival offerings, varied enough for every budget. Only a

city as fantastic as Louisville could serve up such a month full of festivities!

Check back each week right here with The Vince Carter Team to stay up to date on your Kentucky Derby Festival activities.

To experience café drinks and café delights in Louisville, look no further than Bistro 301 on West Market Street  in downtown Louisville.  This urban, café-style restaurant has the menu, atmosphere, and prices you've always dreamed of.

With seating indoor at bar or table as well as outdoor on the sidewalk under the shade of umbrellas, Bistro 301 offers a variety of settings to meet your mood. As you dine, enjoy your choice of lunch or dinner along with a serving of beer or wine. The class of this café simply cannot be matched. Every meal is served in a way that appeals to both your eyes and your tastebuds, with a kitchen staff that pays attention to both taste and appearance. Check out the online album of the restaurant to find out for yourself how beautifully tasty each meal is served.

The lunch menu at Bistro 301 ranges in price from $4-$15 and includes all of your favorites: appetizers like Calamari and Hummus, a wide variety of salads with everything from salmon to shrimp to fine cheeses, sandwiches like Muffaletta or wraps, favorites that include Kentucky treasures like the hot brown, and tasty pastas of all varieties. The wide selection of tastes and prices make this café a great option for anyone looking for lunch.

And dinner at Bistro 301 is equally impressive. Expanding on its lunch menu, the dinner menu includes an all-star list of entrees that simply cannot be matched:
Herb Roasted Chicken                                                                                                                                    $17.95
½ fresh herb-roasted chicken served with chef's whim risotto, and natural jus.
Grilled Rib Eye                                                                                                                                                   $27.95
Grilled sterling beef rib eye with bourbon-smoked sea salt served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and green beans
Pork Chop                                                                                                                                                          $23.95
12oz. French cut pork chop with sautéed shallots and apples in brandy sauce, served with creamy stone ground grits and green beans
Filet                                                                                                                                                                     $29.95
Grilled sterling filet with shallot demi-glaze Yukon gold mashed potatoes and green beans
Martini Salmon                                                                                                                                                  $19.95
Seared salmon with a vodka and green olive beurre blanc., served with red skin potatoes and green beans
Sea Scallops                                                                                                                                                       $25.95
Pan-seared dry scallops served with saffron-roasted fingerlings, shitake mushroom confit, and wilted greens; finished with sherry-whole grain mustard beurre blanc.
Today's Fresh Seafood                                                                                                                                  Market Price

Convinced you should check out Bistro 301 yet? If not, consider that they also offer a children's menu, they have a fantastic beer and wine menu, they mainly use organic produce grown by local farmers, and they boast a homemade dessert menu that is out of this world delicious.

If you don't have time to check out Bistro 301 for yourself, consider ordering from its boxed lunch menu.  If you order a minimum of $25, the restaurant will even deliver its fantastic food right to your door. But hurry! You must call before 10:30am to be eligible, so plan ahead!

Bistro 301: another great Louisville dining option suggested to you by The Vince Carter Team. Happy eating!

Just off the Gene Snyder Freeway near Middletown in Louisville, you'll find a great home-buyers' market called Lake Forest.  Sprawling across this end of Jefferson County from the borders of Shelbyville Road, Beckley Station, Old Henry Road, and Aiken Road,  Lake Forest to be a home waiting for you somewhere in its over 2,000 acres of houses.

The average sale price of a Lake Forest home is $400,732, with a median sales price of $350K. At these prices, you can get a lot of bang out of your buck. And when you do find and purchase your Lake Forest  home, you'll be buying more than a house. You'll become a part of a community that offers you friendship, entertainment, security, and serenity.

That's because Lake Forest has all of the amenities you're looking for: a clubhouse, multiple swimming pools, tennis and volleyball courts, nature trails, playgrounds, a soccer field, a championship golf course, and more. Plus the community plans social events so that neighbors can become lifelong friends. These events and opportunities include a summer swim and dive team for kids, the American Red Cross babysitting course, an annual Easter egg hunt, 4^th of July festivities, a Halloween party, visits with Santa, a New Year's Eve gala, a bourbon tasting event, quarterly wine tasting events, comedy clubs, teen activities, neighborhood watch parties, and more.

For help finding the home that's right for you in Lake Forest, contact The Vince Carter Team.  We have the skills you need in a realtor to find your best home now, including training in sales and purchases of distressed properties. Call today for an appointment and find out how we can help get you the home you've been looking for all your life.

 *Some information found at the Lake Forest website

The state of Kentucky  and the city of Louisville are known worldwide thanks to the fastest and greatest two minutes of sports that takes place every year at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby horse race.  But many are unaware that the festivities leading up to this race begin even months before-a lot of energy goes into celebrating and anticipating the results of a 120-second race!

Even though the Kentucky Derby is still 22 days away, you can begin your celebration this week through a variety of events right here in Louisville.  Check it out, show up, and get psyched for the Kentucky Derby!

Friday, April 09: Night of Future Stars, Bellarmine University Knights Hall, 7pm $12-17  
Free admission with ticket to Basketball Classic event
Night featuring talented future stars of basketball. Past events have featured players
such as Moses Malone, Jamal Mashburn,Derek Anderson,  Rex Chapman,  Dominique Wilkins, Pervis Ellison, Isiah Thomas, Darrell Griffith, and Dajuan Wagner.

Saturday, April 10: Derby Festival Basketball Classic,  Freedom Hall,  7pm   $12-17+ $6 parking

Top prep basketball players (see above) in nation go head to head.

Thursday, April 15-24: $1 Million Hole-in-One Golf Contest, Water Tower at River Road & Zorn Ave.,         10am-8:30pm          $1/ball     Free for all spectators

Friday, April 16: They're Off! Luncheon, Galt House East Grand Ballroom,  11:15am  $76/person Tables of 8 for $608
                Julius Erving, "Dr. J" of basketball, will be the guest speaker.

                Presentation of the Silver Horseshoe Award.

Friday, April 16: The AFB Fillies Derby Ball, Galt House East Grand Ballroom,  6:30pm $150/person  Corporate tables of 10 for $1,875

Features coronation of Derby Festival Queen

So this year, don't let the Kentucky Derby Festival be just about the Derby. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to experience the other great festival offerings, varied enough for every budget. Only a city as fantastic as Louisville could serve up such a month full of festivities!

Check back each week right here with The Vince Carter Team to stay up to date on your Kentucky Derby Festival activities.