BLUE GRASS AIRPORT’S RETAIL SHOPS
PREPARE SPECIAL KENTUCKY SEND-OFF
FOR DERBY TRAVELERS

April 29, 2009 – On Sunday, May 3, visitors traveling home after attending the Derby will enjoy Kentucky hospitality from The Paradies Shops, operator of the four retail shops at Blue Grass Airport.

From 11 am to 2 pm, The Paradies Shops will provide visitors with a complimentary taste of Kentucky. Representatives from Ruth Hunt Candies, Bluegrass Steaks & Everything Sauce, Wholly Smokers Barbecue Sauce and Uncle Kenny’s Bourbon Cookies will be onsite distributing food samples. The Henry Clay Estate gift shop will promote a book on the story of Henry Clay’s daughter-in-law, Josephine Clay: Pioneer Horsewoman of the Bluegrass. Also, for those individuals traveling and have a valid boarding pass, there will be a booksigning by author Mary Ann Taylor-Hall for her latest book, At The Breakers.*

The Paradies Shops has served as Blue Grass Airport's retailer for 13 years and manages the airport's two gift shops, art gallery and The New York Times Bookstore. The Paradies Shops operates more than 500 stores in over 70 airports and hotels across the United States and Canada.

“Before Derby visitors return home, it is important that we make a lasting impression,” said Eric Frankl, interim executive director of Blue Grass Airport. “This special send-off by The Paradies Shops is an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience the best of Kentucky. From gourmet food products to equine photography and art, The Paradies Shops showcases unique gifts and keepsakes that are reflective of our region.”

The Paradies Shops sets itself apart from other retailers by stocking its shops with merchandise that has a local flavor. Approximately 40 percent of its merchandise is purchased from local vendors. Items include Rebecca Ruth Candies, The Finishing Touch of Kentucky, Maker's Mark Gourmet Sauce, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls, Keeneland giftware and 2010 World Equestrian Games apparel. Works from local authors and artists are also represented.

The Paradies Shops' art gallery and gift shops are open 5 am to 8 pm. Thirty minutes of free parking at Blue Grass Airport is available in the short-term, long-term and economy parking areas.

Blue Grass Airport, Official Airport of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities with connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers every year.

* The book signing will take place in The New York Times Bookstore, located beyond security checkpoint. Due to federal regulations, only those passengers who are traveling and have a boarding pass and valid ID will be permitted access.