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

Lexington, KY — On Sunday, May 7, even though the Kentucky Derby has been won, the special hospitality for travelers to the Commonwealth continues.

Air travelers departing from Lexington's Blue Grass Airport can keep on living the charmed life here in central Kentucky until their departure time. From 11 am to 3 pm, Blue Grass Airport retailer The Paradies Shops will provide visitors with a complimentary taste of Kentucky. Ruth Hunt Candies and meatballs baked in Bluegrass Steaks & Everything Sauce will be available for travelers to sample. In addition, Lexington author Paul Tonsend will be on site to sign his novel, Whatever Happened to Adam.

The Paradies Shops has served as Blue Grass Airport's retailer for 11 years and manages the airport's two gift shops, art gallery and The New York Times Bookstore. The Paradies Shops operates more than 400 stores in over 60 airports and hotels across the United States and Canada.

"Blue Grass Airport is expecting heavy passenger traffic for Derby weekend," said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. "This is our opportunity to demonstrate Kentucky's gracious hospitality and uniqueness to travelers."

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, Dixie Jewelry, Maker's Mark Gourmet Sauce, Ruth Hunt Bourbon Balls, Missy Fox Trumbore watercolor note cards and now Lexington Legends apparel and gifts. Works from local authors and artists are also represented.

"Passengers have the perfect opportunity to purchase original, one-of-a-kind brands unique to the Bluegrass state," said Gobb. "From Keeneland gifts to the fine art of Doug Prather and James Archambeault, The Paradies Shops offers travelers many options of local keepsakes."

The Paradies Shops' art gallery and gift shop is open 5 am to 8 pm and The New York Times Bookstore is open 5 am to 7 pm.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities with direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.