Efforts are underway to revive the Ichthus Christian Rock Festival, but the event is scheduled move to a new location next year. Preparations are already underway north of Lexington, at the Kentucky Horse Park.
For decades, Ichthus was staged in or near Wilmore. But financial challenges led to the cancelation of this year’s event. But plans are proceeding for a revival in the fall of 2014. Kentucky Horse Park Director John Nicholson says such a large music event would not be new to the complex.
“We have an understanding of our campground serving as the venue for large music festivals. So, we have a certain experience that can be brought to bear with this. So, I’m thinking that we’re gonna be able to be very helpful in that regard,” said Nicholson.
Every June for years, the Horse Park Campground has hosted the Festival of the Bluegrass. The Ichthus festival will be much louder, but Nicholson says the horses stabled at the park can handle it.
“Loud music isn’t anything new to the Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Horse Park is one thousand 200 acres. So, you can play music at certain locations at the park and the horses will be just fine,” added Nicholson.
If rain falls on the festival, Nicholson says the event could move inside…to the park’s indoor arena. It was built a few years ago for the World Equestrian Games. He sees hosting Ichthus as another chance to promote the park.
“That’s one of the things that we are doing a lot of these days. We do a lot of non equine events, which end up serving to bring new audiences to the Kentucky Horse Park and then new fans for horses and so this is not only something important for Ichthus, it’s also important for the future of the Kentucky Horse Park,” explained Nicholson.
With over 80 major events held each year at the Kentucky Horse Park, Nicholson adds Ichthus might not be the sole event there that weekend. If all goes well, the three-day music festival will begin Thursday, September 25th, 2014.
