Louisville, KY (June 27, 2016) – The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will host the first ever South Points Buy Local Fair on Saturday, July 9th from 4-8 p.m. at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater. Presented by Louisville Gas and Electric Company, the fair will include a marketplace from local businesses, an international food court, artists and craftspeople, and community organizations, as well as craft beer and Louisville pure tap® to GO stations (you can BYOB – bring your own bottle – for water!). Admission and parking are free.
The event is one of many efforts put forth by LIBA’s Keep South Louisville Weird campaign, which aims to grow independent businesses, both current and new, in the area.
“Neighborhoods really benefit when independent businesses are successful, and we want that for South Louisville,” says Jennifer Rubenstein, Director of LIBA. “We know from studies that more money stays circulating in the local economy, and independent business are a huge contributor to a neighborhood’s sense of place. Plus, home values are higher in areas where independent businesses are strong.”
“So many wonderful things are happening in South Louisville,” said LG&E Community Initiatives Manager [and Metro Councilwoman] Marianne Butler. “This fair is a perfect opportunity for residents throughout the entire city to come check out the area’s local businesses, find out what they offer and provide the support to ensure the businesses and our local economy continue to thrive.”
The Iroquois Amphitheater, where the event will take place, has become one of the crown jewels of South Louisville. Many Louisvillians are introduced to the area when they attend one of the many high profile shows at the venue. LIBA is also encouraging attendees to make a night of the event and buy tickets to the 8 p.m. performance of Cirque Louis’ Midsummer Night’s Circus, also being held at the Amphitheater.
In addition to LG&E, the 2016 South Points Buy Local Fair is sponsored by Republic Bank, Louisville Metro Council, Louisville Water Company, Leanhart Plumbing, Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital/KentuckyOne Health, WAKY Radio and Park Community Bank.
About the Keep South Louisville Weird Campaign:
In May of 2013, the LIBA teamed up with Metro government, leaders from the Southwest Dream Team, Dixie Area Business Association, South Louisville Business Association and other area groups to launch the Keep South Louisville Weird campaign, which is much more than a slogan. The group has conducted and analyzed studies about what area residents want, gathered research, conducted bus tours for potential business owners, coordinated a South Louisville Independent Business Growth Summit, and started efforts to educate area residents about why it’s important to support independent businesses.
About the Louisville Independent Business Alliance
LIBA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area by promoting locally-owned businesses and to educate citizens on the value of buying locally. For more information about LIBA, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com.
