The Claiborne Farm Visitor Center's grand opening will commence at a Paris Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony held out at the visitor center Sept. 15 at noon, Claiborne's Allison Bishop told the TDN Wednesday.
“The idea came about a couple years ago really, but we knew it wasn't feasible until just this year,” said Bishop, daughter of former Claiborne Farm helmsman Seth Hancock and sister to current head Walker Hancock. “We started to really understand the purpose of gaining more fans and retaining the current ones, especially after the report came out about horseracing [being in] the state that it was in. This winter we put the plan into action.”
Already open in a limited capacity, the visitor center will operate 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. every day farm tours run. In addition, it will be closed during the first week of the Keeneland September Sale, but will re-open beginning the following Monday, Sept. 19. It will also be closed during the Keeneland November Sale, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“We thought this would be a nice addition to our farm tours,” Bishop continued. “We've been giving tours for about 30 years or so, but it was a whole new approach to look at the visitor expansion. Really they [the fans] are the ones who keep our game going.”
There will be plaques displayed in the visitor center detailing the farm's rich history, as well as various pieces from the farm itself, like a door from a foaling barn, with informative cards outlining the purpose of the buildings they originated from. Amenities include public restrooms, as well as drinks, and snacks, including some Kentucky Proud products and Ale 8. Claiborne Farm memorabilia will also be available for purchase, with items like t-shirts, hats and key chains on offer among others.
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