By now, most who live in or near Lexington are well aware that in a little over two years this Central Kentucky city will host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, accommodating an anticipated 500,000 international competitors and spectators over the 16-days of the event.
And we all thought that was a big deal.
Now, Alltech founder and president Pearse Lyons reveals that his company, already the event's $10 million title sponsor, is making an additional and significantly higher investment to ensure that the visiting throngs are properly entertained during the two-week event. Alltech has formed a production company to seek a lineup of internationally renowned performers. According to Lyons, prospects range from Paul McCartney and U2 to the Boston Pops.
The following is an edited version of Martin's discussion with Dr. Lyons at the company's headquarters in Nicholasville about what will be known as "The Fortnight Festival of the Arts. To hear the complete interview