An Ode to Secretariat and a Connection to the Community

Paris, Kentucky is steeped in history, including being the home and resting place for racing legend Secretariat. Buried at Claiborne Farm, he left a mark on the hearts of the country, racing aficionados and Bourbon County citizens. When plans were announced that a three-story mural will be painted in his honor at a newly-built Secretariat Park, we wanted to be involved.

Blue Grass Federal CEO Shanda Smith announced a community challenge grant for the project: the bank will donate $25,000 and will match other donors, dollar for dollar, up to an additional $25,000.

“Blue Grass Federal is so proud to make this commitment to our Paris-Bourbon County community,” said Smith. “As the local downtown bank, we’re excited about the opportunity to help our community thrive by supporting this important legacy project that will draw additional visitors and attention to our special hometown.”

The park is scheduled to be completed in November 2023 and will include a life-sized bronze sculpture of Secretariat on lush landscaping, complete with benches and a garden. Watch Smith talk about the community challenge grant during the park’s groundbreaking celebration.

To commemorate this event, we partnered with local Paris businesses during the 2022 holiday season to raffle off a gift basket filled with Secretariat-themed goodies, including a tour of Claiborne Farm. To enter to win, we asked people to give a monetary donation to Secretariat Park Foundation or come into our branch to fill out a form.

As of February 2023, the bank raised over $50,000 (and counting!)

We’re so excited to watch the park come together throughout the year. Interested in following the park’s progress? Follow Secretariat Park Inc. – and don’t forget to also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see what we’re up to in our communities!