For a fortnight (or two weeks) this Fall, Lexington and The Bluegrass will host The World Equestrian Games, the largest event ever held in this region. Over 600,000 people from 60 countries around the world are expected to attend.  World Championships for eight equestrian disciplines will be decided at the Kentucky Horse Park in the competition's first foray outside Europe.

We at Artique believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for The Bluegrass to showcase not only our hospitality, but our homegrown artistry, and yes, our business community as well.

We think we have found a way to accomplish these objectives.

Artique has commissioned Kentucky's own Damon Farmer, Grandmaster Sand Sculptor, to create a sand sculpture worthy of the first World Equestrian Games outside Europe. And Damon is just the artist to make it happen. He has won virtually every major competition, including the World Championship.  He has created sculptures in Japan, China, France, Italy, and Spain.

On September 22, just days before the Games start, Damon will begin the process of turning 100 tons of sand at The Mall at Lexington Green into a work of art. This will be an event in itself as many people will come to watch Damon sculpt on a daily basis. The sculpture Damon did in Japan brought in over 100,000 people to view the sculpture's progress.

[Jack & The Beanstalk & Gulliver's Travels Sculpture, Japan 2009]

A smaller version of the sculpture will be created by the artist at the Kentucky Horse Park in the World Equine Village inviting event goers to visit the much larger sculpture at Lexington Green.

A Sponsorship Of This Artistic Event Represents A Unique Marketing Opportunity For Your Business

Companies from around the world recognize the unprecedented opportunity that comes with the World Equestrian Games. To date, it has four major sponsors and eleven secondary ones. Plus, 300 tradeshow exhibitors are expected. This is a very big deal. And as unusual as it may sound, sand sculpture may be your way to be a part of the action. For as little as $1,000, your company name can get exposure, not only at the Lexington Green creation point, but 24/7 anywhere in the world via webcam at the sculpture's own website, www.SandCastleCam.com, and be linked on many other websites and Facebook pages months before and after the event. The sculpture itself will remain up through the Keeneland Fall Meet. Magazine and newspaper advertising will also be a part of the package, as will email blasts.

• Overview of the Games:
  ~ Being held September 25 - October 10, 2010
  ~ Largest event to ever come to this region of the country
• ~ Governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI)
• ~ Held ever four years, midway between Summer Olympics
• ~ World Championships for eight Equestrian Disciplines
• ~ First time held outside of Europe
• ~ Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
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• Size and Scope:
• ~ 600 Competitors
• ~ Athletes representing more than 60 countries
• ~ More than 600 horses competing
• ~ More than 600,000 attendees
• ~ More than 300 tradeshow exhibitors expected
• ~ More than 500,000 reserved tickets will be sold
• ~ Approximately 1,500 media in attendance from across the globe  
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• Game News:
• ~ Alltech, Rolex, John Deer, and Ariat - major sponsors
• ~ Eleven additional sponsors committed to date
• ~ Sold more than $7.0 million in tickets through deposit programs
• ~ Sold nearly $2 million of Hospitality in less than three weeks
• ~ More than 170 tradeshow spaces have been reserved
• ~ Website receives more than 20,000 unique visitors per month
• ~ 90,000 room night requests have been received
• ~ More than 10,000 volunteers from all over the country & the world  
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