Greater Louisville's emphasis on arts and culture is nationally renowned. The community ranks among the top in the nation in per capita giving for the arts, according to the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel, Inc. Schoolchildren are regular visitors to the ballet, orchestra, theater and area museums. Whether it's a Kipling creation at the Roundtable Theatre, a rousing piece by the Louisville Orchestra or a dazzling dance number by the Art! Art! Barking Dog Dance Company, Greater Louisville is a haven for performing and visual arts.

Louisville is not just a great place to live; it is also a great place to visit. Tourism is Greater Louisville's third-largest service industry, directly supporting some 26,000 jobs and generating more than $1.2 billion a year in Jefferson County. Louisville hosts four of the top 200 trade shows in the country, four of which are in the top 25. In 2001, the area hosted more than 880,000 convention delegates, including four of the nation's largest trade shows.

Conventions aren't Louisville's only draw. The Kentucky Derby is one of the nation's great sporting events, and Louisville is also a frequent host to the Breeder's Cup and the PGA golf tournament. The Breeder's Cup will return in 2006. The $600 million in planned tourism infrastructure projects includes three new museums: the Kentucky Center for African-American Heritage, the $20 million Frazier Historical Arms Museum, and the $80 million Muhammad Ali Center, which will celebrate the life and values of Louisville's "Greatest" native son.

Louisville also plays host to one of the country's largest civic celebrations - the Kentucky Derby Festival. It kicks off with Thunder Over Louisville, North America's largest annual fireworks display, and concludes with the Kentucky Derby. In between are more than 700 events - a two-week experience that attracts more than 1.5 million people to the area. Among the events are the Great Balloon Race, The Great Steamboat Race, a mini- and full marathon and the nationally televised Pegasus Parade.

Select a link below to learn more about the attractions and events that make Louisville such an outstanding community:

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