FUELING GROWTH: HOW TOURISM DRIVES SHELBY COUNTY’S ECONOMY
By Janette Marson
Tourism has become a driving force in Shelby County’s economy, with visitors injecting over $91
million into the local economy last year alone — an impressive $11 million increase from the year
before! This surge in tourism spending is crucial, not just for bolstering the economy, but also for
enhancing our quality of life, attracting new businesses, creating jobs and supporting local
enterprises. Tourist spending has been on an upward trend the last few years here in Shelby County, and
we cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store!
The ShelbyKY Tourism team is dedicated to showcasing all that Shelby County has to offer, positioning
both Simpsonville, Shelbyville and all of Shelby County as a premier vacation destination. The efforts
of our local tourism office funnel outside dollars into our community, benefiting local businesses and
the economy. Many small businesses and restaurants lack the resources for large-scale national
advertising, and that’s where the tourism office steps in, providing invaluable support.
For local businesses, ShelbyKY Tourism also offers marketing resources, networking opportunities with
media and travel writers, and access to tools and training that empower those businesses to grow.
Through coordinated advertising campaigns and insights into visitor trends, the tourism office connects
entrepreneurs with resources that boost visibility and expand their customer base.
For residents, tourism breathes life into the community, driving improvements and ensuring a strong
economic foundation for generations to come. Tourism not only enhances our quality of life but is also
the first handshake of economic development – attracting industry, creating jobs and fostering a
dynamic environment that supports growth and innovation. By drawing new businesses, talent and
investment, tourism serves as a catalyst for long-term prosperity, ensuring a vibrant and thriving
community for the future.
As Shelby County continues to thrive, tourism will remain a key catalyst for growth and prosperity.
With Tourism working together with attractions, local officials and our local businesses, the future
looks bright, ensuring a flourishing destination and community for generations to come.
SHELBY COUNTY CHAMBER AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
PLEASE NOTE, ALL EVENTS IN RED ARE HOSTED & CO-HOSTED BY THE SHELBY COUNTY CHAMBER, ALL OTHER
EVENTS ARE MEMBER AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. FOR DETAILS ON THE EVENTS IN BLACK, YOU WILL
NEED TO CONTACT THE HOST OF THE EVENT.
April
March 31-April 4: SCPS Spring Break
April: Friends of Scouting April: HorseSensing Pie and Cake Contest
April 3rd: Dementia Support Group @ Shelby Farms Senior Living
April 5th: Spring Photos with Critters
April 7th-11th: City of Shelbyville Clean Up
April 8th: Morning Mixer @ Shelbyville Comprehensive Treatment Center
April 10th: Business After Hours @ McDaniel Insurance
April 11th: Bourbon to the Rescue
April 12th: Little Light House Garden Party
April 16th: Morning Mixer @ Shelby Farms Senior Living
April 17th: Networking Roundtable
April 17th-19th: Dogwood Classic Horse Show
April 19th: Dogwood Festival
April 19th: Cornerstone Christian Cruise In
April 19th: Easter Event @ Weichert Realtors
April 21st: Distinguished Citizen Banquet
April 24th: Mixer @ Independence Bank
April 25th: The Defenses at SCPS
April 26th: Habitat for Humanity Pre Derby & Casino Night
April 26th: Heroes at Bat
April 29th: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony @ NextHome Horizon Meadows Realty
May
May 3rd: Kentucky Derby
May 10th: Oct 4th: Every Saturday Simpsonville Farmers Market
May 7th: Lunch and Learn with PassionTide Counseling
May 9th: Business After Hours: Shelby County Community Charities: Michael Long
May 10th: Shelby Main Street Wild about Shelbyville Art & Music Festival
May 10th: Shelby Main Street Bourbon, Bacon & Butter Bake Off
May 10th: Michael Long Golf Scramble
May 15th: Midday Mixer @ Berkley Oliver, PLLC
May 17th: Shelby Main Street Youth Art Show
May 17th: Shelby Main Street Family Art Night
May 17th: Bagdad Days
May 21st: Chamber Member Luncheon
May 23rd-25th: Triple World Ranking Shows @ Lettleiki Icelandics
May 27th: Morning Mixer @ HorseSensing
May 29th: Shelby Main Street Art Gallery Hop
May 30th: Dorman Preschool: Greenskeepers Revenge
June
June & July: Lettleiki Icelandics Summer Camp
June 2nd: 5 Year Celebration Midday Mixer @ Lacey Stivers State Farm
June 4th: Midday Mixer @ KFB Shelbyville
June 7th: Shelby Main Street Faily Bingo Night
June 9th-14th: Shelby County Fair
June 9th-13th: VBS with First Presbyterian Church
June 17th: Shelby County Classic Horse Show
June 18th-21st: Shelby County Fair Horse Show
June 18th: Midday Mixer @ Process Machinery
June 28th: Shelby Main Street Live Music on 6th St
July
July 19-Aug 9th: Bagdad Farmers Market Summer Concert Series
July 4th: Simpsonville’s BOOM
July 19th: ReadyFest
July 19th: Bagdad Summer Concert Series
July 24th: Shelby Main Street Horse Show Jubilee Kickoff Breakfast
July 26th: Shelby Main Street Live Music on 6th St
July 30: August 2: Shelbyville Horse Show
August
Aug 8th: Annual Golf Scramble
Aug 9th: Shelby Main Street Live Music on 6th St
Aug 15th: Golf Scramble with Kiwanis
Aug 22nd: Bagdad Summer Concert Series
Aug 23rd: Shelby Main Street Family Scavenger Hunt
Aug 30th-31st: Shelbyville Fall Festival Arts & Craft Festival
September
Sept 13th: 15th Annual Shelby Co Toy Run
Sept 13th: Shelby Main Street Live Music on 6th ST
Sept 13th: Simpsonville Fall Festival
Sept 13th: Bagdad Summer Concert Series
Sept 16th: Networking Roundtable
Sept 24th: Midday Mixer @ KFB Simpsonville
Sept 27th: Shelby Main Street Jeep Invasion
October
Oct 4th: Shelby Main Street Family Game Night
Oct 9th: Shelby Main Street Sunset Soiree on 6th
Oct 25th: Shelby Main Street Downtown Trick or Treating
November
Nov: Trims & Whims
Nov 8th: Shelby Main Street Celebration of Lights
Nov 11th: Annual Awards & Member Luncheon
Nov 22nd: Turkey Trot
Nov 29th: Shelby Main Street Shop Small Business Saturday
December
December: Shelby County Christmas Parade
