Those Countdown Clocks

If you get emails from the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, you’ve recently been hit with several emails themed “Tickets On Sale Soon” and “Games Are Almost One Year Away.”

I hope every reminder of this big moment for the 2010 Games makes you just as excited as I am. And if you think you’re seeing Games information all the time, just imagine what it would be like if EVERY DAY, you were reminded that there’s one less day left to plan!

The Lexington, Kentucky community is counting down to the Games—literally. Every time I drive through downtown Lexington, I am reminded of this as I pass underneath two big countdown clocks posted over the city’s major downtown roadways. Friends send me text messages and email me photos of the countdown clock on significant days—500, 400, 399—just in case I ever forget that time is ticking away.

The first time that clock hit a number beginning with “3” was an important day for our staff. Momentum is building, preparations are coming together and our visitors are planning their trips for next year. But we are also reminded daily that we have one chance on this world’s stage. We have one chance to make a great first impression. We have one chance to get this right.

Personally, it was a little nostalgic; the unveiling of our countdown clocks was one of my first big press conferences as a member of our PR staff. Those countdown clocks began ticking with 1000 days to go. Now there are only 375.

As a native Kentuckian, I am so proud of this chance to welcome you all to my home state and showcase our Kentucky Horse Park. We in Lexington are thinking about these Games every day. I hope you are counting down with me!

(And if you’re not getting our emails, you’re missing out. Shameless plug now: go to www.alltechfeigames.com to register and find out about our other social media sites!)

Amy Walker
Public Relations