Bud Hillerich created the first Louisville Slugger. | Photo by Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Made in Louisville. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From baseball bats and aluminum foil, to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 17 things homegrown in Derby City.
Reynolds Wrap
If you’ve ever wrapped up your leftovers in aluminum foil, chances are LOU had something to do with it. The Reynolds Metal Company was founded in the 502 in 1919 and created its famous Reynolds Wrap in 1947.
Flavored chewing gum
In the 19th cenutry, Louisville pharmacist John Colgan invented the first flavored chewing gum called Colgan’s Taffy Tolu. Colgan took his invention to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, where William Wrigley, Jr. came across it. Wrigley ran with the idea, and the rest is history.
Dan-O’s Seasoning
The idea for the business came to founder Dan Oliver while he was serving chicken at the former Diamond Pub and Billiards in Louisville. The business took off in 2020 and was the fastest growing company in Louisville this year. Today, you can buy the Dan-O’s seasoning mixes online.
21+ Pirate Cruise | Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20 | 8-10 p.m. | Belle of Louisville | $50
Saturday, Sept. 20
BugFest | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, Clermont | Free | Explore the world of insects through fun activities, discovery stations, Insect Safaris, crafts, a parade, live music, and more — plus enjoy a plant sale, food, and craft vendors.*
Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is making a comeback, and we want to feature your business.
We know, we know — it’s only September. But the early bird gets the worm, right?
That’s why we’re offering 20% off inclusion in our 2025 guide now through Wednesday, Oct. 1. Secure your spot to promote your business’ one-of-a-kind gift, festive product, or unique service.
$188 million. That’s the current deficit of the 2025-2026 JCPS budget. Next year’s budget will see cuts, though officials have pledged to maintain salaries + focus on the classroom experience. (WHAS11)
Kids
Registration is open for the Frazier Museum’s fall break camp, which runs Monday, Sept. 29 through Friday, Oct. 3. Kids grades 1-5 can explore tricks and treats with a different theme each day, like learning from a real magician and exploring the area’s oldest candy shops.
Community
The Highlands-Shelby Park Library will have new hours — and at least one more year at Mid City Mall. Starting Nov. 2, the branch will be open on Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Metro Government has also signed a lease to keep it in the current location through June 2026.
Development
Louisville’s first dedicated hospice care center broke ground this week. Hosparus Health is constructing the $20 million facility on its existing campus to expand from its current end of life care. (Louisville Business First)
Try This
Oxmoor Farm will host a “Downton Abbey” gala on Friday, Oct. 3 to celebrate the show’s finale. Guests can dress in their post-Edwardian best and enjoy live music, themed games, and specialty cocktails. Tickets are $45.
Sports
Louisville’s offense needs a wake-up call after a lackluster performance against James Madison. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Why are the same firms that backed Uber, Venmo, and eBay also backing Pacaso(Nasdaq ticker reserved: $PCSO)? Because it’s disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership, already earning $110 million+ in gross profit in under five years. (And until midnight, you can join the 10,000+ shareholders.)†‡*
The Highlands-Shelby Park Library is staying in Mid City Mall for another year, but Ramen House has completed its move from the mall to a new spot on Spring Street.
A great deal on a clothes steamer. Snag HiLIFE’s portable, handheld steamer while it’s 35% off — the steamer is quick to heat up, easy to use, and perfect for garment touch-ups without hauling out the ironing board.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I had a stray cat staying with me this week until we could find his parents and get him back home. It’s got me wanting to adopt another furry friend — if you’ve been on the fence like me, consider this your sign.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
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