Locals can come face-to-face with the Pope Lick Monster at the annual Goatman Festival. | Photo by LOUtoday
Happy Halloween. You may already know that Kentucky is ripe for all sorts of cryptids and creepy tales — but we like our haunts even closer to home. Dim the lights as we introduce three local legends.
👻 Demon Leaper
Said to frequent the Gothic spires of the Walnut Street Baptist Church, this “living gargoyle” has frightened the city for more than a century. It’s described as a large bat-like creature with leathery skin, wings, and talons. Thanks to its wings, the Leaper has been seen on rooftops throughout Old Louisville and even made headlines as “An Aerial Mystery” in the Sept. 12, 1880 edition of “The New York Times.”
Not to be confused with Sasquatch, this furry, 7-ft-tall cryptid is described as having the head of a German shepherd and the torso of a muscular man — check out this eyewitness sketch for a visualizer. You’ll know the beast is near when you begin finding large footprints + smelling a foul stench.
Listen: to this account of a Bullitt County woman’s encounter with the “Dogman.”
Racing vs. Bay FC | 3 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | $19+ | It’s Decision + Fan Appreciation Day: The final game of the regular season could be an important one for playoff positioning.*
Joan M. is dressed “in the red and white ‘outfit.’”
Photo via reader Joan M.
Mailbag
You’re never too old for a costume. Take it from reader Joan M: “I’ve just turned 86, and I wear a costume every Hallowe’en...and on Easter...and any other chance I get!” Consider this your sign to dress up + get 50% off a seasonal drink at Safai today.
Biz
Yum! Brands is moving its headquarters downtown. Brand officials shared that the company’s HQ — along with over 500 employees — will move into the PNC Tower at 101 S. 1st St. The announcement comes after Yum! Brands said it would donate its Gardiner Lane headquarters to JCPS back in June. (WLKY)
Coming Soon
A new cocktail bar is headed to NuLu, helmed by the same owners of Darling’s. Named after Mildred Jane Hill, the new bar will be called Jane and is set to open by Thanksgiving next to Garage Bar. It’s set to be upscale, but “not so upscale that it’s a special occasion only.” (Louisville Business First)
Civic
Louisville Metro Council is seeking community input on data center zoning regulations. You can share feedback at upcoming meetings on Monday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at South Central Regional Library + Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Parkland Library. (WLKY)
Outdoors
A new park recently opened in Norton Commons. Located in the community’s North Village, Grove Park features green space, shaded seating, and play structures for kids. (Louisville Business First)
Sports
Good news: Star linebacker Stanquan Clark, who was injured and expected to miss most or all of the season, is now practicing and may return for the final stretch. Get the scoop from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Category
Culture
Scarier than the Goatman: local traffic
LOU traffic might be the scariest thing you’ll face this Halloween. | Photo provided by Louisville Tourism
What would you do with 54 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently. That’s the average time Louisvillians lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 3% worse than the year previous.
By the numbers
According to a recent report from Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a trip that would take 20 minutes without traffic takes...
24 minutes with traffic
25 minutes in the peak direction
29 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival
What about public transit?
Hop on the bus, Gus. At least you aren’t footing the gas bill. Bicycling is also a great option. Good for traffic congestion... and your calves.
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
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.
Among the creepy creatures and horrifying haunts, there was one superhero to keep the town safe on a Halloween night many years ago — Eyeball Girl (aka seven-year-old Brianna’s made-up Halloween costume).
While Eyeball Girl has retired her superhero cape and google-eye mask, she’s still around to share these tips for staying safe this Halloween.
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