For the fourth time, a purple wave is about to descend on Lexington, Kentucky as the 'Horse Capital of the World' welcomes the 43rd Breeders' Cup World Championships to Keeneland Racecourse in less than two weeks.The last time the signature Thoroughbred event came to town in 2022 the total economic impact was estimated at nearly $82-million. So, it is safe to say that much is at stake.The Breeders' Cup, working alongside local organizers, are rolling out the purple carpets as they welcome fans to the center of Thoroughbred life.While the focus will of course be on the racing at Keeneland, a bevy of events are planned starting in and around Lexington on Sunday, Oct. 25 and plan to run through Saturday, Oct. 31.“We are back in the saddle and once again ready to welcome the Breeders' Cup home to Lexington,” Mayor Linda Gorton said at a press conference. “No host city embraces the Breeders' Cup quite like Lexington does, and this year will be no different. Our city will be shining brightly, ready to welcome guests and showcase this world-class equine tradition.”Gatton Park | courtesy of CornettIn the shadow of famed Rupp Arena where the UK Wildcats play hoops is the newly developed, privately funded Gatton Park on the Town Branch, which will serve as one of the official hubs for Breeders' Cup experiences outside of Keeneland. The acreage sports an outdoor stage, playground area for kids and is just a stone's throw away from downtown restaurants and bars. It's a space that will invite families and serve as a watch party zone once the racing takes place on Friday and Saturday. To go along with food trucks and a set of Thoroughbred-related themes, a giant screen as big as a house will follow all the action from Keeneland.Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 25, 'Purple In The Park' will serve as an opening ceremony and be an afternoon to celebrate the Breeders' Cup. Live music will help get things started as fans can enjoy a number of activities from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET.Tandy Park in Downtown Lexington will host a 'Takeover' starting on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and the event will run through Friday, Oct. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Food, music and art will anchor what is being billed as a Kentucky-style 'mash up.'Other events are scheduled throughout the week and range from Prince cover-band at the Burl on Thursday, Oct. 29 to a 'Bash at the Breeders' Cup on Friday, Oct. 30, which includes auctions that benefit the Thoroughbred Charities of America.Silks Project | courtesy of CornettThe 'Horse Capital of the World' isn't stopping there. Special tours of farms in the region will be offered by Horse Country, a public art project entitled 'A Canvas of Silks' will be on display and the Headley-Whitney Museum will host a special exhibit of storied quilts.In effort to educate the next generation about the equine industry, the Fayette County Public Schools have partnered with the Breeders' Cup to create a meaningful set of experiences for their students. District-wide literacy, STEM and social studies projects coupled with a 'Purple Up! Day' on Friday, Oct. 23 will dot the calendar. Over 1,000 students across 20 schools participated in the 3D Coin Design Challenge. The winning selections can be collected by families at various locations like Gatton Park throughout Breeders' Cup week.“The return of the Breeders' Cup to Lexington marks more than two extraordinary days of racing–it is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and community that make Central Kentucky the heart of the Thoroughbred industry,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “The Breeders' Cup Festival has become an important part of that experience, extending the excitement of the World Championships throughout the city and creating opportunities for visitors and residents alike to be part of this special week.“We are grateful to Mayor Gorton and the many community partners whose enthusiasm and collaboration will once again help us welcome the best Thoroughbreds from around the globe, along with their connections and fans,” he added.Click here for information about the Breeders' Cup Festival.The post ‘Horse Capital’ Lexington Prepares For Breeders’ Cup Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.