Kentucky Tourism promoting 'Discover Your Own Backyard' contest

 If rising gas prices aren’t enough to keep Kentuckians closer to home throughout the vacation season, perhaps winning a contest will sweeten the attraction.

Beginning today Kentuckians can log on to the web site mykentuckybackyard.com and register for prizes as part of the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s “Discover Your Own Backyard” promotion that invites residents to visit state events and attractions throughout the summer vacation months.  Daily drawings will be held from May 5 through August 14 and a prize awarded each day.  Participants must reside in Kentucky. 

Gift certificates, tours, concert tickets and dinner-for-two are just a few examples of the many prizes listed on the web site. All prizes are valued at $50 or more and were contributed by businesses and attractions from throughout the state. 

“Kentucky literally has something for everyone,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Tourism. “’Discover Your Own Backyard’ is an opportunity for Kentuckians to have some additional fun with all the events and attractions that Kentucky has in abundance.”

Everyone who registers will be eligible for a grand prize houseboat trip on Lake Cumberland to be awarded at the Kentucky State Fair in August.  The trip, aboard a luxury houseboat provided by the Lake Cumberland State Dock, is for a three night weekend or four night mid-week package.  The winner will receive a certificate for a 2008 trip and dates are subject to availability.

Another way to participate in “Discover Your Own Backyard” is by uploading a story of your favorite Kentucky adventure to be considered for posting on the website.  At the mykentuckybackyard.com site, click on “Tell us about it!”  (Uploading vacation photos is a feature that will be added to the website later.

 To see a complete list of prizes and to register to win, log on to mykentuckybackyard.com.  To check out all the great things there are in Kentucky log on to www.kentuckytourism.com.