Bluegrass Bazaar

The Fifth Third Pavilion is located at Cheapside Park. Many pass by the park everyday without realizing the park's history. A plaque near the park states, "African Americans were sold as slaves at Cheapside Auction Block on the public square in the 19th Century. Lexington was the center of slave trading in KY by the late 1840s and served as a market for selling slaves farther south. Thousands of slaves were sold at Cheapside, including children who were separated from their parents."

 

We intentionally chose this location for the Bluegrass Bazaar not only to pay tribute to those who were enslaved in the past, but also to bring awareness to modern day slavery.

 

The Commonwealth recently passed HB 13 which elevated Kentucky's Human Trafficking score from a "C" to an "A". Now, victims of trafficking are receiving services, rather than being arrested.

 

At the Bluegrass Bazaar, you can show your support and advocate for change by purchasing a t-shirt made by Fair Tri.

 

"Our T-shirts are made from organic cotton and have an incredibly soft feel. Better yet, they are made by a phenomenal group of ladies at Freeset where they have been given a chance to empower themselves in a life free from slavery. We all wear T-shirts and what better way than to support the freedom of others...."