Hello BG Neighbors 👋

Before we jump into this week’s happenings, we just want to say Thank You!

If you’re reading this, you’re one of our first 800 subscribers — and honestly, that means more to us than you know. We launched HelloBG less than a week ago, and in just five days, nearly 800 local folks signed up to follow along.

That tells us one thing: Bowling Green wants something local, positive, and community-driven — and we’re excited to build that with you.

Something pretty big just happened in Kentucky — and it’s heading our way.

This weekend, The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam became the first licensed medical cannabis dispensary to open in the state. People drove from all over Kentucky to be there on day one. Some folks said it was a moment they’ve waited years for.

One woman shared that she’s had two brain surgeries for trigeminal neuralgia and hopes medical cannabis will finally help her cut back on pain meds. Others echoed the same thing: relief, hope, and finally having options.

The team behind the dispensary said the opening felt emotional, after spending a full year preparing. “It’s a milestone,” one representative said. “For the first time ever, citizens now have access to the medicine they need.”

This is just the beginning. More than 40 dispensaries are already licensed and expected to open across Kentucky over the next several months.

And yes — one of them is coming to Bowling Green. A medical cannabis dispensary is licensed for Warren County, located off Scottsville Road, and is expected to open in the near future.

Supporters say the program offers real relief for people dealing with chronic pain, seizures, anxiety, nausea, and other qualifying conditions. They emphasize the medical nature of cannabis and the positive outcomes seen in other states.

Critics, meanwhile, remain cautious — raising questions about public safety, regulation, and long-term effects as the program expands.

Whether you support it or are unsure how you feel, there’s no question:
This marks a major milestone for Kentucky — and Bowling Green is next in line.

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening around town this week. Anything marked with ($) has an entry fee.

Tue, Dec 16 • Wed, Dec 17 • Thu, Dec 18 — Evenings
The Reindeer Farm — 2541 Old Union Church Rd

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making special evening appearances all week — perfect for photos, festive lights, and cozy Christmas vibes.

Contact: 270-938-7480
Cost: Free to attend outdoor areas; some activities may cost ($).

Tuesday, Dec 16 • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM — 542 Plum Springs Loop

Bring your pets and snap free holiday photos with Santa. All ages and furry friends welcome.
Free.

7:00 PM — SKyPAC (601 College St)
A high-energy holiday concert filled with classic rock, soul, and Christmas favorites.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM — The Lounge @ 314 — 314 Main Ave
A small-town Santa with big personality.
Must purchase tickets online.

7:00 PM — Diddle Arena
A lively Hilltopper home game — always a good time.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM — Be Happy Yoga & Salt Cave — 2710 Nashville Rd
A relaxing yoga session followed by wine tasting.
Registration required.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM — 871 College St
Holiday brews, festive atmosphere, and often a DJ or live band.
Free entry (drinks $).

10:00 AM — Be Happy Yoga & Salt Cave
A holiday-themed yoga session in the Himalayan salt cave.

8:00 PM–Midnight — White Squirrel Brewery
A Christmas party with DJs, costumes, and dancing.

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM — 401 Church St
Vintage goods, handmade gifts, antiques, local vendors.

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Community Farmers Market — 2319 Nashville Rd
Holiday baked goods, produce, artisan items.
Free entry.

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Flea Land — 1100 Three Springs Rd
Free photos and holiday fun. Runs every Saturday until Christmas.

11:00 AM — Atomic Kitchen (Downtown BG)
Celebrate the classic movie with themed specials and giveaways.
Free entry (food & drinks $).

3:00 PM & 4:00 PM — 636 Center St
Free storytime with Christmas characters.
(Skating requires admission.)

12:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Downtown Ice Rink
Classic winter fun.

6:00 PM — Fountain Square Park
Acoustic music, candles, carols — peaceful and beautiful.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Historic RailPark — 401 Kentucky St
Explore vintage rail cars decorated for Christmas. Surprisingly cool if you haven't been.

Evening Shows — WKU Planetarium
A seasonal star show mixed with holiday laser lights. Kids love it; adults secretly love it more.

Various Times — Chaney’s Dairy Barn — 9191 Nashville Rd
Cookies, icing, sprinkles, and ice cream. A win for families.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM — The Paint’n Place (Scottsville Rd)
Drop-in ornament painting. Easy, fun, and very giftable.

We love spotlighting local people doing honest work here in BG — and this one is worth knowing about.

Here are some quick updates:

With temperatures dropping, warming centers are opening around Bowling Green to help residents stay safe and warm this season.

The BG/Warren County Humane Society is asking families to foster pets over the holidays as shelters fill up and foot traffic slows.

Laura Beth Fox-Ezell has been named co-director of the Warren County Public Library, continuing her longtime work supporting programs and community services.

A suspect has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and evidence tampering in a 2023 shooting outside The Muse apartments.

Bowling Green neighborhoods have been rolling up their sleeves lately to help keep our city clean and welcoming. One great example came earlier this fall when volunteers from across the community joined forces to help clean up the Delafield neighborhood, picking up trash, tidying shared spaces, and making the area look its best. Residents of all ages came out to participate — not just to beautify the neighborhood, but to build community pride and stronger connections with their neighbors.

These kinds of volunteer efforts echo a broader trend in BG where people are stepping up through programs like the city’s Adopt-A-Trail initiative and seasonal neighborhood cleanups that focus on keeping parks, greenways, and shared spaces in top shape. Programs like this help keep places like Spero Kereiakes Park — one of Bowling Green’s largest and most used outdoor spaces — enjoyable for everyone.

Whether it’s clearing litter along trails, clearing debris from greenway sections, or just lending a hand in your own neighborhood, these community cleanup efforts are quietly making Bowling Green a cleaner and friendlier place to live. If you’d like to get involved, many groups regularly host cleanup days or participate in the city’s Adopt-A-Trail program — check with BikeWalkBG or the Parks & Recreation department for the next opportunity.

Thanks for being here and letting us be a small part of your week. If this helped you find something fun, useful, or just new — that’s exactly why we do this.
Have a blessed week — see you next Tuesday! ❤️

HelloBG Team