The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation is holding a fund raiser at the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort June 13. The Bourbon Sampler raises funds for new exhibits at the Salato Center.

You can sample bourbon from 10 major Kentucky distilleries, and excellent food from area restaurants and caterers.

County Line Bluegrass (link corrected) will play bluegrass music throughout the event, outdoor exhibits will be lighted for evening viewing, and Salato staff and volunteers will offer free tours and programs. A silent auction will help raise additional funds for the Center.

The biggest prize is for a guided elk hunt this year with “Kentucky Afield” television host Tim Farmer. The hunt will air on “Kentucky Afield” television. Raffle tickets for the elk hunt will be sold throughout the evening. Proceeds from the elk tag drawing will benefit conservation camps for Kentucky’s youth.

“This has been one of our most popular fundraising events,” said Laurie Davison, director of the Salato Center. “We rely on donations to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation and events like this for much of our funding. It’s a great way to support a worthy cause and have fun while you’re doing it.”

The Salato Center Sampler will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $50 a person in advance by calling the Kentucky Bourbon Festival at 1-800-638-4877 or (502) 348-3623. Advanced tickets are also available online at www.kybourbonfestival.com, or in person at the Salato Center. The cost of tickets and silent auction purchases are tax deductible.

Tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the event by cash or check only. The event is limited to 500 participants. Thirty five dollars from every ticket will go to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the remaining $15 to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Inc. All silent auction proceeds benefit the Salato Center directly.

The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The Center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free. The Salato Center, operated by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

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