Lexington, Kentucky, January 2, 2026
Lexington rang in the New Year with a variety of community events showcasing the city’s vibrant spirit. Highlights included the birth of the first baby of 2026, early celebrations at local venues, bird watching activities, and traditional meals that embody local customs. As festivities continue, the city gears up for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration and plans for the upcoming mayoral election, demonstrating a strong sense of community and togetherness.
Lexington, Kentucky Welcomes 2026 with Community Celebrations and Traditions
Lexington, Kentucky, ushered in the year 2026 with a series of community events and cherished traditions, reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit and commitment to togetherness.
First Baby of 2026 Born at Baptist Health
At 4:34 a.m. on January 1, 2026, Meeko Ray Haggins became Lexington’s first baby of the year, born at Baptist Health Lexington. Meeko weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. His parents, Autumn and Chayse Haggins of Willisburg, both born at Baptist Health Lexington, are excited to introduce Meeko to his siblings, a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. Autumn expressed her anticipation, noting that their daughter is likely to treat Meeko as a baby doll and play with him frequently.
Early New Year’s Eve Celebration at Lexington Children’s Museum
On December 31, 2025, families gathered at the Lexington Children’s Museum for a special early New Year’s Eve celebration. The event featured crafts, activities, and a noon balloon drop, allowing children to ring in 2026 without staying up past their bedtime. The festivities included snowball shenanigans and a winter glow show, providing a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
Bird Watching Resolutions at Lexington Cemetery
On January 1, 2026, dozens of Kentuckians began their year with bird watching at Lexington Cemetery. Members of the Central Kentucky Audubon Society participated in this New Year’s resolution activity, spotting species like the red-tailed hawk. The event offered participants a chance to connect with nature and start the year with a shared interest in local wildlife.
Traditional New Year’s Day Meal at The Corner Cafe
The Corner Cafe, a local Lexington staple, celebrated the start of 2026 with a traditional New Year’s Day meal. The menu included hog jowl or beef short ribs, cornbread, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cabbage. The restaurant sold out of their New Year’s plates by 11 a.m., highlighting the community’s appreciation for this festive tradition. Each dish carries symbolic meanings, such as cornbread representing gold and greens symbolizing good fortune.
Virtual Run to Kick Off 2026
On January 1, 2026, participants took part in the New Year’s Day Virtual Run in Lexington. This flexible event allowed individuals to run, walk, or jog their own route, celebrating the new year on their own terms. Registrants received a choice of a Winter or Summer-themed event T-shirt, a digital finisher’s medal, and a personalized digital bib to commemorate their run.
Upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration
Looking ahead, Lexington is preparing for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration on January 19. The event will begin with the annual Freedom March at 1 p.m., followed by a commemorative program at 2 p.m. at the Central Bank Center. This year’s theme, “The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community,” invites the community to reflect on King’s vision through the lens of public health, voting rights, and the ongoing pursuit of a just and compassionate society. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, senior pastor of Historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco.
Lexington’s Recognition as ‘The Triple Crown of Girls’ Weekends’
In December 2025, Lexington was named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Travel Awards, recognized as “The Triple Crown of Girls’ Weekends.” This accolade highlights the city’s welcoming, fun, and safe environment, offering diverse, immersive experiences ideal for a girls’ weekend. Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX, emphasized the community’s appeal, stating that Lexington is a place where visitors can curate experiences that will be cherished for years to come.
Major Policy Changes Implemented in Kentucky
On January 1, 2026, Kentucky implemented significant policy changes affecting individual taxpayers, the state’s bourbon industry, and consumer data privacy. The individual income tax rate was reduced to 3.5%, a law phasing out Kentucky’s property tax on aging distilled spirits took effect, and a comprehensive consumer data privacy framework was established, granting new rights to residents. These changes are expected to reduce state revenue by approximately $718 million annually when fully phased in, according to a December 2025 report by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Lexington Mayoral Election
As the year progresses, Lexington is preparing for the 2026 mayoral election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Incumbent Mayor Linda Gorton, who was re-elected in 2022, is seeking a third term in office. The primary election will be held on May 19, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election. The mayoral race is expected to be a focal point for the community as the election approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Lexington’s first baby of 2026?
- Meeko Ray Haggins was born at 4:34 a.m. on January 1, 2026, at Baptist Health Lexington, weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long.
- What events took place in Lexington to celebrate the New Year?
- Lexington celebrated the New Year with various events, including an early New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lexington Children’s Museum, bird watching at Lexington Cemetery, a traditional New Year’s Day meal at The Corner Cafe, and a virtual run to kick off 2026.
- What is the theme for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration in Lexington?
- The theme for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration is “The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community,” focusing on public health, voting rights, and the pursuit of a just and compassionate society.
- What major policy changes were implemented in Kentucky on January 1, 2026?
- On January 1, 2026, Kentucky reduced the individual income tax rate to 3.5%, phased out the property tax on aging distilled spirits, and established a comprehensive consumer data privacy framework granting new rights to residents.
- When is the 2026 Lexington mayoral election?
- The 2026 Lexington mayoral election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the primary election on May 19, 2026.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Baby of 2026 Born | January 1, 2026 | Meeko Ray Haggins was born at 4:34 a.m. at Baptist Health Lexington, weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long. |
| Early New Year’s Eve Celebration | December 31, 2025 | Families gathered at the Lexington Children’s Museum for crafts, activities, and a noon balloon drop to celebrate the New Year. |
| Bird Watching at Lexington Cemetery | January 1, 2026 | Members of the Central Kentucky Audubon Society participated in bird watching, spotting species like the red-tailed hawk. |
| Traditional New Year’s Day Meal | January 1, 2026 | The Corner Cafe served a traditional meal that sold out by 11 a.m., featuring symbolic dishes like cornbread and greens. |
| Virtual Run to Kick Off 2026 | January 1, 2026 | Participants took part in a flexible running event to celebrate the New Year on their own terms. |
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