The midsummer heat brings a spectacular kind of energy to the Salt River. In July 2026, the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, sheds all conventions of a typical event space to play host to two massive, multi-day, and vastly unique public events.
Proving the ultimate flexibility of our hospitality and facility execution, July anchors a true “renaissance” of gathering. From a sweeping collector’s paradise packed with legendary action figures to a prestigious international scientific agricultural convention, our team is gearing up for an unforgettable month of fun, learning, and local pride.
Nostalgia Unleashed: The Kentuckiana G.I. Joe Toy Expo
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the atmosphere fills with pure excitement as we open the doors for the 13th Annual Kentuckiana G.I. Joe Toy Expo. Running its main show floor from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with special Early Bird admission starting at 9:00 AM and a Friday night “Colonel Preview”), this event is a dream vacation to childhood memories.
(Photo by Vicki Downing)
This isn’t just a toy show; it’s an expansive pop-culture archive. Families and hardcore collectors alike will delve into a massive showroom floor loaded with vintage G.I. Joes, classic Star Wars figures, Marvel heroes, Transformers, and retro collectibles. With plenty of cosplay and specialized vendors filling our main wing, it’s an interactive, high-energy day of fun where kids can discover the legendary toys that shaped generations past.
The Grand Buzz: Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) Annual Conference
Directly following the thrill of pop culture, the venue undergoes an incredible pivot to nature and science. From July 26–31, 2026, Paroquet Springs proudly welcomes the Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) Annual Conference & Short Course. Centered on the beautifully fitting theme “Beekeeping in the Bluegrass,” this massive international convention turns Shepherdsville into the epicenter of honeybee education and research.
The week-long event is loaded with incredible programming for honeybee enthusiasts of all levels, featuring:
- On-Site Apiaries & Field Trips: Immersive, hands-on learning, including a specialized field trip to a world-famous local Bourbon distillery.
- Expert Lectures: Deep dives into the science of queen health, honeybee nutrition, and parasite management led by top-tier global researchers.
- Master Beekeeper Exams: Watch history happen as candidates take the legendary, grueling four-part Master Beekeeper examination spanning written, oral, lab, and field tests.
- The World-Class Honey Show: A phenomenal display where beekeepers present their finest extracted honey, comb honey, beeswax creations, gadgets, and baked goods.
- The Bee Olympics & Fun: Teams battle it out on Wednesday, July 29th, in the highly anticipated Bee Olympics, alongside daily morning Zumba and evening Yoga classes to keep attendees refreshed.
Fueling the July Rush: Sweet Summer Flavors
An exceptional trade and convention lineup requires an equally agile kitchen. Our Executive Chef is stepping up the menu to keep both toy treasure hunters and master beekeepers energized:
- The “Bee-Glow” Banquet Dinners: For the EAS convention, our culinary program is curating specialized catered meals, including a spectacular live auction buffet on Thursday and a grand, plated banquet dinner on Friday evening.
- Gourmet Collector Fuel: Quick, upscale grab-and-go choices on our expo floor so Toy Expo shoppers don’t miss out on rare vintage finds.
- Bluegrass Botanical Treats: Keeping it fresh with locally sourced, sweet summer treats and honey-infused options highlighting the flavor notes of Kentucky’s natural landscape.
Mark Your Calendars for July 2026!
We invite you to step into the action this summer and see how Paroquet Springs blends professional grit with genuine celebration:
- Kentuckiana G.I. Joe Toy Expo | July 18, 2026
- General Admission ($10.00) from 10 AM – 4 PM. Early Bird ($15.00) at 9 AM. Friday Preview options available.
- EAS Annual Beekeeping Conference | July 26–31, 2026
- A full week of bee-centric short courses, master classes, open vendor halls, and the world-class honey show.
Every gathering at Paroquet Springs is orchestrated to be an absolute masterpiece. Whether you are hunting for a childhood hero action figure or examining the perfect amber jar of honey, we ensure you leave feeling inspired and completely restored.
For ticketing information, vendor booth registration, or general inquiries about our landmark July events, please contact the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre directly at (502) 955-7009.
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