Established as a city in 1804, Hopkinsville has been called many things during its 217-year history. “Hoptown” and “Eclipseville, USA” quickly come to mind.
During Tuesday’s Salute to Agriculture Eye Opener Breakfast at the Bruce Convention Center, Christian County’s crown jewel took on a new name and trademark: “Batter Capital of the World.”
Widely known for its annual production of Ghirardelli brownie mix, Krusteaz products, Cracker Barrel biscuit mix, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, SunFlour corn meal, flour, and countless others, Hopkinsville and Christian County serves as Kentucky’s leader in wheat production — with more than 3.5 million bushels annually harvested from its 46,200 acres of farmland.
Tack on the fact that food manufacturing has been and continues to be a staple, anchor industry in Hopkinsville — including Hopkinsville Milling Company, Siemer Milling and Continental Mills — it’s easy to see why Christian County has the better batter.
Brooke Jung, executive director of the Hopkinsville Convention & Visitors Bureau, notes the opportunities coming to Christian County seem endless — from potential marketing and branding intricacies, to incentivized business, to added tourism perks for visitors and families.
In a joint proclamation from Mayor Wendell Lynch and Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble, Lynch said it was time for Hopkinsville to have its own distinction as a community.
Now, the county seat is certainly in the mix.
For comments and questions regarding Hopkinsville’s upcoming initiative with its new branding and local products, contact Jung as (270) 887-2300, or by e-mail through bjung@visithopkinsville.com.
