OWENSBORO, Ky. — Downtown Owensboro is gearing up for a bustling weekend as the inaugural Illuminate Owensboro festival begins, bringing 14 light-based art installations, drone shows and live music to the riverfront. The free, three-night event, running from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday, is expected to draw thousands, promising a significant economic lift for local businesses.

At Brew Bridge, a downtown craft brewery, front-of-house manager Ian Stafford is preparing for a surge of visitors. He’s stocking extra Oktoberfest and PB&J beers for a festival tent and staffing up for a post-event rush during Friday’s karaoke night. “I’m getting a lot of extra beer together and cocktails to go off site to the Illuminate,” Stafford said. “When the event closes at ten, we’re going to get a hu

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