SLADE, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2026) – Team Kentucky is inviting visitors to celebrate the 100th anniversary of two New Kentucky Home icons – Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Ale-8-One – by participating in the Natural Bridge 100-Year Adventure Photo Challenge.
“For a century, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Ale-8-One have been treasured parts of Kentucky’s story,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team Kentucky is excited to celebrate this milestone by inviting folks to experience these icons and capture new memories.”
“Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, enjoying a cold Ale-8 with family, or taking in the breathtaking views, Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers something special for every Kentuckian,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “This photo challenge is a fantastic way to showcase our world-class state parks and celebrate a century of memories that make Kentucky home.”
“Ale-8-One and Natural Bridge State Park have been part of the best of what Kentucky has to offer for the last 100 years,” said Ellen McGeeney, CEO, Ale-8-One Bottling Company. “What better way to celebrate 100 years together than inviting people to come out to this beautiful state park, make new stories with this challenge and enjoy a cold Ale-8 with family and friends?”
People can participate in the digital photo challenge by using the Kentucky State Parks mobile app powered by OuterSpatial. Participants can earn digital badges by submitting qualifying photos in six challenge categories:
- 100 Years or More – Celebrate the Legacy: Capture a piece of Natural Bridge’s rich history. Photograph a historic landmark, original park feature, historic structure or items that showcase the park’s 100-year legacy.
- Enjoy “A Late One” – Kentucky’s Favorite Soda: Grab your favorite variety of Ale-8-One and capture a photo enjoying it at your favorite Natural Bridge State Park spot.
- Hit the Trails: Snap a photo of your hiking adventure on one of the park’s 12 hiking trails.
- Nature at Natural Bridge: Highlight the natural beauty of the park by capturing photos of native wildflowers and plants, sandstone cliffs, rock formations, wildlife and more.
- Making Memories: Share a photo of how you enjoy Natural Bridge State Park with family, pets or friends.
- Views for Days: Natural Bridge State Resort Park has an abundance of breathtaking views. Capture a photo showcasing why the park is one of Kentucky’s beloved destinations.
To participate, visitors should:
The first 100 participants to complete all six categories will receive a Centennial Prize Pack featuring Kentucky State Parks stickers, Team Kentucky merchandise and Ale-8-One swag. Prize packs can be picked up at the Hemlock Lodge front desk.
Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a random drawing for a grand prize package that includes:
- A two-night stay at a Kentucky State Park;
- A round of golf at a Kentucky State Parks golf course;
- An Ale-8-One prize package; and
- A Team Kentucky prize package.
In addition, participants can compete for a second grand prize through the challenge’s People’s Choice competition. The submitted photo that receives the most likes on the OuterSpatial platform will be named the People’s Choice winner and receive a grand prize package.
“We are excited to partner with Ale-8-One and welcome guests to experience Natural Bridge State Resort Park and celebrate this incredible milestone,” said Kentucky State Parks Interim Commissioner Mark Kellen. “This challenge is about more than taking pictures; it’s about inspiring people to slow down and really discover everything our park has to offer.”
The challenge runs until Dec. 4, 2026, and the grand prize drawing will take place on Dec. 10, 2026.
Located near the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Natural Bridge State Resort Park features Hemlock Lodge, 35 rooms, 11 one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages, the Sandstone Arches restaurant, Trails End Tavern, a gift shop, a pool, the natural sandstone arch bridge, which spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high, miles of hiking trails and more.
For the latest updates and information on events at Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov. Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
About Ale-8-One
Ale-8-One Bottling Co. was founded in 1902 by G.L. Wainscott in Winchester, Kentucky, and remains the oldest privately held bottler in the United States still owned and operated by the founding family. Ale-8-One soft drink has been bottled in green glass in Winchester since 1926. The only soft drink invested in Kentucky still in existence, Ale-8 One’s proprietary blend is flavored with ginger and citrus and contains less carbonation and fewer calories than conventional sodas. Wainscott developed the recipe, and to this day his great-great-nephew, Fielding Rogers, personally blends every batch of Ale-8-One’s secret formula. Ale-8-One is widely available in Kentucky and surrounding states, nationwide online, at most Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and at Fresh Markets. Ale-8-One is a founding member of the Kentucky Proud Program.