01/19/2026
FORMAL RESPONSE AND CORRECTION OF THE RECORD
Re: Light Up Valley Station
Recent statements circulated Valley Station, Kentucky ran by Tim Childers and affiliated parties contain numerous factual inaccuracies, legal mischaracterizations, and unsupported allegations regarding the Light Up Valley Station event and the Valley Station Chamber of Commerce. The following response is issued to correct the record.
1. Nature of the Valley Station Chamber of Commerce
The Valley Station Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit business organization. It is not a government entity, does not exercise governmental authority, and does not control or allocate public funds. Assertions that the Chamber is a “government organization,” a “cult,” or otherwise operating under public authority are false and defamatory.
2. Event History and Funding
Light Up Valley Station began as a community-driven holiday event. For its initial years, the event operated without any government funding.
Public funding was first utilized this year only, in the amount of $5,000, due solely to the expansion in scope, attendance, and required public-safety infrastructure.
Louisville Metro Council allocates approximately $75,000 annually per district in Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) to support community improvement activities, including public events. The modest allocation for this event was:
publicly discussed,
voted on by Metro Council, and
consistent with longstanding South End practice, which frequently splits event costs among districts to minimize impact and preserve remaining funds.
Claims that “nearly $20,000 in tax dollars were stolen” are demonstrably false.
3. Permitting, Planning, and Compliance
The planning for Light Up Valley Station was meticulous and intentional, precisely because organizers anticipated scrutiny. The event proceeded through Metro’s established special-event coordination process, including engagement with:
Louisville Metro Office of Special Events
Louisville Metro Emergency Services
LMPD
Public Works and related departments
Metro’s involvement reflects standard inter-departmental coordination for community events and does not convert the Chamber into a government operator, nor does it constitute improper favoritism.
Allegations that “no permits,” “no insurance,” “no planning,” or “no authority” existed are inaccurate. Where Metro departments provided resources or staffing, those actions occurred through Metro’s internal processes and approvals, not through unilateral action by the Chamber.
4. Road Closures and Stakeholder Notification
The assertion that organizers “lied” or acted without lawful authority regarding road use or closures misrepresents the process. Coordination with Metro agencies occurred as required. Responsibility for traffic control determinations, officer deployment, and road-use authorization rests with Metro departments, not with a private chamber organization.
5. Vendor Fees and Financial Oversight
Vendor fees were modest, transparent, and used exclusively to offset direct event costs. No public funds were diverted, misused, or concealed. Claims that vendor fees were unlawfully collected or lacked oversight are unfounded.
6. Use of the Event Name
The claim that the Valley Station name cannot be used absent municipal incorporation is legally incorrect. Community organizations routinely use geographic identifiers. No statute or regulation prohibits such use, and no unlawful “takeover” occurred.
7. Mischaracterization of Metro Involvement
Statements alleging that Metro “secretly ran,” “absorbed,” or “politicized” the event confuse coordination with control. Metro departments frequently assist community events without assuming ownership or political purpose. The presence of public employees or elected officials does not transform a community celebration into a political operation.
8. False Accusations and Defamatory Conduct
Repeated allegations of criminal conduct, fraud, theft, or conspiracy — absent proof — expose their author to legal liability. A formal cease-and-desist letter is forthcoming.
This matter is not about personalities or grudges. It is about accuracy, lawful process, and protecting a community institution and volunteers who acted in good faith, with transparency, and in compliance with established procedures.
Conclusion
Light Up Valley Station remains what it has always been: a community-centered holiday event supported by volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and, where appropriate, modest public investment approved through lawful means.
We will not allow misinformation to overshadow the work done on behalf of Southwest Louisville.
And to be absolutely clear:
🎄🎄Light Up Valley Station will return on December 6, 2026 — bigger and better than ever — with even more community, sponsor, and NDF support. 🌟🌟
Further dissemination of false or defamatory statements will be addressed through appropriate legal channels.
