Updated: July 12, 1:27 p.m.
Rising Star Casino christened the first ferry to return service from Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, to Rising Sun, Indiana, since 1945.
After several years of planning, the casino christened the ferry around 11:30 Thursday morning. A contest was held to select a name. The final four options were:
- M.S. Lucky Lady
- The Mildred II
- Boaty McFerry
- The Rising Rabbit
The winning choice revealed at Thursday's event is M.S. Lucky Lady.
It currently takes about an hour to drive between the two communities. Once ferry service starts in August, it will take about 15 minutes. It will be capable of carrying 10 vehicles per trip.
Rising Sun and Rabbit Hash used to have a strong connection, with residents frequently traveling between the two. However, ice sank the ferry called the Mildred in 1945 and it was not replaced.
The casino spent $1.7 million to re-establish a ferry. The Rabbit Hash dock will be near the Rabbit Hash General Store on Route 18. The Rising Sun dock will be near Rising Star Casino.
The ferry will run every 15 minutes, seven days per week. According to the casino, the hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday - Thursday, and 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
The cost is $5 for one-way or $8 for round-trip. Monthly passes will also be available.
