Kentucky Governor: Ernie Fletcher - 20040427FrankfortDerbyDay

Note to editors: The Governor's Derby Breakfast on May 1 at the Capitol in Frankfort is free and open to the public. Complete details on the celebration, as well as photos from past celebrations, are available at http://kentucky.gov or http://governor.ky.gov/specialevents/derbyday.htm.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- When you have finished enjoying the festivities at the Capitol grounds on Derby morning, there are still lots of things to do in the state capital. Downtown Frankfort invites everyone to visit for more fun. Area shops, restaurants, and museums will be open and tours will be conducted of the state's newest building.

Downtown merchants have joined together for various contests on Derby Day, including a competition for "Best Derby Hat."

"This is Frankfort's time to shine,” said Sheila White of the Downtown Frankfort, Inc. "We are pleased to join Governor and Mrs. Fletcher in welcoming everyone to the Capitol City.

"We have special activities for all ages. Many merchants will observe the day with special sales in most stores. Downtown Frankfort wants to extend Derby Day festivities to the lunch hour," continued White.

At lunchtime, visitors can enjoy free entertainment from The Groove Band, which will perform in the St. Clair Mall area. Frankfort's finest chefs will have their doors open to offer a variety of lunch treats.

Also in downtown Frankfort, the Kentucky History Center on Broadway will be open throughout the day with its new exhibit, "Depression Era Quilts". These are truly pieces of Kentucky's artwork and heritage. The center is not just for school trips, it is a living museum that every citizen of the Commonwealth can identify with, whatever your age.

A few blocks away, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet invites everyone to come out and see its new headquarters. Doors will open and tours will begin at 8 a.m. and last until noon on Saturday. The Transportation Cabinet Office Building is located at 200 Mero St. and parking is available at the facility's east and west garages.

Derby Breakfast organizers have made it easy to enjoy the festivities at both the Capitol and downtown Frankfort. Parking will be available at the CHR Complex, 275 E. Main St. A free bus shuttle service will operate between CHR, the Kentucky History Center, and the Capitol. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to noon. Handicap parking will be available in the parking lot just west of the Capitol. More information on the celebration is available at http://governor.ky.gov/specialevents/derbyday.htm.