FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30,
2002
CONTACT: Rusty Cheuvront, Governor’s Office, 502.564.2611 or Amy Wise,
Ky. Department of Travel, 502.564.4930
FRANKFORT, KY. -- On the morning of May 4,
thousands of Kentuckians will gather along the historic streets of downtown
Frankfort to celebrate a “new, old tradition.”
This year, Governor Paul Patton and First
Lady Judi Patton will relocate the Governor’s Derby Breakfast to a venue that
emphasizes the historic nature of the capital city, but also appropriately
captures the essence of this year’s Derby Breakfast theme, “Main Street Kentucky
USA” and the Renaissance Kentucky downtown revitalization program.
More than 17,000 are expected to enjoy the
annual Derby-morning festivities, all of which will span the grounds of the Old
State Capitol, West Broadway, the recently renovated St. Clair Street and the
Kentucky History Center. The
30-plus downtown merchants who line these streets will enjoy the increased
traffic to their businesses.
“I think it’s great that the Derby Breakfast
will be held downtown this year,” said Sherrie Goebel, owner of Nitro of
Frankfort, a ladies clothing, gifts and accessories store on Main Street.
“Not only will it expose visitors to the area, but hopefully it will encourage
them to return.”
Nearly all downtown businesses, including the
Farmer’s Market, at the intersection of Broadway and Wilkinson Boulevard, will
be open and eager to welcome Derby Breakfast guests at 7 a.m. Many are offering
special Derby deals throughout the day.
While merchants look forward to showcasing
their wares to breakfast-goers, Sheila White, Executive Director of Downtown
Frankfort, Inc., the city’s Main Street and Renaissance program, recognizes the
opportunity to show off recent revitalization efforts.
“Downtown Frankfort looks the best it has in
years,” she said. “It really is a statement of our Renaissance program.”
Other communities have had similar success
with the Renaissance Kentucky program. Sixty-four of the 72 Kentucky Renaissance
Cities will display their accomplishments during the downtown event at an
exhibit in the Kentucky History Center, located on the corner of West Broadway
and Ann Street. Booths demonstrating success stories - downtown revitalization,
façade restoration and streetscape improvements, as well as visions for the
future, will be on display.
As always, the breakfast is free and open to
the public. In addition to the
Kentucky “fare” being served, downtown Frankfort will be filled with music and
displays of Kentucky’s finest arts and crafts. This year, the breakfast will
offer extended hours, from 7 a.m. to noon.
Organizers encourage visitors
to use the free shuttle service running from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. between the
Cabinet for Human Resources parking lot at 275 E. Main Street and the
intersection of St. Clair and Main.
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