For Immediate Release from the Governor’s Office of Communications
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront or Chris Kellogg, (502) 564-2611 

Governor’s Derby Day Celebration Returns to Historic Downtown Frankfort

Reminding Kentuckians that traditions and special events uphold and support us through challenging times, Governor Paul Patton and First Lady Judi Patton are partnering with the Frankfort community to continue the Derby morning celebration for 2003.   

“Kentucky is dealing with a budget crisis that is the most severe in decades,” Patton said.  “Our traditions become even more important in challenging times and Derby is Kentucky’s one day in the spotlight when we show the world that we live in a unique and wonderful place.”

Derby morning festivities will, for the second year, be held in historic downtown Frankfort rather than around the state Capitol as in decades past.  Moved in 2002 to make way for construction around the Capitol, the festivities return to downtown because of participants’ positive response to the 2002 event.   Last May a record crowd of more than 20,000 was on hand to experience entertainment and other artistic talent that is uniquely Kentucky.  The committee for 2003 is working with the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission, which will provide visitors a continental-style breakfast beginning at 8 a.m.

 “People from across the nation and the world came to Frankfort last year,” said First Lady Judi Patton. “It was a wonderfully successful day for local merchants and restaurants.  This event has grown to be where many people celebrate Derby regardless of whether they head to Churchill Downs or not.  We love this opportunity to again work with local leaders.”

Printed invitations for the breakfast have been eliminated as a cost-saving measure and in lieu of the traditional Derby eve gala, Governor Patton and the First Lady will host guests of the Tourism Development and Economic Development Cabinets at the executive mansion.  “We certainly recognize that all state agencies are paring budgets and services.  This event is important to Kentucky and Frankfort but we’ll certainly intend to do our part to minimize costs,” Mrs. Patton said.

Donna Moloney, who coordinates special events for the Governor’s Office, said the state’s participation is based on the reuse, recycling and redistribution of materials used previously.  “Everyone working on the team is being very economy-minded with time and materials.”   She pointed out that entertainers volunteer their time and crafts people set up for the opportunity to sell their work.

Tony Charters, the executive director for the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission, said that the 2002 festivities saw the single largest crowd to attend a downtown event in recent years.  Marc Stone, the commission’s chair, said they are anxious to welcome visitors back this year.  “Our downtown area personifies Southern hospitality,” Stone said, “and we intend to roll out the red carpet for the first Saturday in May.  We’re pleased to do our part in hosting the 2003 celebration.”

Hours for the celebration around the Old State Capitol on Broadway are expanded this year beginning at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Music, fine Kentucky crafts, exhibits, and tourism attractions and displays will be open and free to the public in addition to local merchants and restaurants opening for the special hours.  The Kentucky Tourism Cabinet will feature exhibits of three music trails that highlight different areas of the state at the Kentucky History Center.  The annual Derby art exhibition of work by Kentucky artists and selected by Judi Patton with the Kentucky Arts Council, will be on display at the Governor’s Mansion. The mansion will also be open for tours with shuttle buses available to transport visitors from downtown to the mansion and back during event hours.

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