For Immediate Release
April 23, 2001
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront (502) 564-2611 or
              Jim Carroll, Kentucky State Parks (502) 564-8110, x307

Derby Breakfast Is Nearly 30 Years And Counting

Frankfort, Ky. - While it may seem an even older tradition, the Governor's Derby Breakfast in its present form this year is 30 years old. In previous years, dating from the mid-1930s, governors hosted invitation-only breakfasts for family and friends, but it was in 1972 that Gov. Wendell Ford staged a larger, less private event that has become a mainstay of the Kentucky Derby celebration.

The baby has grown up. The first breakfast, served in a small tent behind the Executive Mansion, drew several hundred guests. These days, up to 11,000 Derby celebrants fill a huge tent on a parking lot near the Capitol to enjoy scrambled eggs, Kentucky country ham, sausage and other Southern fare. It's the best Derby bargain around -- it's free for one and all. If you don't have one of the colorful invitations in hand, come anyway.  Gov. and Mrs. Patton's printed invitation is strictly a memento. Serving will begin at 7 a.m. on Derby Day and will continue through the morning.

"Judi and I want to invite all Kentuckians to join us for the Derby Breakfast," said Gov. Paul Patton. "This is an event that reminds us all how proud we are to be residents of this wonderful commonwealth."
Throughout the years, the Department of Parks food services staff has catered the annual breakfast. As with years past, the staff this year will serve up biscuits, muffins, juices, Danish pastries, apples, coffee, and grits in addition to the other menu items mentioned.

The food is prepared at two state-operated cafeterias in Frankfort starting early in the morning. The food then is transported to the tent for serving. How much food? Try:

14,400 servings of Kentucky country ham, 20,000 biscuits and 60 bushels of apples, washed down with 24,000 tomato and orange juice servings and 30,000 cups of coffee. It's all served up by 60 parks employees who travel from around the state to Frankfort to lend a hand.

"The Derby Breakfast represents a lot of hard work by a lot of people," said Roger Hisle, the Parks Department's food services director. "But it's worth every bit of the effort. This is our opportunity to showcase the great cuisine and outstanding hospitality that Kentucky State Parks offer 365 days a year."

Besides growing in popularity, the Derby Breakfast has evolved into more than a great meal.  It has become a showcase for Kentucky's unique culture.  Fine Kentucky crafts will be offered for sale at booths scattered around the Capitol grounds. Homegrown musical groups will entertain during the breakfast. Adding even more color to the proceedings are the hot-air balloon rides on the Capitol lawn. Meanwhile, the Capitol grounds will be resplendent with bright tulips and other heralds of spring.

The Governor's Derby Breakfast is all about fun, but it has a serious purpose, too. Each year, economic development and tourism business prospects are invited to enjoy the festivities, along with other Derby weekend activities. Invariably, the guests come away with an indelible impression of Kentucky's warm hospitality.

ou too can share in the fun on May 5. Just remember to bring your appetite.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Images of the 2000 Governor's Derby Breakfast may be downloaded from this web address: http://gov.state.ky.us/derby2001.htm