For
Immediate Release, April 25, 2000
Contact: Gwenda Bond or Rusty Cheuvront (502)564-2611
Governor and First Lady Set to Join in Derby Events
It’s not only the most exciting two minutes in sports, but also one of the most exciting times of the year across the Commonwealth – Derby season has arrived.
And Governor Paul Patton and First Lady Judi Patton are set to join in a series of events that will make this a Derby year to remember.
For
planning purposes, here is the preliminary schedule of Derby events in which the
Governor and First Lady will participate, including times, dates, places and
whether events are open to public.
TUESDAY, MAY 2
At 7:30 a.m., Governor Paul Patton will take part in the Bellsouth Derby Festival Morning Line. Invited media only.
From 5-7 p.m., Governor and Mrs. Patton will host a reception for the artists who created works for the “Kentucky Visions 2000” Derby art exhibit. The exhibit will be on view to the public at the Executive Mansion from April 29-May 10. The public can view the exhibit during tours of the Governor's Mansion, available by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. Tours may be scheduled by calling (502)564-3449.
Governor and Mrs. Patton are also scheduled to attend the Derby Trainers Dinner, hosted by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, at 6 p.m. in Louisville. By invitation only.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
Governor Patton and First Lady Judi Patton will drop by to see the Great Steamboat Race. Derby Festival event, open to public.
At noon, the Governor and First Lady will attend the Celebrity Luncheon at Churchill Downs. Open by ticket.
Then at 3:30 p.m., the couple will join Ted Kennedy, Jr. and speak at a reception and program in honor of cancer survivors hosted by the Kentucky Cancer Program at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center on the University of Louisville campus. By invitation only.
And at 5:30 p.m., Governor and Mrs. Patton will ride in this year’s Pegasus Parade which will travel up Broadway Street in Louisville. Derby Festival event, open to the public.
FRIDAY, MAY 5
At 11 a.m. at the Old Governor's Mansion, the Governor and First Lady, along with Secretary of Economic Development Gene Strong and Secretary of Tourism Development Ann Latta will cohost a brunch. By invitation only.
On Derby Eve at 2:30 p.m. the Pattons will take in the Kentucky Oaks races at Churchill Downs. Open to public.
Then at 6 p.m., the governor and first lady will welcome some of Kentucky’s most distinguished citizens and visitors at the Kentucky Colonels Grand March and Reception at the Galt House East in Louisville. Open to Kentucky Colonels.
At 7:30 p.m., the Pattons will host a Derby Eve Gala at the Executive Mansion in Frankfort. By invitation only.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
The Pattons kick off Derby Day with a time-honored tradition – the Governor’s Derby Breakfast, from 7-11 a.m. Over 15,000 Kentuckians attended last year’s Derby Breakfast. And like every year the governor’s breakfast will feature food, fun, and entertainment, including works by some of Kentucky’s finest crafters, hot air balloon rides and other activities for children of all ages. Free and open to the public.
At 10 a.m., the governor and first lady will board the Governor’s Derby Train at the Old State Capitol to make their way to Louisville for this year’s Kentucky Derby. By invitation only. There will be a photo opportunity of the train boarding for media.
The Pattons will take in the afternoon at the races, and at 5:30 p.m., Governor and Mrs. Patton will witness the 126th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Immediately following the race, Governor Patton will present the Derby victor with the trophy at the Presentation Stand/Winner’s Circle.
Following the Derby, around 6 p.m., the Pattons will join the Winner’s Reception at the Derby Museum in Louisville. Governor Patton will make a toast to the Derby winner.
Then it’s back to the Governor’s Derby Train at 7 p.m., where the governor first lady and their invited guests will journey back to the capital city.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
The Pattons will host Sunday Brunch at the Executive Mansion from 11 a.m. –12:30 p.m. By invitation only.
They will then move on to Bardstown for the Kentucky Colonels BBQ at the Wickland Estate. Open to Kentucky Colonels.
MONDAY, MAY 8
The Pattons will host First Lady Judi Patton’s third annual Celebration of Hope, a reception in honor of Kentucky’s breast cancer survivors, at the Executive Mansion at 1:30 p.m. Open by invitation, and to all breast cancer survivors.