Beshear: Enjoy the Kentucky Derby online

It’s that time of year again!
 
As the Run for the Roses draws nearer, Kentucky is gearing up for its most famous of traditions.
 
I hope that all of you can join First Lady Jane Beshear and me at the Capitol for our annual Derby Celebration in Frankfort on May 2, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon.
 
There will be a number of activities available that you won’t want to miss.
 
We’ll be sponsoring a Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Grounds, featuring Kentucky-grown products like vegetables, vegetable plants, flowers, jams, jellies and pies.
 
This year’s breakfast menu will feature Kentucky Proud products, including sausage, ham and chicken biscuits, coffee, water and juice and a variety of muffins. In an effort to recover the cost of food and labor, Parks will charge $1 for each breakfast item. Coffee and water will be complimentary.
 
And as always, there will be hot air balloons (weather permitting), arts and crafts vendors from across the Commonwealth, Kentucky entertainers and a variety of children’s activities.
 
There will also be an art exhibit in the Capitol Rotunda.  If you have a moment, be sure to step inside the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion, which will be available for tours from 8 a.m. to noon.
 
We are also pleased to let you know that this year, in recognition of those in need, we have organized a food drive.
 
Jane and I are working with God’s Pantry, Access Soup Kitchen and Dare to Care to help restock their pantries by holding a Governor’s Derby Food Drive.
 
On Derby Day, May 2, representatives from the three food banks will be on the Capitol Grounds during the Governor’s Derby Celebration to collect non-perishable goods and donations. All the canned goods and monetary donations we receive will be divided among the three food banks.
 
Our Commonwealth has been through several difficult months due to the tough economic times and the devastating winter ice storm. It is so very important that even in times of celebration we remember those in need of everyday items that many of us take for granted.
 
Also, please remember, in an effort to save money this year and be more environmentally friendly all invitations to the Derby Celebration will be electronic. However, you do not need an invitation to attend the event.
 
Please visit our Web site at www.governor.ky.gov/derbycelebration for more information on the Governor’s Derby Celebration, to download an electronic version of the invitation, and to find out how to purchase the 2009 Derby Poster.
 
We look forward to seeing all of you at the Derby Celebration, and here’s hoping for some Triple Crown luck!