FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear have invited visitors to historic downtown Frankfort for the 78th annual Governor’s Derby Celebration.
The event will be held on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
“Jane and I are pleased to once again host visitors in our beautiful and historic capitol city for the Derby Celebration,” Gov. Beshear said. “Downtown Frankfort has a unique blend of landmarks, shops, and restaurants that makes it the perfect backdrop for this fun-filled, family event.”
Visitors can expect the traditional fare of past Derby Celebrations such as a farmer’s market, a variety of arts and crafts, specialty vendors, children’s activities, Kentucky Horse Park trolley rides and live music on the Jim Beam Entertainment Stage.
This year’s celebration will also include the third annual Derby Dash. Sponsored by the Frankfort YMCA, the event includes several races for children ages 2-12. For more information or to register, please visithttp://www.frankfortymca.org/SpecialEvents/DerbyDash.aspx.
Many downtown Frankfort restaurants and stores will be open with unique Derby offerings during the celebration. Visitors will also be able to tour the Capital City Museum, the Thomas D. Clark History Center, the Old State Capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion, which are all located downtown.
For the first time, the First Christian Church on the corner of Ann St. and Broadway will be have breakfast items for sale, including sausage biscuits, pastries, coffee and juice. And as in past years, they will be offering pony rides, a jumbo inflatable slide, an inflatable play place for toddlers, face painting, crafts and games.
More attractions and a complete entertainment schedule will be released closer to the event date.
“Across the world, Kentucky is known for our signature Derby festivities and our time-honored display of hospitality,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “As horse lovers, Steve and I are especially excited come Derby time and we look forward to helping host the downtown Derby Celebration every year.”
More information on the event is available at http://governor.ky.gov/derbycelebration/ or on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/DerbyCelebration?fref=ts.