Thursday, May 04, 2000
Public invited to feast
Derby breakfast a capitol idea
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FRANKFORT — What do you get with 15,000 Kentuckians, 30,000 eggs, 600 country hams, 20,000 biscuits, 15,000 pastries, 75 bushels of apples, 40,000 cups of coffee and 18,000 glasses of juice?
The Kentucky Derby breakfast that Gov. Paul Patton and first lady Judi Patton will throw this Saturdaymorning on the grounds of the State Capitol in Frankfort.
And you're invited.
The breakfast, from 7 to 11 a.m., serves as a warm-up to that afternoon's Kentucky Derby.
After they host about 15,000 folks for a country ham and egg breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Patton will join a group of their political supporters for a 50-mile train ride to Louisville's Churchill Downs.
The breakfast is free and open to the public. The meal includes music, hot air balloon rides, art exhibits, a display of classic autos, face painting and other activities for children, as well as tours of the Governor's Mansion and booths selling food and arts and crafts.
Florence resident Angie Dixon rarely misses the event.
“It's a great way to start Derby day,” said Ms. Dixon, who works as an aide to U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas of Boone County. “It's a good traditional Kentucky event, but I really like it because it's so inclusive.
“Everybody is invited, and it's a real chance for people to meet the governor and Mrs. Patton,” she said.
Fort Mitchell lawyer Michelle Keller typically attends the breakfast with her husband, Jim, and daughters, Olivia, 7, and Brenna, 11.
“It's a real atmosphere and something that is very unique to Kentucky,” Ms. Keller said.
“It's an event that really shows off our heritage and the beauty of our Capitol. The kids always enjoy it, and we love it because we're big Derby fans.”
But Ms. Keller admitted Tuesday she and her family may not make this year's breakfast.
“The kids have soccer games,” she said.
The Derby breakfast is a 64-year-old tradition started by Gov. A.B. “Happy” Chandler, who invited friends to drop by the governor's mansion on their way to Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Miami averted bloodshed
Preserving the memory of a tragedy
Turbulent times
Clinton: 'Income is not destiny'
Owensboro shows off its hospitality
Lawsuit escalates Butler battle
The system didn't weed family tree
Having the last laugh
Tale inspires floral winner
$1M more on bill
Lucas proposes prescription benefit
Officials again OK $2M for road lid
Ohio senators plan tax cuts
Public invited to feast
The Derby prayer: Give us this day a horse that's well-bred
Another quits Springboro schools
Awards tip hat to tradition, but pop country wins
Basketball coach leaves Lemon-Monroe
Birds of prey fascinate young and old park visitors
Mason rejects retail plan
NKU education college proposed
Performer to portray Churchill's personal side
'PiggyBank' gave designer wealth of enjoyment
Police memorial planned
Butler bans signs around courthouse
Firehouse designed for Monroe
Homeowner concerns noted
Jump ropes take girls to New York
Senior fashions a dream dress
Silverton lands dialysis clinic as 2nd project
Underdog is undeterred in race against Roeding
GET TO IT
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Tristate digest
