FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear are proud to host the Derby Farmers’ Market, during the Governor’s Derby Celebration on the Capitol grounds, May 2.
“Across Kentucky, there are over 120 farmers’ markets providing fresh, locally grown products for consumers,” said Beshear. “The First Lady and I urge all Kentuckians to visit the Governor’s Derby Celebration and support their Kentucky vendors on Derby Day, as well as throughout the year.”
The Derby Farmers’ Market will be comprised of 12 vendors from the Kentucky Proud program, the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association (KFMA), and Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Certified Roadside Farm Market Program.
“With the rising cost of fuel, food and energy, now more than ever we need to support our local farmers and rural economy,” said the First Lady. “I am truly excited to be hosting a farmers’ market during the Governor’s Derby Celebration.”
“The Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association is pleased to be a part of the Derby morning celebration at the Capitol,” said Janet Eaton, project manager for KFMA. “The First Lady has been a staunch advocate of farmers’ markets. Including a market in this special morning exemplifies this valued support.”
The market will provide a wide sampling of what Kentucky has to offer consumers from farm fresh fried apple pies and honey to gourmet popcorn and handmade soaps to bedding plants and flower baskets.
“I’m excited to have Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Certified Roadside Market Program participate in the Governor’s Derby Celebration,” said Mark Haney, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation. “It is a great opportunity to share with Kentuckians the diversity of 92 markets across the Commonwealth, plus it gives our market owners a chance to showcase the Kentucky Proud products produced on the farm.”
The following vendors will be participating in this year’s Derby Farmers’ Market:
The traditional Governor’s Derby Celebration will be on the state Capitol grounds from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 2, and is free and open to the public. Each year thousands of people participate in this Derby festivity and browse the grounds to experience hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), entertainment, artisan booths and other activities.
Breakfast will be served at a nominal cost. Continuous shuttle service will be available beginning at 7:45 a.m. from the parking area located at Juniper Hill Park to the Floral Clock at the Capitol. Shuttles will also be available from the Floral Clock to downtown Frankfort. For more information, click here.
At the Governor’s Derby Celebration on Derby Day, Access, God’s Pantry and Dare to Care will have volunteers on the Capitol grounds to collect canned goods and monetary donations. All visitors to the Capitol for the Derby Celebration are encouraged to bring a canned good or make a monetary donation to help restock the pantries of these food banks.
All food donations received will be divided among the three food banks. Monetary gifts not specifically designated for one of the participating food pantries will be equally divided among the three.
