By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent FRANKFORT, Ky. — The first Saturday in May brings Kentucky a continuing tradition like no other – complete with local food, lots of people, cultural displays, traditional music … and a horse or two.
It’s not that big race in Louisville, although it has become quite an annual tradition, too; it’s the Derby breakfast held at the state Capitol every year.
Officially known as the Governor’s Derby Celebration, the event has taken place since 1972 when then-Gov. Wendell Ford started the tradition by inviting the general public to enjoy breakfast at the Capitol while celebrating the Kentucky Derby.
At its peak, the breakfast hosted 15,000 guests under a huge tent near the Capitol building, where a free traditional breakfast featuring everything from eggs to cheese grits was served. This year, Gov. Steve Beshear scaled the breakfast back dramatically in the wake of the tough economy.
“For more than 30 years, Kentucky governors and first ladies have hosted a Derby Celebration at the state Capitol, and Jane (Kentucky’s First Lady) and I will continue that tradition this year,” said Beshear in an announcement about the event. “Even though we have made a few changes to the celebration, we are featuring a full array of entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, as well as a farmers’ market.”
Despite the changes, the public showed up. Numbers were down for a slew of reasons, but the celebration happened, complete with ham and sausage biscuits, muffins and juice (that patrons had to purchase) and free coffee.
Music filled the air, clowns amused children and adults, state agencies showed their services and vendors brought their goods.
And a few farmers made their way to the grounds to sell their wares as part of that farmers’ market. Since Beshear took office, the Capitol has played host to a series of events that have included the market.
“Across Kentucky, there are more than 120 farmers’ markets providing fresh, locally grown products for consumers,” said Jane Beshear, urging Kentuckians to support their Kentucky vendors on Derby Day, as well as throughout the year.
Making his first trip to the Derby breakfast, new to state agriculture, was Shawn Malloy and his wife, Lori, from Springfield.
The couple moved to Kentucky from Maine to raise Suri alpacas, llamas, donkeys and Angora bunnies on their Washington County farm. They also operate a state-of-the-art full service fiber mill to make yarn, and a farm store.
“It took us a year to find the place we wanted,” said Shawn Malloy of his search for a new home. “Kentucky is number one for family farms, number four for manufacturing, and we were looking for a state that would promote the farm and manufacturing, so Kentucky is perfect.
“It is not too far south, it’s not too far north, with milder winters and warmer summers. We moved here to lead the lifestyle we wanted and to promote our business.”
The Malloys have trademarked a specific type of yarn called Surino, which takes the wool from Suri alpacas and Merino sheep and blends them to make Surino wear.
“Everything we’re doing is natural and sustainable. We’re working on multiple projects with natural fibers,” he said. “Really, what we are is a small job shop that takes people’s fibers from across the country, process it and gives them yarn lines back.”
Two things that have helped the couple are the Kentucky Farm Bureau Roadside Market program and “Kentucky Proud.”
“They are supporting us in many different ways and it’s really exciting because I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for them,” said Malloy. “We are really going to focus on agritourism. I want people coming to the farm, seeing what we’re making and seeing what we’re growing.”
By working with other communities to help support their business, he feels their business will help support other farms. “The way I see it, if I support the communities throughout Kentucky, they’ll support me as well,” he said.
For more about Flaggy Meadow Fiber Works and Sunshine Alpacas visit www.flaggymeadowfiberworks.com and www.sunshinealpacas.com |
