For immediate release WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2004

Contact: Brian Furnish
(502) 564-0290

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Producers will be showcasing their Kentucky Proud products while supporting a children’s service on Friday, April 16, during “Bourbon & Bonnets,” a traditional Kentucky bourbon tasting and Derby accessory extravaganza.

As a fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children), this unique event is sponsored by several organizations including the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and its Kentucky Proud logo campaign, and will be held from 6-9 p.m. (EDT) April 16 at the Jideco Center, 901 Withrow Court, in historic Bardstown.

“Public events like this one give our Kentucky producers a chance to show their products to an audience who may normally not attend a trade show or other agricultural event,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This is also a great opportunity for producers to tell consumers where Kentucky Proud products are available.”

Many Kentucky Proud producers will not only be displaying their products but also offering samples and selling their wares. Kentucky Derby dress is the selected theme of the evening, so an early reflection of the styles to be seen May 1 at Churchill Downs will be on parade during the event.

The second printing of the “Pride of Kentucky” cookbook also will be available for purchase. A coffee table-sized book of culinary delights and homegrown stories of rural Kentucky, the publication is a production of KDA, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, the UK Cooperative Extension Service, and state commodity groups. The book sells for $27.95, but will be on sale Friday night for $25.

Other sponsors of the event are Sullivan Culinary College, Brown-Forman, American Airlines, Kentucky Distillers Associations, Visitours, Jewish Hospital, Days Inn of Bardstown and the University of Louisville Jazz Band.

For more information on the Kentucky Proud logo program, log onto www.kyproud.com.

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