Former President Bill Clinton to speak in Lexington at April 23 Earth Day event

Former President Bill Clinton will headline an Earth Day celebration featuring 6,000 students, parents and educators at the Kentucky Horse Park on April 23.

The event at the horse park’s Alltech Arena is being organized by the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council and its student facilitator, Jane Brady Knight, a Henry Clay High School senior. She also is the daughter of Lexington philanthropist and political fundraiser Kelly Knight.

Clinton will meet with and take photos with the 25 student members of the sustainability council before making his remarks at the luncheon, said Whitney Glass, who is serving as spokeswoman for the event.

Clinton, who has earned more than $75 million in speaking fees since leaving the White House, is not charging for his appearance, Glass said.

The luncheon event, which includes a green vendor fair, also will feature Kentucky Proud food products. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, a Republican, also is expected to attend, Glass said.

The event is limited to school groups and will not be open to the public.

Clinton has been a frequent visitor to Kentucky, campaigning for 2010 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Jack Conway in Lexington and Louisville two years ago and stumping often in the Bluegrass for his wife, Hillary, during Kentucky’s May 2008 Democratic presidential primary.