It’s amazing the celebrations and planning that go into an event that is less than 5 minutes! If you go to the restroom….you’ll miss it! The running of the 139th Kentucky Derby is coming up this weekend…..and here in the U.S. it is highly celebrated all week.
Growing up there was a family here in our town that hailed from Kentucky and grew up in the box seats each year with their family. Each year they would host a huge Derby Party on Derby Day on the lawn of their antebellum estate. Everyone looked forward to it. Due to sickness, the past few years there has been no Derby Party….and there always seems to be a bit of a void on that day.
Much of Handsome’s family lives in Kentucky…..and we have enjoyed spending time at the Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Derby Museum over the years. When Handsome returned from there this past January he brought be back a pair of horseshoes that had been used by one of the racehorses in last year’s Kentucky Derby….they still have track dirt in them. This weekend they will grace our table as part of the centerpiece. =)
We grow Kentucky mint in our garden…..we brought it back from Kentucky years ago. Even though we won’t use it for mint juleps….we do have fun putting it in our iced tea.
If I was attending the derby this year……this would be outfit…….
Some fun derby party ideas………
You don’t have to be in KY to celebrate and join the fun…..this Saturday you could turn your dinner into a fun family derby party. Here’s some fun, free printables ………
If you’re headed to the actual derby here’s some hints as to where you might want to be….
Kentucky Derby Traditions: The Infield, just across the track from the clubhouse, but worlds away in social strata, you’ll find the infamous Infield scene. There are several distinct experiences found herein. The third turn, so named for its relationship to the race track, is home to a raucous crowd of singles and young-at-heart party goers. If that’s not your scene, head to the grassy first turn where family and picnic types go for a modicum of Southern mores and etiquette.
Whether at home or at the derby…you will definitely want to make Derby Pie…..featured yesterday in the New York Times. {Click the link below for the recipe.}
Have you ever been to The Kentucky Derby? If you went….what would you wear?
Smelling, not running for, the roses~
daune
