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Now in its 144th year, The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 5th in Louisville, Kentucky with 20 Thoroughbred horses and a purse of US $2 million.
Since its inception in 1875, The Kentucky Derby has been run at Churchill Downs racetrack and currently attracts some 150,000 visitors.
Kentucky Derby Traditions
Part of the fun of the Kentucky Derby, whether you attend the live event or participate in various events held in cities across the world, is joining in on the festive traditions, including:
- Garland of Roses: The rose garland made its first appearance in 1896 when the winner, Ben Brush, received a garland of pink and white roses. Now, more than 400 roses are sewn together "with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race's current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with a "crown" of roses, green fern and ribbon. The "crown," a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner's Circle."
- The Mint Julep: The Mint Julep is the official Kentucky Derby cocktail. It's estimated that 120,000 Mint Juleps will be served during The Kentucky Derby weekend, with a staggering 1,000 pounds of fresh mint going in every glass.
- The Twin Spires: The Twin Spires were added to the Churchill Downs grandstand blueprints in 1895 and now tourists from all over the world pose for a picture in front of the iconic landmark.
- Hats: Perhaps the most prominent tradition of The Kentucky Derby are the hats! One of the fashion world's favorite photo-ops, the hats worn by fans take a solid second place only to the Thoroughbred horses. Wearing a hat to The Kentucky Derby is also considered to be good luck!
- Sing Along to 'My Old Kentucky Home': with more than 150,000 people singing along – that's a song that will stay in your head for days to come. As the horses step onto the track after the Kentucky Derby Parade and the band strikes the first note, it's been said to be one of the most moving moments in world sports.
- Celebrity Sightings: The Kentucky Derby is an event that attracts a host of celebrities and royalty dating back to 1877 when Polish actress Helena Modjeska attended. Today, a special VIP red carpet entrance is set up for celebrities and their guests.
- The Kentucky Oaks: The Kentucky Oaks race was founded by Meriwehter Lewis Clark Jr. in 1875 and has become a "celebration of the ladies, featuring the Pink Out, the Survivors Parade Presented by Kroger, and the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest."
- Trophy and Winner's Circle: The traditional Trophy and Winner's Circle tradition began in The Kentucky Derby's 50th year in 1924 and continues today with the winner being presented with a gold trophy for the "Run for the Roses®."
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
If you want to be a part of the action without having to go anywhere, then throw a Kentucky Derby watch party! Invite some friends and watch the event from the comfort of your own home. For some great Kentucky Derby food/drinks, countryliving.com has all the inspiration you need. For a layer of extra fun, include a fun dress code filled with fancy hats!
Kentucky Derby Events
The Kentucky Derby is celebrated worldwide. Whether you want to gather friends in your own apartment and watch on TV or attend a live event near you, you'll be joined by fans across the globe.
Here's a sampling of events in some Weidner Apartment Homes cities! Enjoy!
Midland, TX: 6th Annual Jockeys, Juleps, and All That Jazz
Denver, CO: The Original Denver Derby Party
Salt Lake City, UT: The Kentucky Derby Event at Grand America Hotel
Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN: Twin Cities Kentucky Derby Party
Seattle, WA: Bet on a Cause
Now that you're armed with a variety of options, how will you be experiencing The Kentucky Derby? Share some moments with us at #LifeatWeidner.