What are you doing the first Saturday of May?  Traditionally this is the Saturday that the Kentucky Derby takes place.  This year will be no different as the 150th race will be held in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4.

 

The race this year will feature approximately 16 horses. Give or take a few as the time comes up.  Today the favorite horse is Angel of Empire, but traditionally this may change several rimes before the actual race. The horse winning the Derby will bring home a purse of approximately 1.5 million dollars.

 

The day of the race will find the women in their beautiful hats and most men will keep tradition by having a mint julep.  Those attending will have paid from $65.00 to $10,000 for a ticket.  The most expensive tickets will find these individuals sitting in Millionaires Row.  Individuals will start gathering around noon to find their seats and to enjoy about five other races that will be held prior to the Derby.

 

The traditional My Old Kentucky Home will be sung and the fun will begin. ending with the placing the wreath of red roses around the neck of the winner and hearing from the jockey and the owner.

 

The most fun of the day will be those individuals placing bets on the races. If you are lucky you may go home with a few more bucks than you came with, but placing a bet really assures your interest in that race.

 

About twenty years ago I had the privilege of attending the Derby.  I was a member of the Fairs and Festivals Association and that year the Derby was the chosen event for Festival associates to observe and to learn from the success of the event to incorporate their successes into our event.

 

We purchased a three-day event package.  This included our hotel, tickets to the Derby and entry to other events leading up to the Derby.  Part of the package included a concert by Tim McGraw who played to a full house the night before the Run for the Roses.  The highlight of the concert was as McGraw sang his closing song he was joined on stage by his wife Faith Hill who sang with him and then announced they were expecting their first child.  

 

Most importantly we met with Derby officials who gave us tips about putting together sponsor packages.

 

If you cannot make the trip to Louisville plan a Derby party here at home.  Do a little research about placing bets online, require that all ladies wear hats and perfect a recipe for mint juleps.  A tip, just remember that the big race only takes about 2 1/2 minutes.  Happy race day.

 

How about this saying,  “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”  So true.  When we plant those vegetables we believe that tomorrow will bring us a bumper crop.  Keep believing it is our only salvation.  The Clarksburg Farmers Market will open soon.  Be sure to support our local farmers.

 

Mark your calendar to attend the PWA spaghetti dinner on Saturday, May 4. Some delicious pasta prepared by our famous chef, Randall Linch.  Call 304 624 6881 for tickets.  Help support their food pantry.

 

Take care, have a safe week and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”