Story and Photos by Michael Dwyer
Michael Dwyer stands in front of the Barbaro Statue at Gate One of Churchill Downs – photo by Sonya Julie
Kentucky Derby 140
The 140th running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 3, in Louisville, KY at Churchill Downs. “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” has turned the world’s attention to Kentucky since 1875. Thousands of three-year-old horses are in contention in January, but only 20 may enter the starting gates on the first Saturday in May.
There are several ways to celebrate the Derby. As over 16 million people did in 2013, you can simply tune in to NBC to watch the race scheduled for 6:24 p.m. Fans can throw a Derby Party surrounding the television coverage.
A visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum would certainly be a fun way to celebrate “The Run for the Roses” as well. Of course, the best way is to visit Churchill Downs on Derby Day with 175,000 other people.
Mint Juleps – photo by Michael Dwyer
Host a Derby Party
Invite friends, family and neighbors to attend your gathering. Encourage guests to dress as they would for the Derby by wearing suits, dresses, hats – all spring colors – to set the scene. Tune all the televisions to NBC for coverage between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with pre and post coverage on NBCSN (NBC’s cable sports network). Here are a few more suggestions:
- Pass out copies of My Old Kentucky Home for everyone to sing along prior to the race. Practice with this VIDEO
- Decorate with Red Roses, Silver Platters and anything Horse related
- Make Mint Juleps for those who are 21 and older
- Print Racing Forms for guests to play along
- Send people to Bloodhorse.com and DRF.com for information on the horses before the party
The Kentucky Derby Museum has two levels of exhibits for all ages – photo by Michael Dwyer
Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum
Open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, and Oaks and Derby Day. If you attend the Derby, go to the museum on Sunday (day after), however it’s their busiest day of the year.
The museum celebrates the Derby in many ways with two floors of permanent exhibits, as well as special exhibits. Attend the 360-degree, high-definition film, “The Greatest Race.” With screens and sound all around, you are at the center of it all on race day. The footage is from last year’s Derby, updated in June, and takes you from the birth of a colt to his running in the race.
Take advantage of the wonderful tours offered by the museum, limited during Derby Week and race meet days, check out the details on all the tours for more information.
The Kentucky Derby Museum offers visitors a chance to be in the center of Derby Day Action with their 360-degree theater – photo by Michael Dwyer
Attend the Kentucky Derby
Finally, the ultimate experience is to attend the races. Expensive and crowded, but also crazy and classy, everyone should attend at least once in his or her life. Tickets that guarantee a seat will come at a high price, but anyone may walk up to the gate for a $50 general admission ticket.
Hotels rooms are also pricy. Rooms within an hour can cost $500 and up per night. Information on accommodations and things to do in the Louisville area is available at the official Louisville website.
Read about Michael Dwyer first-person experience of the Kentucky Derby here: https://rochestermedia.com/kentucky-derby-time-again
About Michael Dwyer