Kentucky Derby

[Trek-chick]

Who watched it? I do every year, and this event us definitely on my "bucket list". It just seems so exciting!! Has anyone been there? What is it like? It seems like it may be kind of crazy with all the people there. I hear they had record numbers this year.

[Koronin]

I wanted to, but I don't have my dish installed yet. They were supposed to be here today, but somehow sent the installer to the wrong address. When I called tonight they rescheduled the install for tomorrow morning, but that meant no watching the Derby. On the other hand because it was their screw up they are giving me a free month of Cinemax.

[makbike]

Trek-chick,

Come on down and enjoy a week of fun and festivities. Derby week kicks off with the Derby marathon/mini and the hot air balloon race. There is a super art festive in one of the local parks that is awesome. On Monday you can take in the bed races. Make plans on Wednesday to pick out a piece of the shoreline and watch the Great Steamboat race. You need to make your way downtown on Thursday for the Pegasus Parade and Friday you should find yourself at the track for Oaks Day. Of course your week should conclude back at the track on Saturday for the most exciting two minutes in sports. Be sure while in town you purchase your official Derby glass and a Pegasus pin. The pin will get you into lots of free events through the week and the glass is just fun to have.

[spokewench]

I've been. In a past life, I was a an exercise girl on thoroubred race horse tracks. I worked all over, including Lexington.

So, yes, I have attended the Derby when I was working there. It is a fun event. You just got to wear a hat! I thought the mint juleps were a bit disappointing!

Of course, I got to check out the Derby horses up personal on the back side so that was pretty cool too. But, I got to say checking out the Clydesdales close up when they were at a track was pretty cool too.

[withm]

Since my father was born and raised in Kentucky the Derby was always a special event when I was growing up in Maryland. We always had a betting pool, and now as adults my siststers and our extended families still get together on Derby Day to continue. One year we even served Hot Browns and Benedictine along with our mint juleps and Derby pie. And we always sing "My Old Kentucky Home." This year the singing on TV was awful! What happened with that? None of us really likes mint juleps much, so we also have champagne. Of course they start tasting better once you start the second one.....

[Koronin]

I didn't know that the steamboat race is the same week as the Derby. As a little kid I saw the steamboat race. My Uncle lived in Louisville for maybe a year or two when I was really young. One of the times we visited him we saw the steamboat race. Of course I was like 3 years old.

[skhill]

Yes, the steamboat race is Derby week-- unless the Ohio River is running too high, like this year.

I've never actually been to the Derby; it's a bit too much of a zoo for me. But I have gone out to Keeneland (Lexington's track) to watch the race, and that's a blast. Someday I'll make it over to Louisville for Oaks day.

Around here, Derby day is also the first safe day to plant your tomatoes outside, so gardening was on my agenda!

[indysteel]

I went to the Derby in 1994 during law school, but we were in the infield. It was cold, rainy and muddy. I barely remember it. I'd like to go again--but sit in a proper seat. My husband is from Kentucky, but has never been.

I do highly recommend the Horsey Hundred. It's a two-day ride near Lexington every Memorial Day weekend. It goes through some beautiful horse country. I love that area of the state.

[Trek-chick]

Thanks for all the informative replies everyone. I think we will definitely be taking an RV trip down there next year. Kentucky is a beautiful state ( I have been a few times) I am jealous of all of you that live there .