May is fast approaching which means it’s almost time; you probably can almost already, see the fancy hats, smell the mint juleps and hear the hoof taps of thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Derby is upon us. In the last several years “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports” has slowly been gaining in television popularity, it’s viewership rivals even the larger sporting events. What better way to encapsulate the excitement of the occasion then by breaking out your best hats and bourbon. Whether you live in Kentucky, California, New York, or anywhere in between, Derby Day is the perfect excuse for a party. Even if you aren’t a horse racing fan Derby Day is great way to welcome the warmer months.
The Best Venue isn’t always the Most Expensive
Even though the Kentucky Derby is often associated with glitz and glamor that doesn’t mean your party has be held in a lavish banquet hall. In the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, there is diverse crowd of people who attend. The posh types and celebrities who sit in the stands while the more raucous, normal folk who populate infielders. Use this type of diversity as a cue and try to strike a balance between the high and the low when thinking about the best venue for your Derby Day party. Instead of hosting a house party upgrade a little bit and look at inexpensive event venues. With a little bit of sleuthing you might be able to find cheap banquet halls that also do catering for events, which would be a time saver. Your guests will think you went full out.
Play up The Derby Day Traditions
Everybody can appreciate a good theme party especially one that has such a deep history as the Kentucky Derby. No Derby Day would be complete with out the classic bourbon cocktail the Mint Julep. Here is a simple recipe for a killer Julep:
- 1 teaspoon of sugar or 1/2 oz. of simple syrup
- fresh mint sprigs
- cold clear ice
- 3 oz. of Kentucky Bourbon
This simple, but potent cocktail will have people talking, then screaming, then talking again.
Remember It’s All About the Ponies
While it may only last two minutes, the horse race is the anchor of the whole event, the electricity of the race is hard to duplicate off track, even in the best venues. A way to bring the action of a live horse race to your party is by having each person pick a pony. Betting on horses is a old tradition and having a small stake on a horse can up the level of your Derby Day party. Now I’m not advocating placing monetary wagers, especially if it is illegal in your municipality. But, even if the wager is only for pretzels or promises it will still inject your party with a little bit of the betting spirit.
