Dust off your craziest hat, don your dapperest duds and head out to one of these fine establishments to watch “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Yes, it’s Kentucky Derby time once again.
Affectionately known as the Run for the Roses, it’s the longest-running sporting event in American history. The race starts at 6:50 p.m. Saturday but the partying begins much earlier. Hey, those mint juleps aren’t going to sip themselves.
Here’s a list of local Kentucky Derby parties:
Big Band & Bourbon, 5:30-10 p.m., La Salle High School, 3091 North Bend Road, Green Township. Mint juleps, BBQ buffet dinner catered by Velvet Smoke, open bar, derby-themed games and silent auction of student-decorated derby hats. $50. lasallehs.net.
Covington Trifecta Derby Party, noon, Braxton Brewing, 27 West 7th St., Covington. Wear your fancy hats and dapper Derby attire. Prizes for best tie, best hat and best couple. DJ, drink specials and more. braxtonbrewing.com.
Derby Day Party, 2-8 p.m., Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington. Features festive craft cocktails, southern street food available at The Walk Up window, “best dressed” contests, a “Garland of Roses” inspired flower wall and more. hotelcovington.com.
Derby Day Party at Laurel Court, 5-9 p.m., Laurel Court, 5870 Belmont Ave., College Hill. $85. Complimentary mint julep upon arrival, Derby-themed catering, silent auction and other Derby-centric games. All proceeds go directly to CHCURC, whose mission is to revitalize the Hamilton Avenue business district to strengthen the surrounding College Hill Community.
Derby Party with the Marty Connor Band, 5-9 p.m., Brianza Gardens and Winery, 14611 Salem Creek Road, Crittenden. Marty Connor playing before and after post time. Special Derby dinner of Kentucky favorites. Cupcake bar. Prizes for best derby hats. $15.
Kentucky Derby, 10 a.m., Belterra Park Gaming, 6301 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. Live streaming of Kentucky Derby. Free.
Kentucky Derby Simulcast and Party, 9 a.m., Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence. Wagering window opens 10 a.m., free Party in the Paddock begins at noon with live music by DV8 from 2:30 p.m., adult and children hat contests. Buffet reservations in Homestretch restaurant $50 at 859-371-0200.
Maker’s Mark Derby Party, 4 p.m., Fueled Collective, 3825 Edwards Road, Norwood. Drink specials, food options, games, swag giveaways and more. Prizes in several categories for costumes, so make sure to wear your best Derby attire.
Notorious Urban Derby, 4-8 p.m., Union Hall, 1311 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Fashion, food and fun of Kentucky Derby with urban twist along with live entertainment from Elementz’s members, hosted by Kyle Inskeep from Channel 12. $85-$100.
Queen City Derby Party, 4 p.m. Jack Casino, 1000 Broadway, Downtown. Festive and vibrant take on traditions of the race. $45-$160.
Article by: Luann Gibbs
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