It's Derby week here in Louisville and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’re not from Louisville, than you probably aren’t aware that we actually celebrate the KY Derby with a month long festival know as the Kentucky Derby Festival. The Kentucky Derby Festival website says it best “What the Run for the Roses is to horse racing, Louisville’s Derby Festival is to community celebrations.”
Each year the festival begins with one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks shows. Other events that take place throughout the next few weeks include free concerts, half and full marathon, bed racings, hot air balloon glow and race, just to name a few. The Kentucky Derby Festival also helps raise nearly $300,000 for area charities each year. In addition to all the Festival events, you can’t forget about other Derby traditions like the hats, fashion, Garland of Roses, The Twin Spires, "My Old Kentucky Home”, Mint Juleps, and the Oaks Lilies®. It’s truly an amazing time to be in Louisville and experience all the Kentucky Derby has to offer. In honor of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby, we thought we would share with you just a few of the many reasons why we love it (and you should too!):
“I love so many things about the Kentucky Derby… I love the fashion, the bourbon and the energy that takes over Louisville and Churchill Downs. I love that the Run for the Roses is the longest consecutively run sporting event in America. I’ll cry when they sing My Old Kentucky Home and then my heart will pound when the horses release from the gates. For two minutes, it is surreal and special and until you’ve seen it in person, you can’t quite understand it. If it’s not on your bucket list, it needs to be!” ~ Lisa Judd, Sales
“Not being from Louisville, I never truly understood the hype around the Kentucky Derby. Now, it’s one of my favorite times of year. All the activities, excitement and energy, it certainly is an exciting time to be in the city.” ~ Sarah Brom, Marketing
"Some of the things that I love about Derby are looking at all of the elaborate outfits, hats, derby parties and betting on all of the races during that day. We also have Derby Jackpots at Whip Mix and we sell at least 7 of them every year. I think it’s just the fun of participating with everyone else and getting the chance to have bragging rights even though it’s just the luck of the draw." Laura Schoen, Customer Service
“I love Derby time in Louisville because it brings out the very best that our fair city has to offer – for an entire month we get to celebrate and share our good food, beautiful landscape, our Southern charm and of course our city’s love of a good time. It all culminates in 2 minutes of a thrilling horse race that makes you proud to be a small part in a huge production that seems to get more and more attention every year. It’s a special event that we can claim all to ourselves, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!” ~ Katherine Dyke, Human Resources
"I love the fact that the Kentucky Derby brings so much pride and recognition to our state. The event is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, partake in the wonderment of the creation of hats and admire the beautiful and stylish outfits that are adorned by the horse racing fans at Churchill Downs." Dina Dean-Payne, Production
"I have lived in KY all my life – absolutely love the excitement the Derby festivities bring to Louisville. I have enjoyed Thunder Over Louisville, the Parade, the Balloon Race, the Chow Wagon, and many other events BUT I have never attended the Derby or the Oaks. Instead we have a fantastic homemade Derby Block Party with our neighbors and friends. Everyone brings food, beverages, and money for betting." Margaret Overmeer, Customer Service
“What I love about the Kentucky Derby is the sheer energy and passion the fans show building up to the big day culminating in that magical 2 minutes. I never attended a Derby till I retired and came back home from the military. Now my drive to be in the infield is a must do! Even if you’re not a huge fan of horse racing, the pageantry alone is worth the price of admission.” - William P. Devine, CDT, Technical Support
With its rich history and tradition, the Kentucky Derby certainly brings excitement and joy to everyone. What do you love about watching the greatest two minutes in sports?
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