Now that winter has passed, it’s time to start planning for the springtime’s
most extravagant and glamorous sports party: the Kentucky Derby.
Annually staged on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in
Louisville, Kentucky, the $2 million Kentucky Derby (G1) is the oldest
continuously held sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse
racing’s popular Triple Crown series. A year ago, the 1 1/4-mile classic for
three-year-old Thoroughbreds — often called and “The Greatest Two Minutes in
Sports” — lured a throng of 155,804 on-track fans plus another 16.5 million
viewers on NBC Sports, making it the most watched Derby since 1989.
For those fans unable to attend “The Run for the Roses” in person on
Saturday, May 7, Churchill Downs has launched its official online resource to
create the perfect party experience at www.KentuckyDerbyParty.com. Amenities on
the streamlined Web site include a contest to win a free flat screen television
and fully catered party for 20.
“From backyard BBQs to more upscale soirees, KentuckyDerbyParty.com has all
the tools to make a great Derby party,” said Casey Cook, Churchill Downs’ vice
president of brand development and marketing. “The Web site features recipes for
fantastic Southern cuisine submitted by high profile chefs plus recipes for
favorite Derby weekend drinks, including the Early Times Mint Julep, Oaks Lily
and Bacardi Mojito. Visitors also can shop for officially licensed party decor,
party favors and collectables, including the popular traditional mint julep
glasses.”
KentuckyDerbyParty.com debuted in 2008 to connect Kentucky Derby fans
worldwide that enjoyed hosting annual Kentucky Derby parties on the first
Saturday in May. The Web site features colorful designs with user-friendly
navigation and a classy and elegant feel that brings the spirit of the rich
springtime sports party tradition to life.
Fans can register their Derby parties and issue electronic invitations free
of charge through a party planning tool that can manage invites and RSVPs. There
are 36 original invitation designs available, as well as a party checklist and
list of party ideas, including information about Derby libations and games.
KentuckyDerbyParty.com also features an enhanced gallery of fashion photos
for party dress code ideas, from the chic sophistication of the Red Carpet and
Millionaires’ Row to super casual inspirations from the sometimes raucous
infield, and a new Community section, which encourages individuals to submit
their own content, including recipes, fashion tips, party ideas and more.
All U.S. residents at least 21 years of age who register their Derby party
before April 29 will be entered in the “Bring the Derby Home!” sweepstakes which
features a $3,500 grand prize package:
● A 32-inch Toshiba
flat screen TV;
● Fully catered Derby
party for up to 20 guests at their home;
● Kentucky Derby 137
party decor, including invitations, plates, mint julep glasses, shatterproof
pitcher, napkins, balloons, posters, streamers, pins, party beads, yard sign and
house flag;
● A selection of Arthur
Court collectibles, including a mint julep cup, serving tray, salt and pepper
shakers, napkin rings, wine stoppers and photo frame;
● Official event artwork,
including posters and artwork party supplies;
● A Churchill Downs
panoramic print;
● Kentucky Derby neckties
and ladies silk scarves by Vineyard Vines;
● The Kentucky Derby
Vault: A History of the Run for the Roses by Andrew Plattner; and
● “Party Up At The
Downs,” the official Kentucky Derby soundtrack by Banshee Music.
Last year, more than 7,000 parties were registered in a record 133 countries
on six continents with Antarctica being the lone absentee.
“There aren’t many people down there, but there has to be at least one member
of vast Derby Nation near the South Pole…and our goal is to find ’em!” Cook
said.