Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

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Kentucky Derby History

This year, the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. This race is far more than just a race of thoroughbreds. It has become one of the most cherished springtime events, rich in ceremony and as much a part of southern American tradition as warm apple pie.

Kentucky horse racing can be traced back to 1783 when races were being held in the middle of Kentucky streets and on a number of private tracks located on farms throughout the area.

Several concerned citizens complained about safety issues, and eventually the first race track was built in Lexington in 1789.

Almost one hundred years later in 1872, a young entrepreneur named Col. M. Lewis Clark traveled in England and France visiting a number of prominent racing leaders. Upon his return, he devised a plan to create a Louisville Jockey Club to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry.

The track formally opened
May 17, 1875 when over 10,000 excited fans witnessed four spectacular races. The winner of the first race was Bonaventure, however the winner of the day's featured race, the Kentucky Derby, was a three-year-old chestnut colt named Aristides.

Eventually the track became known as "Churchill Downs-Home of the Kentucky Derby" because Clark leased the land from his uncles,
John and Henry Churchill.

Over the years, several improvements have been made to the property, including the addition of the now famous spires on the top of the main building, making Churchill Downs the most well known horse racing venue in the
United States.

It's the perfect time for a party!

Just as people gather around the television set to watch a great football or soccer game, so do people gather around to watch The Kentucky Derby.

The main race starts at 11:00 in the morning on Saturday, May 3rd, so if you are going to invite guests over to watch the race, ask them to arrive early, say between 10 and 10:30.

Party Attire (Silks and Hats)

Silks

With the help of programs and modern technology, it is not difficult to keep sight of your horse as he is blazing around the track. But that wasn't always the case.

During the time of King Charles II, "silks" were used to identify a horse and jockey. These were colorful pieces of material, like a scarf, that were worn by the jockeys to help the dukes and barons distinguish their horse from the others.

The tradition of the silks remains today as jockeys wear the colors of the horse owners, but because there are so many owners, they have become even more colorful.

Check out the first picture above. Wouldn't it be fun to have your guests come to the party wearing the colors of the horse and jockey that they support? See the "Invitations" section below for a easy way to do this.

Hats

The Hat Parade is almost as entertaining as the Kentucky Derby itself. Long ago, hats were all the rage. Women were rarely seen without one. Nowadays, there aren't many occasions when women wear fashionable hats, but once a year on Derby Day, hats of all shapes and sizes make an appearance.

There are big ones, small ones, some more colorful than others. Hats with plumes and feathers. Hats with flowers and butterflies. Hats in the clubhouse and in the infield. Wanna see what I mean?

Your Kentucky Derby party is the perfect time to encourage your guests to wear hats. Maybe you have a contest for the zanniest one. Make sure they know that we are not talking about simple baseball hats. It's time for them to exercise their creativity!

Invitations

If you want your guests to be able to select a winning horse and to wear that horse's colors, then you need to provide certain information at the time of invitation.

Including a list of contenders like this one is really all they will need.

If they want to further research the horses they can, but this information should be enough to make an educated guess.

Remember, it's just for fun anyway.

Providing them with the horse's colors, like I did with the jersey icons, will help them decide what to wear. They can go all out and find matching clothing or simply tie on a colorful scarf.

If you would like to use my invitation insert, click here and using the button at the bottom of that page, print enough copies to mail to your guests.

Good Food

Below you will find several traditional Kentucky Derby recipes, like
Mint Juleps and Benedictine. I also included several brunch recipes for you to choose from in case you are going to take my suggestion and have a day time party.

Appetizers

Soups, Salads and Sides

Entrees

Desserts

Drinks

For more recipes, check out the Recipes Hub

So now you know the basics of hosting a Kentucky Derby party at your home. May the best horse win!