High Society! The 136th Running of The Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby

High Society! The 136th Running of The Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby
Traditionally speaking, over its 136-year history, the Kentucky Derby has amassed plenty of time-honored traditions that millions of Derby fans worldwide hold dear.

From the iconic Twin Spires that overlook the track's famous homestretch to the potent mint julep cocktails that infuse Derby Day with Bourbon "spirit," traditions are an integral part of the overall Derby experience.

The Kentucky Derby is America's classic race for 3-year old Thorough-breds and the first and most important jewel of the Triple Crown, and it's sister event, the Kentucky Oaks.

Every year, the Kentucky Derby Nation of fans & the local community looks forward to the build up. The Kentucky Derby Festival fires off mid April with Opening Ceremonies - Thunder Over Louisville, now the nation's largest annual fireworks extravaganza! and provides an action packed calendar of events leading up to the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports."

250,000 fans enter Churchill Downs to watch, wager and party under the Twin Spires for this two-day event - an experience not to be missed! Every year people come from around the world get dressed up and party Derby style! It's not just about horse racing, it's fast become one of the largest high society fashion events of the year.

Kentucky Derby

The rapid growth of Kentucky Oaks now stands very much on it's own as an important entertainment and sports event. The Kentucky Oaks aligned for the second year with Susan G.Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer research and outreach organization. Marked by Churchill Downs as a "Ladies First" themed event, everyone is encouraged to don pink attire in honor of breast cancer awareness for a "Pink out"!

Terry Finley, Founder & President of West Point Thoroughbreds looks forward to "seeing and being around the people who have never experienced Derby before and the vibrancy it generates" and then went on to say "It's a true testament to what the sport can offer". Finley has been coming to Derby every year since 1978 and as a company from 1996. They have never won at the Derby before but his horse took home the 3rd Race on Derby day this year.

The 136th Kentucky Derby saw Supersaver win and Calvin Borel winning his third Derby in four years.

Securing a Derby Hotel package requires booking well in advance, and one of the most sought after reservations downtown is 21c Museum Hotel. 21c is an experience you cannot find anywhere else and was voted Best Hotel in America by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2009. Michael Bonadies, President & CEO of 21c Museum Hotel was certainly looking forward to celebrating Derby traditions "drinking bourbon and making new friends".

21c Museum Hotel is more than just a place to spend the night – it's a 90-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, award-winning restaurant and cultural epicenter on Museum Row in historic downtown Louisville.

21c Museum Hotel

Regardless of whether you're a hotel guest, many enjoy the opportunity to grab a cocktail or traditional Bourbon at Proof on Main and wonder through 21c Museums' latest exhibit. Bonadies describes the current exhibit Creating Identity: Portraits Today as "incredibly compelling, thought provoking and simply beautiful".

Derby is all about celebrations and once the days racing is over, the city takes center stage, alive with public parties aplenty! Many embracing the opportunity to raise funds for worthwhile organizations and causes, and many considered the hottest tickets in town bringing a whole new level to the weekends purpose.

Local and national business leaders, Louisville connectors, horse industry professionals and celebrities from sports, music, cinema & television join forces to show their support.

One of them the 'Fleur De Lys Derby Night Affair' presented by Absolut, and held at the Galt House's Archibald Cochran Grand Ballroom. A portion of the proceeds from Fleur De Lys goes directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and provide wishes for local children. "Partnering with Make-A-Wish was a no-brainer" Creative Director Chris Rich said and went on to say "Giving these special young people and their families a break from a daily routine that I can't even imagine, means a great deal to us."

"Hosting Fleur De Lys at the Galt House and making wishes come true is a real trifecta". A celebrity guest list included Keith Robinson to name but a few. Robinson has also chosen to align himself with Rich and his committee, saying "I think his committee represents a great cause in their support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation." Robinson, a native of Kentucky was certainly excited to be back in his Old Kentucky home "My first memory of the Derby was entering Church Hill Downs and seeing how festive the occasion was with everyone dressed in their Sunday's best (even though it wasn't Sunday). The energy was unmatched and I was certainly glad I remembered to get my white shirt out of the cleaners."

Other Derby parties honoring worthwhile causes included The Julep Ball held on Derby Eve raising money for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Then there's the well renowned Barnstable-Brown Gala, now in it's 22nd year supporting diabetes.

With such a community spirit and sense of civic pride, this city knows just how to throw a party and there is no shortage of Mint Juleps!

After the celebrations are over, don't be too quick to rush back home. Louisville, Kentucky is definitely worth exploring a little further.

Louisville Kentucky

Kentucky produces over 95% of the world's Bourbon and within just a short drive of downtown Louisville you can be in the heart of "Bourbon Country." For the true connoisseur of great whisky a visit to "Bourbon Country" is an unforgettable experience.

Thoroughbred horse farms fill the landscape in all directions and many Bourbon distilleries still practice their methods from hundreds of years ago. Mint Julep Tours can provide custom experiences to capture this unique Blue Grass State.

And if your still chomping at the bit to get more horse racing action later this summer then visit Louisville to attend the nearby 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, Kentucky during September 25 - October 10, 2010.

Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, will host the 27th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships on Friday Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 allowing visitors to experience the energy and excitement, anticipation and hope in grand tradition!