Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

Since its formation in 1875, The Kentucky Derby has grown into so much more than just a horse race.  It is an annual event rich in history and tradition, known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports." 

After witnessing the memorable derbies in Paris, such as the Grand Prix de Paris in the middle of the nineteenth century, Col. Merriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of the famous American adventure explorer William Clark) returned home to Kentucky and created the Louisville Jockey Club.  The Club was established for the purpose of creating a derby in America to rival those in Paris. 

The Club raised the money to build Churchill Downs, named for relatives of Merriwether Lewis Clark, and the first Derby was held there in 1875, with fifteen horses competing and 10,000 spectators. 

As the Kentucky Derby grew in popularity and influence, horse owners decided to send their winning horses over to two other important races: the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York.  Together, these three events are now known as the "Triple Crown," a term coined by sports writer Charles Hatton in 1930.

Today, the race is attended by some 150,000 people each year, including the wealthy, the influential, the famous, and royalty.  The event has also inspired some wonderful food and drink and some fun and quirky traditions. From the legendary Mint Julep, Hot Brown Sandwich, and Burgoo, to the Kentucky Derby Hat Parade, you can find out all about these traditions and fun ways to celebrate the Derby yourself in the articles below!

Traditional attire, food, and decorations have formed,  transforming this two-week event into the affair that it is today. Here are a few basic recipes and traditions to help make your Derby celebration a bash to remember!