5.02.2014

how to rock the kentucky derby.

As some of you may remember from last year, the Kentucky Derby is a big deal in my home. Bradley grew up 15mins away from Churchill Downs (where the race his held every year) and he has gone to multiple Derbys. This is the weekend he gets the most home sick and so I have learned to love the Derby for his sake. So naturally, I wanted to link up with Sarah of Venus Trapped In Mars for Fan Friday to give you guys a few more details on the special weekend and the sport of racing. 

Here is what you need to know leading up to tomorrow's race. 

//There is actually more than one race at Churchill Downs the day of the Derby.

//The race itself is only 2 minutes long. A lot of lead up to end in a quick finish. twss

//There are actually races on multiple days leading up to the Derby race.

//Jennifer Lawrence is from Louisville. This actually has nothing to do with the Derby, I just love her.

//The State of Kentucky and Southern Indiana make a big deal out of the Derby. We're talking fireworks known as Thunder Over Louisville the week leading up to it and the Friday of the Kentucky Derby (today) is a local Holiday and people often get the day off. 

//If you want to be like the top 1% you spend a lot of money and sit in classy seats and wear big hats. 

//If you want to actually party and get crazy at the Derby....Get tickets to the Infield. Rumor has it they don't mess around on the Infield. 

//The cocktail of choice on race day is Mint Julep, because Kentucky is Bourbon Country. Fact: they aren't actually that good. 

//Most importantly, know your horses. My advice - Know the top horse coming into the Derby and also the one that you think has the coolest name. I personally like the name Vicar's In Trouble, because it reminds me of the Friends episode where Joey finds the book Rachel is reading. 'Do you even know what a Vicar is?!' 'Like a goalie, right?!' 


//And lastly, never, never forget your big hat.





I also got you this song from one of Brad's friend's Band - Houndmouth. They are from the area so it seems fitting to have them for #backthatazzup Friday with Whitney - Kentucky Derby Edition.


Cheers the horsies!

<3 BB

23 comments

Anna said...

You are too cute! I definitely need a fabulously big hat in my life!

Kristen said...

love this too much! i am so excited for tomorrow. the infield gets carrrazzzy. people are nutso. haha. love me some jlaw too.
and at home we have a race called the melbourne cup- same thing, so much lead up, days off work, crazy fun for a 2 minute race. lol

Nadine said...

Never really got into the derby thing because I dont live near it...but I can get down for cute dresses and big, ridiculously awesome hats!

Kait said...

love the hat :)

Margaret said...

Perfect big hat!! I always love the derby just because it's on my birthday weekend so everyone would be out and about and getting rowdy- and I just pretend it's a big party for me :)

Jess @ Living On Sweet Tea said...

I love the Derby. I was really hoping to go this year but life happens so I'll be watching on TV. Horses and bourbon? eff yeah.

JumpingJE said...

Can't wait to witness Brad's excitement in person for derby day!

Lauren said...

Haha I thought the same thing when I saw vicar! And I totally agree on mint juleps, ick.

kelsey said...

You are rocking that Derby hat!! I really should invest in one, as the sun is a fair Irish girl's enemy for the next four months or so.

Brittany said...

You look amazing in that hat!! A couple years ago my cousin threw a "Kentucky Derby Dirty Thirty" party for her husband and it was THE BEST! Best outfits ever and he had to dress up like a jockey. I'd highly recommend it :)

Jackie @ A Better Me said...

I think this could very well be the year of the Derby. Everyone is talking about it.

-Jackie
http://ournashvillelife.com

P!nky said...

I wanna do DERBY!!!! Love the big hat!

Anonymous said...

I always pick my horse by name, usually it ends up being the horse with the worst odds.

Rachel Sedaker said...

Love the derby, love bourbon, but I've never had a julep! Have fun!

Happily Ever Parker said...

The family I nannied for in college the husband was from Louisville. He wrote the commissioner a letter asking to propose to his wife in the winners circle at the end of the big race. The commissioner said yes and I always thought it was the most romantic thing EVER!! He has the letter, tickets and everything framed on his wall <3

Jenni said...

LOVE IT!!! I am hosting a Derby Party tomorrow for all the girls! Kentucky Hot Browns + Mint Juleps = Success!

Melissa Nicole said...

"where are you going? the vicar won't be home for hours" -Joey "Joeyyyy where did you learn that word!?" - Rachel

"YOU READ PORN!" - Joey

one of my favorite moments.

Fairy Princess Jord said...

So fun I would love to go to the Kentucky derby just so I could have an excuse to buy a cute new sundress and a ginormous hat.

Rachel @ Love, Rachel said...

Off to the races!

Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee said...

I want a big hat!!!!!!!!!!
Mint Julep sounds RANK!

Sarah :: Plucky in Love said...

It's such a huge deal around here! I've never been, but I think I'd want to sit in the fancy seats and wear the fancy hat and pretend to be Pretty Woman on the arm of the ever-charming Richard Gere. #JustSaying

Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky said...

my husband so wants to go but mostly for the bourbon. he's researched all the bourbons that are on sale at the derby right now and is trying to find a way to get his hands on them.

-kathy
Vodka and Soda

Kasey Lynne said...

Should've known that Brad would be a derby fan! And should've known that you'd look extra good in a big derby hat! hehehe