I’m a good ole’ Kentucky girl. So, you know I’ve got to at least acknowledge the Kentucky Derby. Which is today. It’s “the greatest two minutes in sports,” folks. I’ve never been. But, in its 137 year old history, the Kentucky Derby has started plenty of traditions. And I love traditions.
I love the names of the horses. It cracks me up that sometimes the names are phrases.
Here are some fun ones from this year.
One of the fabulous traditions of the Derby is the fashion.
“One of the truly unique characteristics of the Kentucky Derby, and its sister event, the Kentucky Oaks, is that they are sports parties that showcase the finest in spring fashions. Both female and male attendees pull out all of the stops when selecting their Kentucky Derby and Oaks apparel.There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Derby dressing in part because what you wear has much to do with where you plan to spend the day. In the reserved seating areas (grandstand, clubhouse, suites and corporate hospitality areas), ladies typically wear pastel-colored suits, frilly dresses or bold separates that coordinate with their Derby headwear and accessories. Large or small, contemporary or old-fashioned, big brimmed, feathered, flowery, furry or just plain fascinating…women (and men) top off their Oaks and Derby duds with a variety of ostentatious head wear.” (from Kentucky Derby.com)
So, I made the bird a fancy bike helmet.
It only took about 5 minutes.
And she loves it.
Fancy Derby Bike Helmet.
I saw this idea in the May issue of Family Fun. It actually had nothing to do with the Derby, but I thought it was cute and clever, so I adapted it for my Derby needs. Plus the bird LOVES it! And she can wear it regardless of the Derby.
I just grabbed my stash of fake flowers and hot glued them to the helmet.
Easy Peasy.
Another tradition of the Derby is the Mint Julep, which has been the traditional drink of the Derby for nearly a century.
“Each year, almost 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. This is a feat that requires over 10,000 bottles of Early Times Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.” (from Kentucky Derby.com)
1000 pounds of fresh mint!!! That’s a lot of mint.
I’ve never had one. But, it the recipe is kind of similar to a Mojito, which I like.
The Early Times Mint Julep Recipe
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Early Times Kentucky Whisky
- Silver Julep Cups
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
I might celebrate the Derby in my own way. I could let the kids (Lucie with her fancy helmet) race their bikes around our cul-de-sac while I cheer them on. With a Mint Julep in hand. 🙂 haha. Kind of backwards, but sounds fun!
The Derby is on NBC at 5:00.
I’ll leave you with a little Eliza Doolittle.
I know it’s the Ascot and not the Kentucky Derby, but it’s still a horse race.
And it’s a great clip. 🙂 One of my favorites. Maybe it will get you in the mood to watch some Derby coverage. 🙂
grampa says ‘its a home run” , no i mean a “run for the roses”
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Have a great day!
Jilly