Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is celebrating its 137th anniversary today.  The race is held in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs and is a horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.  The race isn't just about the horses, it's about the traditions!

The signature drink of the Derby is the Mint Julep which is a mix of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup.  While you sip your Julep, you can feast on Burgoo, a stew with beef, chicken, pork and vegetables.  Along with the food traditions, there is the long standing fashion tradition of hats.  When the Derby started, it was a social occasion so women took the opportunity to dress up and stand out.

When it comes to the Derby, the hats are just as famous as the actual race.  It's a time to see and be seen in your best.  The hats aren't just for the women or the people sitting in Millionaire Row; they're for everyone!  Every direction you look, there are hats as far as the eye can see.

With the Royal Wedding last week and the Derby this week, hats are sure to make a comeback!  In fact, for our Mother Daughter banquet today, the theme is "Hat's Off to Mothers" so I got a new hat yesterday to wear to it.  I can't wait!  I'll post pictures of it later; but, for now here are some Derby hat pictures.

Photo courtesy of Glamour

Photo courtesy of Style With Anna

Photo courtesy of Stiletto Sports

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated