Prepare for your Virtual Derby Party

Apr 29, 2020 Sara Dacus/TwinSpires.com

Watching the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May is an American tradition. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused the iconic race to be postponed until the first Saturday in September, Churchill Downs is providing fans a slice of normalcy by hosting a day-long at-home Kentucky Derby party to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. Tune in to the special broadcast on NBC from 3 to 6 p.m. EDT. Here are some ideas to honor annual traditions while staying Healthy at Home, including some of the activities suggested at kentuckyderby.com/party.
  • Decorate: Create a racing-themed vignette for a centerpiece using memorabilia and roses in mint julep cups. Incorporate your Kentucky Derby glasses and kid crafts like these horse puppets. Listen to Derby music as you prepare. 
  • Dress for the ocasion: Sweatpants may be the uniform of quarantine, so getting fancy can lift spirits. Get your Derby hat out of the box, fold your pocket square, or make a tissue paper fascinator. Enter the fashion contest by posting a picture on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #KyDerbyAtHome for a chance to win tickets to the September Derby. 
  • Make the cocktail or open a nice bottle: When American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, we opened the only bottle of Cristal to ever grace our liquor cabinet. Derby at Home is a fitting occasion for a splurge, a mint julep, or to experiment in mixology.  
  • Handicap the virtual race: Select the winner of the Triple Crown Showdown, the virtual race under the Twin Spires featuring the thirteen legendary champions and donate to support COVID-19 relief for a chance to win the ultimate Kentucky Derby experience. 
Use these festive conference call backgrounds at kentuckyderby.com/party
Check out this year’s contenders: At 6:00, turn to NBCSN for coverage of the Arkansas Derby. This year, this Kentucky Derby prep has been split in two divisions, and each offers 100 qualifying points to the winner, almost guaranteeing a place in the starting gate in the classic.

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