Kentucky Derby Traditions

Today the 2 minute race is all about the hats! Kentucky Derby hats of all sizes, shapes, colors are the focus. The elegantly dresses ladies donn some of the most beautiful creations to grace the track at Churchill Downs. The rich and the famous as well as the person who’s scraped and saved for this special event all wear that unique chapeau to make their statement. 

In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions have played a large role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race.
The historic drink is best served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup but most Churchill Downs patrons sip theirs from a souvenir glass printed with all previous Derby winners. Over 80,000 mint juleps are typically served on Derby Day and the preceding day’s event, The Kentucky Oaks stakes race, which is considered by many to be “the Derby for Fillies.” Also, Burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables, is a popular dish at the Derby. Legal gambling on the race is done through parimutuel betting at the track.
The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers low general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party without abandon. Sobriety is not a common state in the infield on Derby Day and on some occasions even being fully clothed has been optional. By contrast, “Millionaire’s Row” refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich, the famous and the well-connected. Elegant women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats.
As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” is played by the University of Louisville marching band while the crowd stands and sings along. Native Kentuckians often surrender to tears as this traditional theme plays.
The Derby is frequently referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race’s official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner.
Information Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby