That’s right Derby Day is almost here and if you haven’t spent all your party mojo on Cinco de Mayo, or prefer a more “civilized” festivity, The Derby just might be for you. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on it’s tradition first Saturday in May; and that includes Tavern’s Annual Derby watch event on Saturday, May 6, 2023 filled with live music, great food, of course your favorite Derby cocktails and the Derby broadcast on 25 big screen TVs!
Derby Day is one of my favorite days. Having said that, I have to admit that I have never been to the actual Kentucky Derby. But like many of us, it is on my bucket list.
Growing up fairly poor, the idea of dressing up in fancy hats, drinking Mint Juleps and betting on horses didn’t come from experience. It came from my poor kids travel agent, the TV! Back then it was a 12 inch black and white TV and I remember watching in awe as Audrey Hepburn made her debut into society at the Derby in My Fair Lady. Ohh how I wanted to be her!
Fast forward through two dozen Derby parties and at least as many hats, I still get excited on Derby Day. I happen to love horse racing, mostly because my Great Uncle Connie (Con for short, I wonder if the pun was intended) was a driver by day and a gambler by, well, every other moment of the day. He taught me his secret to betting, “Sugar plum, keep your day job. You win some, you loose some. Just keep playing. It’s not always about the money, it’s the thrill.” And he was right. I have a little of his DNA, of course winning is the best, but it really is the thrill you get in your stomach from the time you lay down your wager until the race is over that makes it fun.
So what do you do if you can’t attend the Kentucky Derby in person? Well throw a Derby Party of course! Hanging out with your friends, dressing up in crazy hats, drinking strange drinks, eating finger sandwiches and bottle cap betting. Can’t beat it. On Derby day we will be serving up great food specials and your traditional Classic Mint Juleps, and a few cocktails with a new twist!
And let’s not forget Bourbon! We are featuring the official bourbon of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve. On the rocks, neat, in an Old Fashioned or Julep, this is the schnizzle. If you aren’t sure if you like bourbon try it with lemonade. Some may say its a shame to hide the nuanced flavors of this bourbon, but I say pucker up. This year our limited edition etched bottles of Woodford Reserve are back. We have both Tavern etched AND Bounty etched bottles this year. Available for sale at Tavern for $59. Snatch one of these beauties up right away as quantities are limited.
Don your best Derby hat and dress and try to grab the brass ring by winning our Best Dressed or Best Hat Contest!
Flagler Tavern Derby Party Schedule:
10:00AM to 1PM – Saturday Brunch…And don’t forget the bottomless Mimosas!
5:00 PM – Griffin Sinclair on the Main Stage
6:00PM to 7:00PM Best Hat / Best Dressed Contest, Trivia, Prizes and more
6:55PM – Live Call to Post
7:01PM – Live broadcast of the 140th Kentucky Derby
9:30PM – 1:30AM – Live music on the Main Stage with Stereo FM
We’ve got a full line up of fun, food and entertainment at The Flagler Tavern so make your reservations now by calling 386-402-8861, ext 1.
Food for Thought,
Elaine