Kentucky Derby Traditions - The Windy City Rounder

This Saturday--May 1 for those of you who didn't bother to look at the introductory picture--Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky will be abuzz will all sorts of activity, thanks to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Horse racing is just a small part of this big weekend, however.

Yes, plenty of quirky...some might say asinine...

Hey, I never said I thought it was dumb...

...traditions litter the Kentucky Derby's weekend festivities.

So in honor of the 2010 Kentucky Derby, here's a list of some of the more interesting race traditions that only a 136 year derby could come up with:

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The first thing you’re going to want to do as soon as you touch down in Louisville is eat. And why not try a Derby favorite, burgoo? This country stew type concoction might not look like much, but I’ve been assured it’s a treat…especially if mutton is used.
You’re now going to need something to wash that burgoo down and the beverage of choice for all Derby thirst quenching situations is the mint julep. The official Kentucky Derby drink since 1938, the mint julep is a pleasant mixing of water, mint leaves, granulated sugar and, of course, Kentucky bourbon. The drink packs a punch, so be careful. As one of my friends so succinctly put it, “Those mint juleps can really sneak up on you.”
Time to go out to the track, so you’ll need something to wear and the dress code at the Kentucky Derby for decades has been formal fabulous. Influenced possibly by all the mint juleps being dished out, this tradition has Derby patrons dress in formal clothes and topped off—quite literally—with ridiculous hats. The more preposterous the head gear, the better…apparently.
The sauce is really effecting your decisions now. Time to order another mint julep and sing a song, one song specifically: My Old Kentucky Home. A tradition since the early part of the 20th century, patrons are suppose to sing Kentucky’s state song, My Old Kentucky Home, as the horses are being led to the post. The song was first published in 1853, it became the state song in 1928 and in 1986 the jolly tune was reedited to remove the word “darkies.” Sounds about right.
“Forget this,” you say, many juleps in now. “The horses are having all the fun. Let’s start our own race, only with flying and fire and drinking!” Well, you’re in luck! The Kentucky Derby Hot Air Balloon Race has been an annual event at the Derby since 1973 and is the prime event for many amateur—and presumably drunk—zeppelineers every year. Sure, you might find yourself drifting away from civilization in a contraption constructed out of wicker and powered by fire, but at least you’re not losing a bundle at the track, right?

Burgoo

The first thing you’re going to want to do as soon as you touch down in Louisville is eat. And why not try a Derby favorite, burgoo? This country stew type concoction might not look like much, but I’ve been assured it’s a treat…especially if mutton is used.

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Kentucky Traditions

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Kentucky Traditions

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