Churchill Downs and the... by dzni
Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby (and Festival)The Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May, and it is a wonderful event around here. Go to Churchill Downs and spend a little bit of money ($35 or so) to get into the infield and enjoy yourself... depending on what part of the infield you go to, it could be family-like with people sitting in lawn-chairs watching the races or the other extreme (and other corner) of drunkenness and girls flashing everyone (much like New Orleans)... 3rd turn is where this is in force). OR, spend a LOT more money and get into the grandstands or a box seat so you can really concentrate on watching the race, but be sure that you have an incredible spring hat (ladies) or a nice sports coat (men). Ah, and then for you celebrities out there, there's always Millionaire's Row, where the, well, celebrities go. It's a big air-conditioned hall higher up. Regardless, enjoy yourself, bet on some of the horses, drink a Mint Julep (and then stop because they're not very good), and watch the 'Greatest Two Minutes in Sports!'
Ok, so, if you can't make it to the Derby, maybe come in for the 2 weeks prior to it for all sorts of festivities (fireworks, bed races, steamboat races, baloon races, marathons, etc.). There's TONS going on every day, so just plan ahead.
Alright, barring either of the two aforementioned events, at least drive around and take a look at Churchill Downs, with its famous steeples. There's even a museum if you're interested, that'll tell you all about the Derby and the Downs itself.
