What You Need to Know About Your First Kentucky Derby
With my cousin Amy, Derby 2004.
The first time I attended the Kentucky Derby was in 2004. I was a young professional, living in Lexington, and I had a great opportunity to sit in a first floor box with some relatives and family friends. It was a tight stretch on my budget at the time, but it was such an incredible experience. I’m so glad I thought to take a disposable camera with me, since we didn’t have camera phones at the time! Back then, I didn’t know much about Derby protocol, since the only racetrack I’d visited back then was Keeneland. I had a great time, and of course have spent Derby week taking in races several times over the next two decades. And, the Derby has changed a ton in that timeframe — it’s so much bigger and crazier, and the track itself has expanded several times. It feels like such a different event!
I recently stopped by WFPL to tape a segment on the On Track Talk Show. We chatted about the Kentucky Derby experience, and what to expect for your first Derby. I’ve put together some tips and suggestions that I’d thought I’d share with y’all as well.
“The Derby” isn’t just the Derby race or even Derby Day.
When I first moved to Louisville in 2005, I really thought that Derby Day was what people meant when they referred to “Derby.” It could maybe be stretched to include Oaks Day as well. It didn’t take long to realize that Derby is Louisville’s equivalent of a Carnival Season. Derby events start in mid-April, and include several weeks’ worth of official and unofficial events. I love this tradition because it really gives so many people from so many backgrounds an opportunity to celebrate our city and its heritage. The Chow Wagons and Derby Festival events are a huge part of Derby. Thunder, Pegasus Parade, the mini-marathon and informal parties are Derby. It’s a long party season, with something for everyone!
Your most important Derby accessory isn’t your hat… it’s your shoes!
Formé Millinery x Vineyard Vines Fascinator, Derby 2019
Here’s the thing. Your Derby hat is very important. It’s the first thing a lot of women think of when we make plans to attend the Kentucky Derby. It’s such a memorable tradition. I’m a fan of local miliner Formé Millinery and designers The Hat Girls for custom pieces to accent your Derby Day look. But, at the end of the day, you’ll be glad if you put some effort into selecting shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Keep in mind that you’ll be standing in line a lot. Block heels are more comfortable than thinner heels. Take some time to try your shoes on and test the straps and soles. The gates to Churchill Downs open at 9 a.m. and the last race is run at 8:33 p.m. You’ll be walking, standing in line, and standing on your feet.
Speaking of hats, it’s easy to get carried away with your chapeau. Now, that’s a very good thing, because the Derby is all about excess and flair. At the same time, you need to exercise a bit of discernment in choosing your headwear. Don’t wear a hat that’s so big that it hits your seat mates or obstructs their view. Don’t wear something that’s going to hurt your head or neck — you’ll be miserable all day. And don’t commit the number one rookie mistake of purchasing a hat whose brim points downward and obstructs your face. That’s a great feature for gardening or a beach day, but it also keeps you from being able to actually watch the races! These days, I generally opt for a fascinator or hatinator since I'm usually working with spirits or hospitality partners when I’m at the track and I don’t want to have to keep up with elaborate headwear. If I’m there just for fun, I’ll choose something a little more elaborate!
Pack your bag carefully!
You’re allowed to bring one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ into the track. You’ll want to pack it carefully. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need. There will be ATMs on premise, but the lines are long and you’ll miss something. You’ll want to pack a small “emergency kit”, including some hair ties and safety pins, band-aids, Tylenol or your OTC pain reliever of choice, sunscreen and tissues. If you’re prone to allergies, you may want to include some Claritin, but remember to use extreme caution when drinking! Since this is Kentucky and we literally never know what spring weather will bring, a small disposable poncho is helpful as well! (Review the full list of guest restrictions here!)
Shop wisely!
When I go to a sporting event or a Derby week race, my self-control reverts back to when I was 8 years old and shopping for Barbies. I want it all. When I walk past the Vineyard Vines tent and the Fanatics tent at the Derby, I suddenly NEED baseball caps, sweatshirts, water bottles, and everything else that sports a Derby logo. Now, I’m not saying that you don’t need Derby keepsakes. I am, however, suggesting that you shop wisely. Anything you buy, you’ll have to hold onto all day. And, you risk losing a bag in a huge crowd.
Unless you’re purchasing something you need immediately, like a cap or visor for full sun or flip-flops for aching feet, I strongly suggest that you either plan to purchase as you leave the track, or order online! Vineyard Vines and Fanatics both have fantastic online stores that let you commemorate the event while enjoying it!
I know that some folks are very committed to the idea of holding onto a Derby glass as a souvenir. In fact, I’ve done this myself. It does get awkward to try to walk back to your bus or rideshare with a stack of glasses. If you aren’t just in love with the idea of collecting Derby glasses from the track or being able to say you drank a mint julep at the track, remember that you can order a Derby glass or pick one up ahead of time!
Plan ahead!!
Finally, remember that the more you plan, the better your Derby experience will be. Plan if you’ll be eating food from the track or bringing a box lunch. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re enjoying a few mint juleps or Oaks Lilies. Figure out your rideshare situation, or how you’ll be getting home. Set a budget for Derby Day expenditures and, at least TRY, to stick to it. The more you plan ahead of time, the more you will enjoy your day at the track!
Most of all, have fun and take lots of photos! Happy Derby, y’all!
