By John Duvall
Special to The PREVIEW
“Beautiful!”
“Outrageous!”
“Stunning!”
These are just some of the comments made about the hats worn at last year’s Kentucky Derby Party in Pagosa Springs. Gorgeous, creative outfits complemented the eye-catching hats on both the ladies and the gentlemen.
This year’s Derby party will have more of the same — maybe even more and better. It’ll be a festive afternoon with live music, a buffet, betting on the big race “just like you were in Kentucky at the Derby,” and joining the 100,000-plus at the Louisville race track (via a big-screen TV) for the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.”
And, suddenly, “They’re off!” as we watch those gallant thoroughbreds race around the Churchill Downs track.
Winslow on the Shire will be the site for this year’s Kentucky Derby Party. It’s a classy venue perfect for this fun-filled afternoon. The party starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. on Derby Day — Saturday May 7. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please consider buying your tickets well in advance, since all three previous Derby parties have been sellouts. Tickets are available at Exit Realty and at Old West Press, both of which are located on Put Hill. Tickets are $40 per person and include the buffet. There is a cash bar for those wanting a traditional Kentucky mint julep or their very own favorite refreshment.
The Kentucky Derby Party is a fundraiser of the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club.
Proceeds from the party contribute significantly to the $20,000 in scholarships awarded each year by the Rotary Club to deserving high school graduates from Archuleta County. Other Rotary projects benefit, as well; Feed The Children and the Dictionary Project for Pagosa Springs Elementary School third-graders are just two of Rotary’s many projects which are funded, in part, by the Derby party.
And a final word on hats: Prizes will be awarded to both men and women in the hat contest. Start thinking style and creativity.
