This year, I had the privilege of participating in “Derby Day at the Dixie,” a Kentucky Derby event at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Derby Day at the Dixie is an annual event free to the community replete with all the splendor of any derby gala worth its salt- plenty of southern hospitality, tailgates with traditional derby fare (click here for a derby menu), an opportunity to pick the winning thoroughbred, live music, derby attire worn by men and women (yes, wonderful, marvelous, dreamy, fantastic hats), and a showing of the race that had everyone cheering by the home stretch.
As if the day isn’t exciting enough, The Dixie also hands out awards for “best tailgate,” “best derby attire for men,” and “the best derby hat.” Which is where I came in. Along with Curt True and Teresa Vinson, ASD had the almost impossible job of “derby judge” for those awards. And let me tell you, there was nothing easy about it! Everyone deserved something in my book.
I am going to be talking about this derby event for a long time. And I wanted to share my photographs here with you. Steeped in tradition and honored with pride, who knew the most exciting two minutes in sports would end up living much longer than that in my heart.
To learn more about The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center and upcoming events, click here.
LOVE LOVE LOVE all of the hats…and food…but seriously, Derby Day is about the hats! 🙂
My first year to miss this special event, and your photos serve to remind me just how much I enjoy it.