The Kentucky Derby is a good excuse to throw a party, and three area organizations will prove you don’t have to travel to Louisville to do it up in style.
The 137th renewal of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” will take place Saturday, with 19 horses taking their shot at history on the 1.25-mile track at Churchill Downs.
NBC Sports will begin its coverage with a red-carpet special at 4 p.m. The two-hour Derby broadcast follows at 5 p.m. The post time is set at approximately 6:15 p.m.
DO THE DERBY … CHATTANOOGA STYLE
Benefits: Chattanooga Kids on the Block. Agency uses life-size puppets to teach children and adults about social concerns and differences.
When: 4:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Loose Cannon Gallery, 1800 Rossville Ave.
Features: Millionaires Row red-carpet entrance; live horses draped in roses; Big Hat and Best Dressed contests; “My Old Kentucky Home” and other selections played by the Alhambra Highlander Bagpipe Band; games such as horseshoe toss and “biscuit” drop; Bourbon Alley (bourbon and cigar tent); buffet; dancing.
Admission: $60 individuals, $100 couples (buffet, wine, beer and one mint julep are complimentary; additional mint juleps $5 each), dancing and ticket for grand-prize drawing.
Phone: 757-5259.
Website: www.kidsontheblock.net
TELL ME SOMETHING DERBY
Benefits: Chattanooga Room in the Inn. Its mission is to empower homeless women and children to become self-sufficient by offering a temporary home and supportive programs and services.
When: 3:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Under tent on Republic Parking lot next to Bluewater Grille, 224 Broad St.
Features: Race broadcast on big-screen TVs, hat contest, food, dancing.
Admission: $25 individuals ($30 at gate), $45 couples.
Phone: 624-6144.
Website: www.ChattanoogaRoomInTheInn.com
KENTUCKY DERBY FUNDRAISER
Benefits: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cleveland, Tenn. The nonprofit organization trains volunteers, who are then appointed by a Juvenile Court judge to investigate the needs of abused and neglected children who are petitioned into the court system.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Cleveland Country Club, 345 Kyle Lane, NW.
Features: Menu of hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, live music, big-screen TVs to watch the races, auction items. Attire can be Derby formal (big hats) or casual.
Admission: $25 individuals, $40 couples.
Email: BradleyCasaDerby@gmail.com.
Website: www.casaofbradley.com