And they’re off!
While those three words will signal the beginning of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race on Saturday in Louisville, Ky., they also might refer to the gala fundraising events planned at the same time by two Chattanooga nonprofits.
The second annual Tell Me Something Derby, which benefits the Chattanooga Room in the Inn, will be 3:30-7:30 p.m. in the Republic Parking Lot next to Bluewater Grille on Broad Street.
Meanwhile, the first ever Do the Derby! Chattanooga Style party, which benefits Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block, will be 4:30-10 p.m. at Historic Engel Stadium.
Tell Me Something Derby
For the cost of a single ticket to the Chattanooga Room in the Inn fundraiser, according to organization officials, one mother and one child can be housed for one night at the residential shelter.
Since this year’s event is expected to draw more than six times as many people as last year’s 80, many more mothers and children will be able to be assisted, according to development director Victoria Galen.
“The doors were blown off,” she said of the inaugural event, which was at Bluewater Grille. “You could not have put one more person in there. It was spilling out into the road like it was Nightfall.”
With that in mind, organization officials rented a 100-foot tent that will be erected in the Republic parking lot across from the restaurant.
Under the tent, guests can watch the race on four big-screen television, enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Bluewater Grille and four stations and order from a cash bar.
“It’s all very nice in an upscale manner,” said Galen. “A lot of work has been put in on decorations and presentation to make this very Kentucky Derby.”
Tickets automatically enter guests in several raffles, and they can purchase more, with prizes including a night’s stay at the Chattanooga Marriott, Chattanooga Lookouts and Tennessee Aquarium tickets, Riverbend pins, Bluewater Grille gift certificates and a print by Brent Sanders.
The grand prize is an overnight stay in Atlanta, dinner and tickets to “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Fox Theatre.
A Best Hat contest also will be held, with $200, $100 and $50 boutique certificates given for “win,” “place” and “show,” respectively.
“This was tremendous last year,” said Galen. “We had 45 women in hats and not one the same.
“We hope they come and come out in droves, with or without a hat,” she said.
Do the Derby! Chattanooga Style
Since Engel Stadium, with its arched gates and 80-year tradition, is somewhat mindful of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, it is the perfect venue for the Kids on the Block soiree, according to executive director Kelly Williams.
“It reminds you of going to the Derby,” she said. “It fits perfectly, even though (the stadium) needs some updating.”
From a red-carpeted entrance to the last strains of the dance band No Big Deal, guests will find plenty to do, see and experience in the stands and on the field, Williams said. Even the restrooms, deluxe facilities housed in trailers and provided by Nature Calls, are special.
Activities will include horseshoes, a horse biscuit toss, Grab a Grand contest, silent auction, Best Dressed Couple contest and Big Hat contest.
Guests immediately will be put in the Derby mood, according to Williams, with the presence of rose-draped horses at the outside gates. The Girls Preparatory School Middle School String Quartet will debut before the race, and the Alhambra Highlander Bagpipe Band will play the traditional “My Old Kentucky Home” before the 6:04 p.m. post time. Partygoers can then watch the Derby on four big screens around the stadium.
Food will be offered in two waves, she said. Initially, various hors d’oeuvres may be sampled. After the race, she said, the fare will include dishes such as shrimp and grits and pork with mint julep glaze.
An event ticket includes complimentary beer and wine and one mint julep, Williams said. Additional drinks may be purchased, as well as bourbon and cigars in their own on-the-field tent.
Should guests not have a traditional wide hat to wear, some 25 — courtesy of the art and fashion design departments of Ooltewah High School — will be available by auction.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Williams.
IF YOU GO
* What: Tell Me Something Derby.
* When: 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday.
* Where: Republic Parking Lot, 200 W. Second St.
* Admission: $25 per person ($30 at gate), $45 per couple ($30 per person at gate).
* Phone: 624-6144.
IF YOU GO
* What: Do the Derby! Chattanooga Style.
* When: 4:30-10 p.m. Saturday.
* Where: Historic Engel Stadium, Third and O’Neal streets.
* Admission: $60 per person, $100 per couple.
* Phone: 757-5259.