The Kentucky Derby
The Infield is 'Absolute Chaos'
The infield party scene makes Derby Day one of America's great events.
Photo: JackFleming.com
2011 Kentucky
Derby
It was wet at wild at the 2010 Kentucky Derby, America's Great Party. And it may be so again for 2011. The call is for scattered thunderstorms but pleasant temperatures in the low 70's.
But that's okay, because no matter that the weather, the crazy and colorful infield scene continues to thrive. The actual horse racing aspect for the infield party people is an afterthought, simply the excuse, similar to Jimmy Buffett concerts or the Long Beach Grand Prix.
The craziness happens all over the infield but the primary partying action is the Third Turn Party. Elsewhere, people stake out spots for personal partying, wearing those big Kentucky Derby hats and having plenty of mint juleps by their side.
The PubClubettes at the wild and wet Derby in 2010. .
Photo: JackFleming.com
For many, the real horseplay is not on the track, but the infield.
The Derby, though, it more than a one-afternoon affair. Leading up the first Saturday of May ( the 2011 event is May 7, and is the 176th Run for the Roses –are two days of pre-party events called the Crown Royal Festival in the Field.
Entry to the infield concert , which takes place on the Infield Club, is $15 and includes admission to the track. Music starts at 11 a.m.
On Friday, May 6, there is even entertainment surrounding the Kentucky Oaks. Gates open at 8 a.m., with bands taking the stage at 11 (tickets for this day are $25).
Drinking all day is not a problem for these Infield folks.
Photo: JackFleming.com
The bands play in the infield
as part of a regular concert held since 1997. In addition to name acts, local bands play throughout the day and night.
Post time for the Derby on Saturday is
4:04 p.m. GA tickets for the Derby are $40.
The Kentucky Derby brings out the stars
from all over the world. "Millionaires Row" in the magnificent
grandstands at Churchill Downs is a "Who's Who" in the world
of movies, sports and politics.
Our correspondent
Pete found plenty to smile about on Derby Day.
Sure, there are some great, classy parties that happen around the stables
and in the grandstands. But the real party is in the infield.
Seventy five to 100,000 thirty-somethings pack the middle of the track
for a the first Saturday in May. It's a day not to be forgotten any
time soon.
 'Absolute
chaos' is the way some would describe it. I have to call it the biggest
drunken orgy I've ever been to in my life. Bar none, it's the best party
I've ever attended. Almost anything goes.
If you are not hurting yourself or anyone else, you will not be bothered
by the authorities. You are not allowed to bring alcohol in to the infield
but nearly everyone finds a way to smuggle in their favorite beverage.
If not, beer can be purchased for $6 a glass. The $40 admission price
is worth every penny. The scenery is breathtaking. People bare it all.
The horse race? Oh yeah. The biggest horse race in the world happens
right before your eyes. Watching the race from the infield is no easy
task. There are big screen TV's located at each turn but it is not the
easiest thing to see after 4 to 8 hours of drinking.
None the less, I will never miss a day at the Derby. Enjoy the pictures
I have provided.
Friend Josh getting sloshed with a fellow partier.
The Mint Julep Recipe ($8 at the Derby)
Naturally, bourbon is King in Kentucky. And only Kentucky bourbon can be used in an authentic mint julep served at the Kentucky Derby. Here is the recipe:
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Kentucky Whisky
Cheers!
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