And we’re off!
Wednesday marked 150 days until Kentucky’s historic event, known as the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
The 150th Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Conservancy, will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and the entire city of Louisville is invited to participate as the countdown officially begins.
“The iconic moments, traditions and shared memories of the Kentucky Derby belong to everyone in our community,” Casey Ramage, Churchill Downs vice president of marketing, brand and partnerships, told the Courier-Journal. . “It is important to Churchill that we allow the community to participate, not only in the 150th Kentucky Derby, but also in this important countdown to the Kentucky Derby.”
Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby, has been preparing for its 150th edition for more than two years. Race fans lucky enough to score tickets to the Kentucky Derby’s historic 150th race will experience a new paddock area and more upscale seating and guest experience. But there are plenty of ways to celebrate and participate in the excitement of the Derby 150 even if you don’t attend in person.
The Courier Journal reports that multiple communities and local organizations hold monthly meetings. everyone Louisville has an opportunity to celebrate the thrill of the 150th Kentucky Derby and the build-up to the historic event.
The Kentucky Derby Festival, Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Derby Eve Celebrity Gala organizers, Metro Louisville, and many other local organizations come together to coordinate months of special events and celebrations citywide. I am.
“It feels like the Olympics are about to be held in Louisville,” said Amy Boyd, vice president of communications for the Kentucky Derby Festival. “We’ve been meeting and planning for months and we’re really excited to have everything come together now.”
The starting gates for the Kentucky Derby 150 opened Wednesday for the first round of special community celebrations, including a free all-day derby party called “Race to 150” at the Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Avenue.
“If Kentucky can hold a party two weeks before the Derby, what better way to celebrate 150 days before such an important year,” said Patrick Armstrong, president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it.”
It also begins the 150 days until Derby Countdown. The Kentucky Derby Festival will unveil a special Pegasus Spin, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport will distribute Derby treats and gifts at the airport on Wednesday, and Historic Churchill Downs will unveil a special Derby 150. There will be merchandise, community engagement projects, a #MyDerbyMemory contest, and more.
“The #MyDerbyMemory contest is a way for fans to share their favorite Kentucky Derby memories with fans at Churchill Downs and around the world. One entry will win a trip to the 150th Kentucky Derby.” Ramage said.
With the countdown currently underway, we’re sure there will be more special events in the future. Organizers plan to announce upcoming special events as Louisville marks 100 and 50 days until the 150th Kentucky Derby.
“Everyone keeps saying, ‘150 people are coming,’ so we’re saying let’s start celebrating now,” Ramage said.
Check out the special celebrations and events happening on December 6th, 150 days until the historic 150th Kentucky Derby.
“Race to 150” Free Derby Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum
On Wednesday, the Kentucky Derby Museum (704 Central Avenue) will host a free all-day Derby party for area residents from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day will be packed with fashion contests, prizes, time capsules and activities for kids. Activities, free Kentucky Derby treats, plenty of shopping, happy hour offerings, and if you’re one of the first 150 guests to receive a commemorative “Race To 150” gift.
Here are some events happening at the museum on December 6th. Be sure to visit derbymuseum.org for the full schedule of special events scheduled for the Race to 150.
- 10:30am: Visitors are welcome to stop by the museum’s Winner’s Circle. The photographer will take your photo and post it in his Derby 150 Time capsule. Guests may also bring special Derby memorabilia, fashion items, or other memorabilia to be photographed to be placed in the time capsule.
- 11:30am: Complimentary slices of Derby desserts will be handed out, and the bourbon bar will serve cocktails.
- From 3pm to 7pm: Kentucky Derby Museum Notable milliners will be on site to sell Derby hats at special discounts. The milliner offers $150 hats, or his $150 discount on hats.
- 3:30pm – 5:30pm: NICE Ice Cream will offer complimentary Derby-themed flavors, and Bourbon Bar will offer Old Fashioned cocktails for $5.
- 5:30pm: The Railbird Runway Contest gives attendees the chance to strut down the runway in derby vests and win first, second or third place prizes. These prizes include two tickets to the Kentucky Derby Museum Ball Backstretch Party, two tickets to the Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show, or his $50 gift certificate to the Derby Museum Store.
How can I get free tickets to the 150th Kentucky Derby?
On December 6, Churchill Downs will kick off the 150 Days to 150 Kentucky Derby celebration with the launch of the #MyDerbyMemory contest. Share your best Derby memory and enter for a chance to win a trip to the historic Kentucky Derby race on May 4, 2024. From Wednesday until January 31, 2024, fans can visit his X (formerly Twitter) Instagram, or the Kentucky Derby. Enter to win a trip to the 150th Kentucky Derby by sharing your story, video or photo on .com. The top four entries will be announced in February and the winner will be determined by community voting.
Also on Wednesday will be the unveiling of 150 collectible Kentucky Derby glass products. This glassware will be sold online and at the Kentucky Derby Museum, Taste of Kentucky, and Amazon. 150 Kentucky Derby products will also be on sale, including ball caps, T-shirts, art and more, including some cool new items printed with the retro Derby logo.
“On Wednesday, we will also be announcing that for the first time we have dedicated on-site frosted glass for the Derby 150,” Ramage said. “Available only on Derby Day at Churchill Downs.”
In addition, the Churchill Downs team will participate in various volunteer projects in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. On Wednesday, Churchill Downs University staff will visit New Directions, a neighbor in south Louisville, and spend the day helping with repairs to the home.
Here’s how the Kentucky Derby Festival shares the pride of the Derby 150.
The Kentucky Derby Festival added a little excitement to its 150-day kickoff earlier this year by unveiling the 2024 mini-marathon and marathon medals. Participants in the GE Appliance Race will not only race through the infield of Churchill Downs during the event on Saturday, April 27, 2024, but they will also receive medals adorned with red roses at the finish line to commemorate the 150th Kentucky Derby. I will receive it.
GE Appliances, title sponsor of the annual spring road race, plans to celebrate its 150th Kentucky Derby by assembling a team of 150 employees to participate in the event.
“It’s great to see our community come together to support this race centered around health and wellness,” said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances, a Haier company. That’s true.” “GE Appliances is honored to be the title sponsor of a race that means so much to our community.”
The PNC Tour de Loup bicycle event will also pass through Churchill Downs on April 14, 2024.
With 150 days until Wednesday’s Derby opener, the Kentucky Derby Festival is celebrating by unveiling the 2024 Pegasus pin design.
The festival collaborated with Churchill Downs to design the 2024 Pegasus pin in honor of the 150th Kentucky Derby.
“This design complements the Pegasus spins we created for the ’74 Derby 100 and ’75 Derby 101,” said KDF’s Boyd. “We want everyone to ‘Put your Pin on the Town Derby’ and start wearing your Derby 150 Pegaus pin in the spring to celebrate this historic milestone.”
The 2024 Pegasus pin will be released on March 4, 2024, but a special pin was also created for the Kentucky Derby Festival. metal Derby 150 Commemorative Festival Pin. It will be given away to the first 150 people at the “Race to 150” event on Wednesday at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Boyd said the community can expect further nods to the 150th Kentucky Derby design during the Great Bed Race on Monday, April 29, 2024, and the Zoller Pump Company Pegasus Parade on Sunday, April 28, 2024. said.
Happy Derby!
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams (kadams@courier-journal.com).