5 Reasons to not miss the Kentucky Derby in Sanford

Ah, the Kentucky Derby. It’s one of those traditional events that seems a little silly until you’re in the thick of it, dressed to the nines in Southern summer attire, feeling a mint garnish tickle your nose with each sip of your julep, and smiling for a picture in your fabulous hat. Lucky for all of us, Juleps and Jockeys will take place next weekend at Celery City, and you can enjoy all the trappings of a classic Kentucky Derby soiree with a down-to-earth Sanford attitude.

Here are 5 reasons you won’t want to miss Juleps and Jockeys:

1. It’s family friendly

Sanford style means inclusive, so bring the little ones down! Families are free to hitch up to tables in Celery’s new-and-improved enclosed courtyard, where the kids can have a little playtime while the adults enjoy conversation over cocktails. Sparkles Face Painting will also be making an appearance, and Hidden Palms Ranch will bring their favorite goats as part of a petting zoo, which will thrill old and young alike.

2. It’s the world’s best excuse for hat shopping

For many, the Derby is all about the hats. Ranging from chic fascinators to feathered wide-brimmed hats bigger than the wearer’s head, anything goes at the Derby! And of course,you can accessorize your hat with a killer summer sundress or dashing seersucker suit, a great opportunity to really branch out into new fashion territory. Sanfordites love dressing up, and the best dressed couple will receive a prize, so go big or go home! Bonus: the wonderful Sanford Flower Shop will have hats if you want to pick one the day of the event, alongside fresh corsages, boutonnieres and blooms to further accent your ensemble.

3. It’s the sports event for non-sports people

The Run for the Roses really has it all: clouds of dust flying up from pounding hooves, a cheering crowd adorned in bright spring summer colors, and a traditional cocktail to wash everything down. But the best part? The race is only two minutes long, so you can spend the first half of the event building excitement and anticipation, and the second half toasting to victory, while only keeping your eyes locked on the screen for less time than it takes to shake up a julep.

4. It’s the one time of year you’ll eat something called a “Hot Brown”

These famous Louisville sandwiches are Kentucky Derby staples: hot turkey and bacon smothered in creamy mornay sauce atop thick toast. You can try this Derby tradition, along with other twists on Southern classics by the fantastic Chef Nat of Downtown Sanford’s own Tennessee Truffle. If you’re anything like me, you don’t need another reason to attend an event– Nat’s food is enough. (But here’s one more anyway…)

5. It’s free to attend

That’s right, this event does not have an entry fee and there’s no rsvp to worry about. Simply arrive to Celery City Craft ready to do the Derby, and order food and drinks a la carte. It’s like any other afternoon at the bar, only with extra-awesome outfits, special drinks, a petting zoo, contests, and two minutes of intense excitement about horses.

Just kidding…it’s definitely more than just another afternoon at the bar! Join us for this fabulous Sanford event next weekend on May 6th from 3pm to 7pm at Celery City Craft (114 S Palmetto Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771). Click here to RSVP now.

Contact Sanford365 for additional details and questions.