The Kentucky Derby is alternately known as the fastest, greatest and most exciting two minutes in sports, but you’re going to have to move as quickly as the thoroughbreds with names like Nyquist, Gun Runner and Exaggerator if you want to attend any of the numerous Derby Day parties taking place in Denver.
Just like the Run for the Roses, tickets are moving fast.
Almost as fast as the increase of derby-themed parties.
Dozens — if you count Julep-fueled festivities at local bars and clubs — are scheduled, making Denver, according to those keeping track of stuff like this, second only to Louisville, Ky., when it comes to the number of race-day affairs.
There are many reasons why, but perhaps the best is the feeling of community that is generated by feel-good occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, the home opener for the Colorado Rockies and the Kentucky Derby.
That, and the chance to dress in fancy attire that would be out of place any other time.
Here’s a look at some of the events taking place throughout the metro area on May 7. Some will raise money for charity, others have star-power. But all feature food, drinks and big-screen TVs to view the action at Churchill Downs.
So slip into a frilly dress or seersucker suit, adjust your chapeau (the more elaborate the better) and enjoy.
The 15th Denver Derby Party, held on the grounds of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is the grandaddy of ’em all. It’s a benefit for the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Scholarship at Colorado State University, and organizers were so confident that attendance will top last year’s 5,500 that they have secured extra space in the Galleria area to accommodate everyone. It is sold out and the wait list is closed, but those lucky enough to snag one of the all-inclusive tickets priced at $130 and $280 will watch the race from 40 big-screen TVs scattered throughout the venue while enjoying food from 15 restaurants, full bars and a “best hat” contest sponsored by Macy’s. Info: denverderby.com
Derby Day at Edge in the Four Seasons Hotel is the “official destination both before and after the Denver Derby Party,” according to hotel spokesman Jim Guttau. “We are partnering with them for a VIP Jockey Club Post-Race Party and will donate a portion of our proceeds to their scholarship fund.” Patrons have two choices: a 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. drinks/appetizers/music by DJ Manos gathering in the Edge bar or a 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. party in the Cottonwood Ballroom. There is no charge for the Edge event, but specially priced drinks and appetizers are no-host. The ballroom festivities are restricted to those holding Denver Derby Jockey Club tickets and includes an open buffet from 5-10 p.m. and music by DJ Sammy.
(A pre-race brunch on the Four Seasons pool terrace sold out seven days after it was announced. “We expect to see 2,000 people over the course of the day, spread out over our pool terrace, ballroom and Edge. It’s our No. 1 day,” Guttau adds.)
Derby 16, presented by promoter Cedric Pride, is a true trackside experience held in cooperation with the Urban Spectrum newspaper. It begins at 3 p.m. at Arapahoe Park race track, 26000 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, with actor Morris Chestnut from Fox-TV’s “Rosewood” and the movie “Boyz n the Hood” as master of ceremonies. “American Idol” alum Ashton Jones will be a special guest, and Juliette Hemingway will exhibit her “funky cool art.” Tickets are $55 and $75; food and drink will be available for purchase. cedricpridepresents.com
The Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund hosts Kentucky Derby at the Governor’s Residence, where for a $50 donation guests can enjoy croquet, food, beverages, music by Grass It Up and compete in contests to determine best hat and best dressed. The party runs from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion, 400 E. 8th Ave. in Denver.
Jockeys, Juleps & Jazz, the Kentucky Derby Party of Denver celebrates the 142nd Run for the Roses, starting at 2 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center. This benefit for MyLifeLine.org Cancer Foundation, a Denver-based nonprofit that gives free personal and private websites to people affected by cancer so they can easily connect with friends and family. Since its start in 2007, it has grown to 144,000 members and a presence in 180 countries. 7News anchor Mitch Jelniker will emcee the party, and former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers will auction items that include a giclee print of Tom Chapman’s “Affirmed, Steve Cauthen Up.” Tickets are $125 and include valet parking underwritten by Shortline Auto Group. , click on “News and Events”
It may be called the Boulder Derby Party, but this benefit for Front Range Hippotherapy is being held in Denver; specifically in the West Club Lounge at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. It begins at 1 p.m. and admission is $100. There will be live and silent auctions and Mint Juleps made from Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The Morgan Adams Foundation, serving children living with cancer, receives proceeds from the Sill-TerHar Motors Kentucky Derby Party. Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. at the dealership, 150 Alter St. in Broomfield, and the $75 donation includes Mint Juleps and food from Three Tomatoes Catering.
Kentucky hot browns, pickled shrimp and pecan pie are on the menu for a Derby Day party hosted by the University of Colorado South Denver and held in the Liniger Building at the 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker, campus. The fun starts at 2:30 p.m. and also includes hat and best-dressed contests and derby-themed games. Tickets are $40 general admission, $35 for Wildlife Experience annual pass holders and $25 for designated drivers. southdenver.cu.edu
“Race to Justice” is the theme for a free admission Derby Day party put on by the Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic. It begins at 3 p.m. at the Wellshire Inn, 3333 S. Colorado Blvd., and features appetizers, music and big-screen TV viewing. Child care will be provided. Organizers hope that guests will offer freewill donations; the goal is to raise $30,000 to support the legal services that the clinic provides to vulnerable populations. jamlac.org
For those who want to get a jump on the festivities, the Dominican Derby is being held Friday, May 6, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Cable Center. Proceeds benefit the Dominican Home Health Agency, which offers care and health services to the poor and elderly. Tickets start at $75 for young professions, with individual tickets $150, or $225 for a couple. Details at dominicanderby.com Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or partiwriter@hotmail.com
