'Tis The Season

The road crews have been out all week, and I foresee them being out for the next three. Of course, you may say...It's Springtime. Well, that may be so, but that's not the reason road crews have begun the process of beautifying Louisville's roads, highways, and medians. It must be Derby Season!!

Now don't get me wrong, this post is not meant to belittle the city. I think it's amazing that every year, on the first Saturday in May, the eyes of the world turn to this small little town that thinks it's a big city, all in anticipation of The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports, The Kentucky Derby.

While I am not a big fan of hype, there's no arguing that this event is what put Louisville on the map. And the city embraces it like no other. For weeks each spring, the Kentucky Derby Festival livens up this city with a fervor rarely matched anywhere else. Derby Festival "officially" kicks off tomorrow night with Thunder Over Louisville. This is actually a one-day version of Fair St. Louis, for those familiar with that annual St. Louis treat. Thunder includes a day of insanity in downtown Louisville, complete with live music, and airshow, and of course, the obligatory immensely huge fireworks display. While I will take the backdrop in St. Louis with the Arch and the riverfront any day over any other city's fireworks, one cannot deny the absurdity of the Second Street Bridge being engulfed in smoke, and virtually disappearing. How many cities can boast that??

Along with Thunder, the Derby Festival boasts an aspect that I find fairly unique, the Chow Wagons, which are dispersed throughout the city and contain a hoard of artery-clogging, but undeniably delectable deep-fried treats. A Pegasus pin gets you into these wagons free of charge, at which point you are free to fork over a load of money for the privilege of ingesting a Bloomin' Onion, Bloomin' Potato, a large turkey leg, or any number of uber-fattening goodies, including the "Official Pizza of the Kentucky Derby Festival" (and the entire state of Kentucky) Papa John's, or as I call it, "Louisville-style Pizza." Though I think my Papa John's rant is best saved for another post.

In my humble opinion, the Kentucky Derby Festival begins in early March with the start of the Triple Crown of Running, a series of three races that regularly draw thousands of runners to the area. Within the running community, these are stepping stones to a fourth race, the KDF Mini Marathon. The Mini is another aspect of the Festival that I find quite enjoyable...though I have never run it. However, so many people get up for this race, including spectators, that I felt it necessary to make mention. It takes place every year the weekend before Derby.

And then, of course, there is Derby weekend. It begins on Friday (as most weekends do), with the Kentucky Oaks. This is a lesser-known race that draws a huge crowd, especially of Louisvillians. Many Louisvillians actually prefer to go to Churchill Downs for Oaks due to the more tame, yet still uniquely exciting, atmosphere. Oaks Day is actually a city holiday in Louisville, with many public offices closed, including the schools. The bars stay open until 6 AM on both Friday and Saturday, instead of the normal 4 AM. So that begs the question, why even close?

And finally, there is Derby itself. No two minutes in any sport can draw the attention that Derby does. Millions tune in around the world, and countless celebrities and travelers converge on Louisville to witness this event. While I have never personally been to Derby in my eight years in Louisville, I know that the atmosphere must be absolutely electric. I believe that traveling to Louisville on the first Saturday in May should be something most people should try at least once in their lives, as it is truly one of the unique events this country has to offer.