Derby Day & Big Hats

While the horses and jockeys are the number one attraction at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, we think mint juleps and big hats are a close second and third! As we gear up to celebrate the majesty of beautiful horses and the athleticism of their riders at The Stables, we took a quick trip back in time to discover the origins of one of our favorite derby traditions: big hats.

Why big hats?
In 1901, Kentucky Derby founding father Colonel M. Lewis Clark, Jr. had a vision for an opulent, lively experience reminiscent of European horse racing events. Enter Louisville’s 19^th century high society women in ankle-length, handmade silk dresses in all the colors of spring flowers in bloom – complemented by large, luxurious hats, gloves and perhaps even parasols! While dresses gave way to suits in the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s, hats and gloves stayed in fashion. In the 1960s, Millionaire’s Row opened, hemlines got shorter and hats got bigger and wilder. While skirts regained some of their length in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, the hats got bigger, wilder and more expensive. Today, derby fashion may run the gamut from shorts and casual sundresses to high-fashion frocks, the big, showy hats remain – a nod to the derby’s dynamic spirit and a time-honored “sport of kings.”

Now that you know the history, you’ve got a great story to share over juleps. Join us!

WHAT: Live music, light refreshments, a Best Hat contest, trivia, mint juleps and The Kentucky Derby!

WHEN: Saturday, May 3

WHERE: The Stables at Russell Crossroads

ATTIRE: Casual, with a prize (and praise!) for the Best Hat