This Is The Biggest Kentucky Derby Party in Minnesota

To really soak in the tradition and pageantry that is the Kentucky Derby, you have to head to Churchill Downs in Louisville, right? Wrong. There's a huge Kentucky Derby party going on right here in Minnesota!

The Kentucky Derby is one of those spring rituals, a classic horse race that dates back to 1875. This year marks the 150th running of the Derby, which is always held on the first Saturday in May. (Although it was held once in September, back in 2020, thanks to the pandemic.)

Derby Day is a day when people head down to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to dress up, drink Mint Juleps, and have a big 'ol party. My wife and I went to Louisville a few years ago and toured the famous racetrack and facility-- an impressive place filled with history.

Churchill Downs itself was fairly quiet when we were there in September. But just imagine 150,000 (the Kentucky Derby attendance record set back in 2019) fans in the stands and along the infield, all enjoying the beautiful Kentucky spring weather! (Unless, of course, it's raining. Though they STILL like to party it up even in the rain.)

But you don't have to head to Kentucky to celebrate the Derby, though. You can get your Run for the Roses on right here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. That's because an event called 'Minnesota's Best Kentucky Derby Party' is back at Canterbury Park, located in Shakopee, Minnesota.

READ MORE: The Only City in MN Where You Can Take Adult Drinks To Go

Here are more details about Minnesota's Best Kentucky Derby Party which is set for this Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at Canterbury Park, according to their site:

Come watch, wager, and enjoy the Kentucky Derby experience at a real racetrack for a day, packed with everything Derby. Enjoy 3 levels of drink, food, and celebration. From Maker's Mark mint juleps to roses, red carpets, selfie stations, contests, vendors, and of course screenings of the most exciting two minutes in sports on the big screens! Featuring:

• Maker's Mark Mint Julep Specials
• Live Music by the 70's Magic Sunshine Band
• Red Carpet Selfie Station
• Makers Mark Sample Bar
• Adult Game Zone
• Best Dressed / Best Hat Contest / Best Couple
• And a variety of vendors

If you're into wagering, winning a LOT of money is possible by betting on the Kentucky Derby. It might even put you on this list of Minnesota celebrities-- who all have a lot of money! Keep scrolling to see who they are-- and how much they're worth!

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