I've invited my good friend Mary Gayle to be a guest blogger today to help you get ready for going to Churchill Downs. She and her husband entertained out of town business guests for years. I don't think anyone has better advice for me to share with you.
10 Tips for Attending the Kentucky Oaks and Derby
1. Comfy shoes.
2. Bandaids, ibuprofen, etc.
3. Poncho, clear is nice so your dress can still be seen.
4. Foldable, lightweight tote bag and paper hand towels to wrap Mint Julip and Lilly glasses to take home.
5. Snack mix in clear baggies. Food lines can be long and you need to keep food in your stomach if you are drinking alcohol.
6. Cell phone service is scattered, make sure your family knows this.
7. Loose change to tip the bathroom attendants. They are wonderful and most have mints and other handy things.
8. In case of a chill, stick a scarf in your bag.
(Or tie it to the handle of your handbag to look chic! Pam)
9. Place your Derby bet way before post time. Men are notorious for the last minute bet. There may be lots of shoving and stepping on toes.
10. Sing "My Old Kentucky Home" loud and proud! You are already a winner because you are lucky enough to attend!
Should you have the winning ticket and want to wait to avoid lines you have weeks to go back and collect.
