Local derby celebrations planned

If you're chosing fascinators and mint juleps over sombreros and margaritas this May 5th, here are a few places to watch the 138th Kentucky Derby.

Posted 4:02 p.m. Apr 30, 2012 — Updated 4:02 p.m. Apr 30, 2012

Sarah Adams

You’re going to have a tough decision to make this May 5, are you going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and sombreros? Or make a mint julep and watch the Kentucky derby while wearing your favorite fascinator? My hat’s off to you if you’re going to try to do both!

If you want to watch the Kentucky Derby here in the Triangle, check out these local places hosting fun viewing events:

Clayton Derby Day: Clayton Rotary's Derby Day will offer horseback riding for children, live horse races and jumping, a ladies hat contest, barbecue, mint juleps, live music by the Central Park Band and televised viewing of the 138th "Run for the Roses"

Head’s up! Derby Party: This even benefits the Heads Up! Therapeutic Riding Program. Their annual Kentucky Derby Party will have a gourmet southern buffet, live and silent auctions and live music.

Kentucky Derby Party at The Mandolin Restaurant: Enjoy mint juleps, big hats and fabulous contemporary southern cuisine at Mandolin! Prizes for best hat will be awarded, so don’t forget your Derby best!

Kentucky Derby Party at The Hudson Manor: Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres, a buffet, drinks, lawn games, raffles, a live Dixieland Band, a hat contest and a big screen to watch the race live from Louisville.

If you'll be staying in, tap in to your inner mixologist, and try this easy version of a mint julep: To start, muddle a few tablespoons of whole mint leaves into the bottom of a glass. Then, add about a tablespoon of simple syrup made from dissolving sugar into an equal amount of boiling water. Add crushed ice to your glass, then add about 1 ounce of your favorite bourbon, gently swirl to stir, and enjoy!

Don't see your Kentucky Derby event listed? Be sure to submit it to our event calendar.

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