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To really soak in the tradition and pageantry that is the Kentucky Derby, you have to head to Churchill Downs in Louisville, right? Wrong.

The Kentucky Derby is one of those spring rituals, a classic horse race that dates all the way back to 1875. This year marks the 149th running of the Derby, which is once again back on the first Saturday in May. (It was held in September back in 2020, thanks to the pandemic.)

It's a day when people head down to Louisville, Kentucky to Churchill Downs, dress up, drink Mint Juleps, and have a big 'ol party. My wife and I went to Louisville last fall and got to tour the famous racetrack and facility, which is an impressive place filled with history.

Curt St John/Townsquare Media-Rochester, MN
Curt St John/Townsquare Media-Rochester, MN
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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.)

Curt St John/Townsquare Media-Rochester, MN
Curt St John/Townsquare Media-Rochester, MN
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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.

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Here are more details about Minnesota's Best Kentucky Derby Party which is set for this Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Canterbury Park:

  • Come watch and wager and enjoy the Kentucky Derby experience at a real racetrack for a day packed with everything Derby. From mint juleps to roses, red carpets, selfie stations, contests, vendors and live music, and of course, screenings of the most exciting two minutes in sports!
  • Activities include Maker's Mark Mint Julep Specials benefitting A Chance To Grow, Red Carpet Selfie Station and more!
  • Schedule of Events:
    12 PM: Doors Open
    2:00 PM: Track Level Music by the Good for Gary Band
    TBD: Best Dressed contest
    TBD: Best Hat Contest
    5:00 PM Derby Coverage will begin
    5:57 PM: Running of the Kentucky Derby!

Now, if you're into wagering, you could possibly win a LOT of money 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!

Listen to Curt St. John in the Mornings
Weekdays from 6 to 10 on Quick 
Country 96.5

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