Celebrating the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports

May 5, 2012

“Happy Derby Day” in the Bluegrass

By: George Addison

Article first published as Celebrating the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports on Technorati.

Thunder over Louisville fireworks display. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia / Flickr

If you live in or traveled through the Bluegrass State of Kentucky in recent weeks, you more than likely found yourself caught up in the annual two-week celebration of the “Kentucky Derby Festival,” held in Louisville, Kentucky.

University of Louisville Marching Band in front of the Twin Spires. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia/Flickr/W.Marsh

The event typically starts during the last week in April with “Thunder over Louisville considered to be the largest annual display of fireworks in North America and other events like: the Great Balloon Race, the Great Steamboat Race with hometown favorite the Bell of Louisville, one of the country’s largest parades – The Pegasus Parade, the Derby marathon and mini-marathon. All this fun and partying continues through the first Saturday in May, culminating with the Run for the Roses “America’s Race – the Kentucky Derby.”

It was a few years back when I first experienced Kentucky Derby festivities and the term “Happy Derby Day.” A group of children dressed in their best festive Derby attire, greeted me with the saying as they were going to a barbeque party to celebrate and watch the event on a big screen television. Fans sipping Mint Juleps, ladies wearing spectacularly colorful hats and outfits, men puffing big cigars while watching antics taking place in the infield, betting on long shots and listening to the University of Louisville play “My Old Kentucky Home” all contribute to memorable Derby moments.

The grand tradition of the derby is celebrated and enjoyed each year by thousands attending Louisville, Kentucky’s famous “Churchill Downs,” and viewed by millions worldwide as they anticipate which horse will pass those famous “Twin Spires” and be crowned the 2012 Winner of the 138th Kentucky Derby.

Horse racing at Churchill Downs. Photo Courtesy: Jarrett Campbell/Wikipedia

Not even, rain, mud, snow or heat can interrupt America’s longest continuous racing event in sports, or dampen the spirits of partygoers. Unlike any other major sporting event, its only on “Derby Day” that racing enthusiasts and novices, can truly believe and experience the sense that they too have the chance to beat million-to-one odds and feel like a millionaire for a day. This unique atmosphere brings regular people, celebrities and dignitaries together seamlessly to enjoy and celebrate “Happy Derby Day” and the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”