Friday, May 02, 2008

Kentucky Oaks

by: Frank Carpano

I hope my first experience with Churchill Downs is not an omen for things to come.
After arriving at the track and spending an hour roaming around, it rained and rained and rained.

Let me back up and fill you in on some of the details of our arrival. We found a parking space about 3 short blocks from Churchill Downs. The area around the track is primarily a residential area. And it seemed like everyone was selling parking spaces in the front yard. When we got off the highway, the prices started at 5 dollars per car. As we got closer the prices went up, all the way to 20 dollars. It is incredibly inexpensive for an event of this magnitude.

On Kentucky Oaks day you get a general admission ticket for $25. We were free to walk the property including the infield. I had heard a lot about the infield being a lot like Woodstock. It was a very accurate description. My only disappointment was that you couldn’t see the races.

The prices of food and drinks and souvenirs were very affordable.  Hot dogs were $4, water $4. The famous Mint Juleps sold for $9.  Most souvenir t-shirts and hats are selling for $20.

Headed to the Kentucky Derby

By: Frank Carpano

Keep an eye on this space the next few days. I am in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. I am here with some friends for this once in a lifetime experience.
We flew in to Nashville and drove to Lousville last night. The area is in full “Derby” mode. There is a full blown festival going on. I has been going on for the past few weeks and is really warming up now.

It’s Friday and we’re headed to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks. It’s the prelude to the Derby and I’m told that from a spectator point of view, it’s a wild crowd!

I’ll keep you posted