by George Ferrell

Created on: March 23, 2009   Last Updated: June 02, 2009

The first Saturday, May 2, sees the annual Running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, with a large crowd and millions watching the race that lasts only about 2 minutes. The Derby is probably the most watched sporting event in the world and coverage is given to celebrity row and the colorful tradition of the race that is the first leg of the Triple Crown.

The gates open that day at 10:30 a.m. and with most seating reserved but thousands flock to the infield, which has a rowdy reputation for the collection of Derby fans that enjoy the race many of them without seeing much of it at all.

And while the Derby only lasts two minutes, there are many other events before and after the race that is known world wide.

If you're in Kentucky the day after the Derby, pick up a Sunday edition and look at the coverage that picks up on the horses, fashion trends and the people as they experience the race.

A "Taste of Derby Festival" will be April, 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Louisville Slugger Field at 401 E. Main Street. Another event, "A Taste of the Oaks," on April 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Seelback Hilton Hotel.
On April 29, at 5 p.m. the Great Steamboat Race will be held at the downtown Louisville Riverfront with the American Founders Bank Festival Winefest that runs from 5:45 to 9 p.m.
Several potential attraction include:
-Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort that is open Monday thru Saturday with hours at www.buffalotrace.com/
-two historic homes in Frankfort, Ky., that are open Tuesday thru Sunday with with hours found on www.libertyhall.org/
-the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, a tour open from Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Equs Run Vineyard, open from 11 to 7 p.m. April thru October with tours starting at 1:30 p.m. daily.
-the Wild Turkey Bourbon Distillery, with tours Monday thru Saturday from 9 to 4 p.m.
-My Old Kentucky Home in Historic Bardstown in Nelson County offers tours daily from March thru May. The home is referred to in Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" that is played before the running of the Kentucky Derby.

And, more racing can be found south of Louisville at the Keeneland Race Course outside Lexington, Kentucky, with races this year from April 3 thru Friday, April 24.

General admission is $5 with under 12 free with post time (race start) at 1:05 p.m. with races approximately every 30 minutes.

This year there will be 17 stakes races offering $3.8 million in purses.

Keeneland has several tourist friendly events like Riders Up Jockey Karaoke Talent Competition on April 17; and the Gray Goose Hat Giveaway on April 23.

Keeneland allows tailgating and there is no racing on April 12 this year.

Every Saturday at Keeneland there will be a "Breafast with the Works" from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for $7.50 with kids three and under free. Live demonstrations will get underway at 8:45 a.m. and a free handicapping seminar will be at 11:30 a.m. with two local pros giving the program.

For more events across Kentucky see: www.kytourism.com/

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