The Kentucky Derby did not disappoint this year, and neither did Hats and Horses! Golden Tempo came from the very back of the pack and worked his way to a win in the end making his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, the first female trainer to have a win at the Kentucky Derby.
At Hats and Horses, the crowd cheered on the horses and everyone was invested by the end of those two exciting minutes of the race! It was one for the history books, that’s for sure.
We had our own set of winners in the 1861 Club that evening. From the winners of the Kentucky Derby raffles (including a prize for the last place horse!), best Fancy Hats and Fascinators and the other Derby Day contests, winners of the Bourbon Draw and, of course, the lucky top bidders in the Live Auction — many Hats and Horses attendees went home champions!
This year’s event also beat out last year’s when it comes to fundraising. In fact, we’re going to buy a boat because of it! Funds from the Live Auction were dedicated to Ye Old Mill Preservation as the featured project of the event, but the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation voted to do a bit more. With the net proceeds from Hats and Horses, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation has officially committed to purchasing the first boat needed for the Ye Old Mill Preservation project.
This commitment shows the Foundation’s dedication to our mission: to further the Renovation, Construction, Preservation and Beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds to achieve our vision of Enriching the unforgettable memories made on the Kansas State Fairgrounds at the Fair and year-round.
We want our supporters to know that we take our mission, vision and purpose seriously. We are so grateful to the support granted to us so we can make a direct and immediate impact on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Thank you.
Speaking of impact… get a load of these incredible Hats and Horses winners of the Derby Day contests!
Fancy Hats and Fascinators: Who wore the most brilliant hat?
Bowties and Southern Style: Who is the best southern-styled gentleman?
The Derby Belle: Who had the best head-to-toe look topped with charm?
Best Derby Couple: Who coordinated their Derby looks the best?
Rowdy Crowd Table: Who had the most Derby spirit?
Other favorites of the day included the Bourbon Cherry Brisket, bottomless mint julips, the live painting and the wonderful Derby photo ops!
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About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
About the 1861 Club
The 1861 Club is a flexible, lodge style event venue located on the Kansas State Fairgrounds and operated by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. For most of the year it operates as a high-end venue for weddings, special and corporate events, and activities. During the Kansas State Fair, it is transformed into a climate-controlled food, beverage and entertainment venue for fast fine dining and an entertainment experience for all Fair attendees.
Funds raised at the 1861 Club are put back into projects which improve the Kansas State Fairgrounds. These improvements are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. So, enjoying the 1861 Club during the Fair and year-round supports the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation’s mission: To further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
