Lexington Celebrates Derby Eve

Transylvania University students are gearing up for the “Run for the Roses” with a race of their own at the “Transylvania High Heel Derby.”

Transylvania University student Alex Isaac says “I am a horse. I’m embracing my inner horse power in this race. I feel like a stallion.”

And the stakes are high.

Isaac’s relay teammate John Mays says “Winning isn’t  everything. It’s the only thing, especially when it comes to Derby.”

And for many tonight’s derby festivities are just beginning.

Party-goer Joshua Barett at the Poor Man’s Harlan County Derby Eve Party says, “Tonight we’re just jump-starting. We’re just getting started tonight. it’s kind of like winding the spring. Tomorrow we spring in the derby.”

And at the Poor Man’s Party it’s a time to get a massage and let loose.

Party-goer Kelly McKee says “It relaxed me and I’m ready for the karaoke for TD’s Band to start playing, have a couple drinks, that’s what I’m ready for.”

It’s a time to place a bet with advice from greats like hall of fame jockey Chris McCarron.

He says, “I like Nyquist like everybody else. And I also like Creator. I thought he demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage coming through the field the way he did in the Arkansas Derby.”

And a time to see old friends year after year.

Poor Man’s Party host & owner of B & B Morgan Tire Bill Morgan says, “You know last year I was battling cancer and we had a very small party and I’m doing a little better so I thought I’d have one more blow-out.”

It’s not just a time about mint juleps and roses, but a time to be a Kentuckian. And many party-goers are cashing in on that experience by giving back.

Katrina Thompson says the Poor Man’s Party “…goes toward our “Bluegrass March for Babies” that is on may 22nd, the walk begins at 1:30. so that’s what we’re working on. we hope to raise at least 15,000 dollars”

Raising money for good causes like March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity

Lindsey Barton with the Transylvania University Chapter of Habitat for Humanity says “Hopefully with the fun and the business sides of it everyone will go out and tell everyone how great it was.”

Fans are savoring every moment leading up to the last leg of the race.

Isaac says “We did a four person relay. I saw my life flash before my eyes. But then after I saw my life flash before my eyes I saw this trophy in my hand.”

There’s still much more fun to be had. Party-goers are also hitting up the James Pepper Distillery “Rickhouse” on Manchester street and “Down the Rabbit Hole” derby party at the downtown 21c Museum Hotel.