The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and Savannahians can place their bets, get dressed up, and sip a mint julep at multiple parties on Saturday. Below is information on a couple of local happenings during the big race.
The Olde Pink House hosts Kentucky Derby party benefiting Park Place Outreach
The Olde Pink House will host Savannah’s Premier Kentucky Derby Party, a high-energy block party featuring the 149th Kentucky Derby on four screens and unlimited food and drinks.
“This year we’re going big,” Craig Jeffress, General Manager of The Olde Pink House said. “In the past, it’s been about 100-150 people. This year, we’re going to have 300 people. It’s no question.”
The menu features Derby-inspired cocktails, including Woodford Reserve mint juleps and Casa Herradura margaritas. Food includes Kentucky hot brown sandwiches, braised short ribs, baby back ribs, deviled eggs, cucumber tea sandwiches and chocolate bread pudding.
“We have our own signature blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon,” he said. “You can only get that particular blend at The Olde Pink House.”
The Olde Pink House will also host a competition for best bowtie, best hat, and overall best dressed. The Fractions will be playing original music, and rock, pop and country classics.
There will also be a silent auction, featuring an all-expense-paid trip to Woodford Reserve to create the next custom blend for The Olde Pink House and a collectible Woodford Reserve julep cup valued at $1,000. A raffle features a signature spirits basket, a $500 gift card from Rivers & Glen Trading Co. and a Woodford Reserve golf bag with a round of golf.
All of the fun at this event is for a great cause. Proceeds from Savannah’s Premier Kentucky Derby Party will benefit Park Place Outreach’s programming to support homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in the Savannah area.
“We are very fortunate to be in this beautiful city and do business here.” Jeffress said. “We need to take care of the city. It’s a responsibility of ours to make sure that we see that this community continues to thrive and do well. And the best way to do that is to serve our youth.”
He went on to say, “We find that Park Place does that. It finds a way to reach out to that child, or that teenager who needs structure, guidance, advice, you name it. They work on reuniting families, helping those who are of age get employment, it’s a multifaceted operation. Everyone should want to jump up and help, and this is our way of doing just that.”
Savannah’s Premier Kentucky Derby Party will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 4-7 p.m. on E. Julian Street, between Abercorn and Drayton Streets. This event is 21+ and tickets are $100. Purchase your ticket at theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com.
“Savannah knows how to come out and party. Savannah is going to show up, dressed to the nines, to serve a worthwhile cause. You get to have a great time, you get to visit the Pink House, have some incredible food and beverages. You’re going to fill your belly and your soul,” Jeffress said.
Electric Moon Hosts Derby Day on the Deck
Plant Riverside District will host Derby Day on the Deck on their rooftop bar, Electric Moon. Electric Moon will broadcast the Kentucky Derby on multiple TV screens and will feature Woodford Reserve mint juleps all day.
“We’re excited to host Savannah’s most exciting Kentucky Derby Party at Electric Moon,” said Scotty Henley, Director of Entertainment at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. “We invite everyone to join us for an epic celebration.”
Henley said, “We’ve got the slides, two levels of bars. It’s a really great, open vibe with the view of River Street and view of the cargo ships going by in the river.”
The bar will also host a contest for fancy hats, crazy pants and overall best dressed, with local celebrity judges. Prizes include a one-night stay at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, a Woodford Reserve golf bag and an official Kentucky Derby portrait.
“Vibrant colors, stripes, the bigger the hat, the better,” Henley said.
DJ Lil G will be spinning tunes starting at 3 p.m. so guests can stay and dance all evening.
“Come on out, have a good time, drink responsibly, and don’t bet too, too much,” Henley laughed.
Derby Day on the Deck will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 3 to 11 p.m. at Electric Moon, located at 400 W. River Street. Admission is $10 at the door.
And more…
Along with these parties, multiple businesses around Savannah will feature food and drink specials on Saturday in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Be sure to keep an eye on Connect Savannah and other local business’ social media pages for even more happenings around Derby Day!
