Lovely Lilies for the Fabulous Fillies

(photo by Sam English from thekentuckyderby.com)

I have only lived in Kentucky for a little less than two years, and only a year ago I learned about two of the most important days to the people in this state.  Every year during the first weekend in May, The Kentucky Derby,  or "The Run for the Roses," is held at Churchill Downs.  The Oaks, or "The Lilies for the Fillies," a race for only female horses is held the day before.  To put it into perspective, schools are canceled on Friday for Oaks Day, and my students even asked why it's not on the calendar as a national holiday.  Hilarious!  (Read more about this "Ladies First" event at The Saturday Post)

There are basically two words to sum up this weekend.  Horses and Hats!  This year some wonderful friends blessed Kevin and I with an invite to attend the Oaks yesterday.  It was a beautiful and fabulously fun day, filled with sunshine, beautiful horses and even more beautiful people.  Oh the lovely hats!  This year some wonderful friends blessed Kevin and I with an invite to attend the Oaks.  It was a beautiful and fabulously fun day, filled with sunshine, beautiful horses and even more beautiful people.  Oh the lovely hats!

If you are not familiar with this weekend in sports, it would be nearly impossible to understand the vibe around the city in the days leading up to it, as women swarm the shops putting together the most perfect outfit, including the all important hat.  This year, on a (much) lesser scale, I was one of those women.  This past week I found myself amongst a crazy mob of lovely ladies at a craft store here in town, waiting for help to "design" the perfect hat.  I was a little overwhelmed and even more so intimidated, so my choice was rather safe and mild.  But trust me, if you don't know how much women are willing to pay for an accessory for their heads, you certainly wouldn't believe it.  The crafty road is definitely the economical way to go.  However, after attending yesterday's 'pretty in pink' event, I now get all the hoopla.  It is something to see for sure.  If I ever have the opportunity to attend again, I will certainly be inspired to create something seriously bold and beautiful.  Here are a few pics from our fun time with friends and the fillies!

Thank you to our friends Blair and Andrew for such a fun Friday!

A really meaningful part of this "pink" day is when they celebrate breast cancer survivors.  It was incredibly humbling to see the long line of women walk around the track.  The Oaks event is sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation supporting breast cancer research.

 We had such a fun and wonderful time, getting all dressed up, spending time with sweet friends, and just  having the opportunity to be a part of this big, once-a-year Kentucky party.  We are thankful we had the chance to go and enjoy the beautiful day.  If you get a few free moments today, take time out at 6:24pm to watch the 136th running of The Kentucky Derby, an event steeped in tradition and better known as, "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!"