Due to the way the calendar dates fall this year, our annual Spring Party has been combined with our annual Kentucky Derby party. You get two for one!!

By now, the annual gathering of Pointers to watch the “Run for the Roses” in the clubhouse has become so institutionalized as to need no introduction or explanation. This year, the first Saturday in May comes early (May 5), which is why this article is appearing in the April edition of the Helmsman. We will gather in the Clubhouse at 4:30 on that date, with beverages provided by the Club. Members may wish to bring their own adult beverage, preferably the type associated with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Members are encouraged to bring food. Suggested guidelines appropriate to the celebration are listed below.

The telecast from Churchill Downs will provide information you need to back your favorite horse. Just prior to post time (probably around 6 o’clock), I will lead the group in the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home,” along with the national TV audience and the crowd at Churchill Downs. Then collectively we’ll experience the most exciting two minutes in sport. By 7:00 or 7:30, we’ll have toasted the winners, consoled the losers, and the cleanup crew should be in action. Please join us.

From its inception, the OPCYC Kentucky Derby party has featured authentic Kentucky food provided by selected members, and the food provided is one of the things that gives a Derby party its unique character. The Paynes will bring a good quantity of burgoo and other Kentucky delicacies, and other members are encouraged to contribute. The websites below provide recipes for traditional Kentucky fare. Some of these websites also sell commercially-prepared Kentucky dishes, if you don’t want to bother with cooking. NOTE: The clubhouse no longer has a stove, only 2 small microwaves and a toaster oven, so adjust your recipe selection accordingly.

Miscellaneous Appetizers

Kentucky Burgoo
Kentucky Derby Pie
Hot Brown Sandwich