The Kentucky Derby- Not the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports for Everyone

Louisville is best known as the Derby City. The Kentucky Derby, which is the first Saturday in May, has been called "the most exciting two minutes in sports". Our city's secret is that many of its citizens are not that excited about the Derby. In fact many of us feel like it is just a big inconvenience. We all do not go the track, participate in the numerous silly events that block traffic, or have grand Derby parties. Many Louisvillians do not own ridiculous hats or even like mint juleps.

The Derby circus starts in late April when "Thunder over Louisville" is held. It is an all day event down by the Ohio River that has an air show and then the largest fireworks display in the world (or so they claim). What outsiders might not realize is that the planes and helicopters come several days before and practice, which often creates rubbernecking and wrecks on our roads. The people and fireworks create a huge mess in our Waterfront Park, and it is virtually impossible to cross the river and do anything else downtown that day.

Other events such as the Great Steamboat Race and Pegasus Parade also cause massive traffic problems and many downtown businesses shut down for several days because it is so hard to access their establishments. The Derby creates a good deal of money from tourism, but there are businesses that are really hurt financially during this time of year.

The worst part of Louisville's Derby secret is that Derby is pretty much an event for the wealthy, or at least upper middle class. If you are not rich and well connected you are not getting box seats to the Derby. Anyone can buy tickets to the infield, but they are still expensive tickets and you must stand in a mob of drunk, obnoxious people. Police block off many streets in the lower income areas of downtown so that there is no "Derby Cruising". This mainly affects low-income, minority residents and businesses.

There are two big social events that occur around Derby, one being the Barnstable party. This is a party given every year by a very wealthily family and only the best connect Louisvillians are invited to come mingle with a multitude of celebrities that come in to watch the horse races. However, if you are not a guest you can come and watch who comes in and out of the party from the street, behind barriers and the watchful eyes of the police. The other large social event is the Mint Jubilee in which you can party all night with more celebrities for only $1000 a person. The event's only saving grace is that it is a fundraiser for cancer research.

I want to be more excited about the Derby, but with all the great things about Louisville I wish the event we are known for was more accessible for more of our citizens.