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Kentucky Derby 2015 traditions: Mint juleps, hats and more

By Jack Crosby

May 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wearing Philadelphia Phillies derby hats take cell phone photos of the action during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wearing Philadelphia Phillies derby hats take cell phone photos of the action during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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A quick reminder of some of the traditions that you will see take place on Saturday for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is known for a lot of things, however one thing that people might love most about the “Run for the Roses” is the amazing, and sometimes wacky, traditions that we see.

This is a sporting event unlike a lot of the others that we see throughout the year, and it brings out some interesting sites, as well as some interesting drinks.

So, what are some of the things that you will see on Saturday that will make your eyes pop wide open?

Hats

Apr 27, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky derby fans display hats during the morning work outs at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky derby fans display hats during the morning work outs at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

This might be everyone’s favorite. Throughout the day on Saturday you’re going to see some rather crazy hats; and crazy might be putting it lightly. The ladies love to come out to Churchill Downs and show off their stylish lids that ended up costing them a pretty penny, to be honest.

A fun game you can play with your friends today might actually be to keep track of the hats that you see and rank them from best to worst.

Mint Juleps

May 4, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Race fan Scott Beaty holds a mint julep before the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Race fan Scott Beaty holds a mint julep before the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

If there is one drink that is a MUST on Derby day, it’s the Mint Julep. This is, to quote Jim Nantz, a tradition unlike any other for any event in the world. Whether you’re actually in attendance at Churchill Downs for the festivities or just at home enjoying the Kentucky Derby, you need to have a mint julep in your hand in your favorite cup.

Next: Mint Julep Recipe

Cucumber Sandwich

CupcakeFactory.com
CupcakeFactory.com /

If you’re gonna be drinking all of them mint juleps throughout the day, then you’re going to need to fill your stomach with something, and generally when it comes to the Kentucky Derby, the cucumber sandwich is there to do the trick.

These tasty little treats are as big of a tradition at the Kentucky Derby as anything else, and there’s little doubt that you’ll be satisfied after you have a few of these.

Next: Cucumber Sandwich Recipe

What are some of your favorite traditions for the Kentucky Derby? Let us know a few of yours in the comments below, as well as your predictions for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby.

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