Kentucky Derby '08 - How the Derby Got So Hot!

The Mint Julep - The marquee drink of the Kentucky Derby, a title that it earned in 1938. Similar to a Mojito, the Mint Julep is made using sugar, Bourbon and fresh mint leaves. Over 120,000 Mint Julep’s were served at last year’s Kentucky Derby.

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The Mint Julep - The marquee drink of the Kentucky Derby, a title that it earned in 1938. Similar to a Mojito, the Mint Julep is made using sugar, Bourbon and fresh mint leaves. Over 120,000 Mint Julep’s were served at last year’s Kentucky Derby.

The Hats - From the colorful to the outrageous, the derby hats are part of the Kentucky Derby tradition. You can tell where your seat is at Churchill Downs depending on how outlandish the hat is. The better the seats, the more tasteful the hat.

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The Hats - From the colorful to the outrageous, the derby hats are part of the Kentucky Derby tradition. You can tell where your seat is at Churchill Downs depending on how outlandish the hat is. The better the seats, the more tasteful the hat.

The Grand Gala - The seventh annual Grand Gala has become the hot spot to find Black celebrities in town for the Derby. Actor Chris Tucker is hosting this year’s event and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire is scheduled to perform.

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The Grand Gala - The seventh annual Grand Gala has become the hot spot to find Black celebrities in town for the Derby. Actor Chris Tucker is hosting this year’s event and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire is scheduled to perform.

Millionaire’s Row - The Kentucky Derby has been a popular spot to be seen for celebrities. Michael Jordan, Star Jones, Dave Chapelle, LL Cool J, Mos Def, and Wesley Snips (pre-legal trouble) were just some of the stars in attendance last year.

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Millionaire’s Row - The Kentucky Derby has been a popular spot to be seen for celebrities. Michael Jordan, Star Jones, Dave Chapelle, LL Cool J, Mos Def, and Wesley Snips (pre-legal trouble) were just some of the stars in attendance last year.

Crusin’ on Broadway - The locals would break out their whips and cruise down Broadway during Kentucky Derby weekend, but the police have stepped up their presence after a series of violent incidents. Be warned if you make your way down there.

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Crusin’ on Broadway - The locals would break out their whips and cruise down Broadway during Kentucky Derby weekend, but the police have stepped up their presence after a series of violent incidents. Be warned if you make your way down there.

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Derby Pie - A chocolate and walnut pie, this sweet treat is also known as “Pegasus Pie” or “May Day Pie,” and is often served with whipped cream or ice cream. Yum.

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Derby Pie - A chocolate and walnut pie, this sweet treat is also known as “Pegasus Pie” or “May Day Pie,” and is often served with whipped cream or ice cream. Yum.

The Infield - If you aren’t lucky enough to rub elbows with the celebrities, head down to the infield and get in on the Bourbon Street-like atmosphere. The infield draws over 70,000 people for the Derby.

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The Infield - If you aren’t lucky enough to rub elbows with the celebrities, head down to the infield and get in on the Bourbon Street-like atmosphere. The infield draws over 70,000 people for the Derby.