Three years ago, a plan was devised by Historic Track’s facilities manager, Tim Masters, and backed by the Board of Directors with hopes of adding needed funds for the National Historic Landmark’s coffers, and with each successive year the promotion and total funds raised gets larger.
Packaging a chance to view and wager on the Kentucky Derby with food and spirits available along with fun-filled activities highlighted by a Ladies Hat Contest, the fundraiser keeps drawing more people with each successive year. This past May 6, over 200 people came out despite the cool and unpleasant weather at the Cradle of the Trotter.
“That’s almost one hundred more than came to the 2016 Derby Day Fundraiser and 150 more who were with us for the inaugural in 2015,” Masters explained.
But Masters wasn’t alone in producing the Derby Day projects. He was greatly assisted by Linda Myers, the Secretary to the Board and her assistant, Jill Omen; Roger Dowd, tracks webmaster, along with Judy Green, president of the Historic Track Auxiliary.
The twins – Charlotte and Larrelle – held by their mom and second-place finisher, Claudia Jacobs. They're joined by first-place finisher Diane Eisgruber (Geri Schwarz Photo)
“In past years a tent was set-up on the racetrack, but a bigger one was needed each successive year. This year we had a huge one where all the attendees had a seat at any of the multitude of tables arranged underneath the tent,” noted Linda Myers. “And everyone enjoyed the band that played throughput the afternoon, too.”
Besides the Kentucky Derby winner (Always Dreaming), unquestionably the biggest favourite of the afternoon was the Lady’s Hat Contest. This year 47 ladies entered, and when the decision of the judges was final, Diane Eisgruber, from Highland, NY, was declared the winner. Second place went to Claudia Jacobs (from Goshen, NY), while the crowd’s favourite, the young Nehrkorn twins, Charlotte and Lorelle, from Slate Hill, NY, finished third.
While all at Historic Track are heavily involved in the upcoming racing season which begins in early June, plans are already in the making for Derby Day, 2018.
(Historic Track)