The most exciting two minutes in Salem

No ladies, this post isn’t about that guy you dated last summer, it has much more depth and style.

Since 1875 on the first Saturday of May the masses gather in sleepy Louisville Kentucky to wear big hats, drink Mint Juleps and watch a little horse race at Churchill Downs - The Kentucky Derby .

Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, this 1 1/4 mile race for 3 year old pure breed horses is a spectacle to behold. The grandstands are chock full of A listers from the sports, entertainment, business and political worlds. Last year Gene Simmons of KISS with long time girlfriend and baby momma Shannon Tweed placed a $100,000 bet. Sitting close by and with a considerably less wager was the Queen of England.

The rest of us plebeians spend a cool $25 to make it on to the infield where the real party is. No dress code here, just a collection of unique liquor smuggling techniques. It’s one of the largest tailgating events ever.

If you can’t make the trip down south you can enjoy the Derby right here in Salem. There are a few things you will need to know that will greatly enhance your Derby experience. First, while you can watch the Derby at home alone on your couch, the Derby is all about celebrating with others. So, we need to get out and socialize.

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition. Be the envy of all your friends by knowing those Traditions.

My Old Kentucky Home. In 1853 Stephen Foster penned the states official song which is sung at the begining of the Derby.

My Old Kentucky Home

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
‘Tis summer, the darkies are gay;
The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom,
While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,
All merry, all happy and bright;
By ‘n’ by Hard Times comes a-knocking at the door,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus
Weep no more my lady
Oh! weep no more today!
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
For the Old Kentucky Home far away.

Verse 2
They hunt no more for the possum and the coon,
On meadow, the hill and the shore,
They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon,
On the bench by the old cabin door.

The day goes by like a shadow o’er the heart,
With sorrow, where all was delight,
The time has come when the darkies have to part,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus

Verse 3
The head must bow and the back will have to bend,
Wherever the darky may go;
A few more days, and the trouble all will end,
In the field where the sugar-canes grow;

A few more days for to tote the weary load,
No matter, ’twill never be light;
A few more days till we totter on the road,
Then my old Kentucky home, goodnight.

Chorus

Now that you know the music it’s time to get the beverage down. The Early Times Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. I’ve investigated every bar in Salem and none of them feature Early Times Kentucky Whiskey. So I tend to use Makers Mark but your favorite Kentucky whiskey or bourbon will do fine.

Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
• 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
2. Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person’s sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

Okay, you’re on your way to being a Derby insider. Now ladies, regardless of if you are sitting in the grandstand, the infield or a fine Salem establishment, one tradition you get to enjoy is wearing a BIG hat.

(c) taylorcraft75

You now have the knowledge, so where should you go?

Finding a location in Salem that has large screen HDTV’s, and a mint julep that you and your friends can enjoy is pretty easy. Here are my top choices.

• Rockafellas
• Lyceum
• Spirits
• Salem Beer Works

Once everything is in place the race is fast and furious so don’t blink. Oh and be sure to check out the wreath of roses the winning horse gets, it’s worth more than the trophy!

Enjoy watching the Run for the Roses with your new found Derby knowledge and don’t for get to tip your hat to the Colonel.