I was out at a local park enjoying Spring weather and I began to think about what I enjoy about Spring. Okay, so anyone who knows me can remember how much I wanted out of Louisville when I lived there a few years back…so consider this your irony alert. I miss Louisville.
As a favorite part of spring, I miss this week of all weeks in Kentucky—a celebration of tradition, athleticism, and hats, yep…it’s the Run for the Roses (for anyone not quite there yet, next Saturday is the Kentucky Derby). I never went to the race. I do not feel that I missed anything having never braved the muddle of humanity that is the infield at Churchill Downs. But, I miss being in Louisville for this week.
Beginning with the show of shows—Thunder over Louisville, this week is a fun time. Thunder is the Saturday one week before the Derby (today as I write this). It is an airshow that concludes with fireworks over the Ohio River near the 1-65 bridge headed into Indiana. It is the greatest excuse for cramming thousands of people onto the riverfront. From there the festivities go on to concerts, “hat parades,” food tastings, and then, of course, there are the horses. That is what everyone is in town for.
Like I said, I’ve never been to the race, but I did enjoy Dawn at the Downs. Churchill opens its doors to the public for the morning runs beginning at 6 am on the weekdays leading to the race. I miss the traditional Derby foods-copper pennies (carrot slices), Mint Tulips (the alcohol free version of the Julep), and of course Masterson's version of the famous Kentucky Hot Browns. I miss the joy on children’s faces watching the Balloon Glow and Hot Air Balloon race. I even miss the parade leading to the running of the Fillies for the Lilies (the official kick off race on Friday evening). Last but not least of course, is the race. Even if you don’t enjoy horse racing you find yourself caught up in the fun, watching for the famous faces to come to town and finally picking “your” horse for the race.
Then, the next Monday in May arrives and I’ll remember the parts of Louisville I didn’t enjoy. (Spaghetti Junction, I’m talking to you.) For now, however, I’m content to miss the River City.
As a favorite part of spring, I miss this week of all weeks in Kentucky—a celebration of tradition, athleticism, and hats, yep…it’s the Run for the Roses (for anyone not quite there yet, next Saturday is the Kentucky Derby). I never went to the race. I do not feel that I missed anything having never braved the muddle of humanity that is the infield at Churchill Downs. But, I miss being in Louisville for this week.
Beginning with the show of shows—Thunder over Louisville, this week is a fun time. Thunder is the Saturday one week before the Derby (today as I write this). It is an airshow that concludes with fireworks over the Ohio River near the 1-65 bridge headed into Indiana. It is the greatest excuse for cramming thousands of people onto the riverfront. From there the festivities go on to concerts, “hat parades,” food tastings, and then, of course, there are the horses. That is what everyone is in town for.
Like I said, I’ve never been to the race, but I did enjoy Dawn at the Downs. Churchill opens its doors to the public for the morning runs beginning at 6 am on the weekdays leading to the race. I miss the traditional Derby foods-copper pennies (carrot slices), Mint Tulips (the alcohol free version of the Julep), and of course Masterson's version of the famous Kentucky Hot Browns. I miss the joy on children’s faces watching the Balloon Glow and Hot Air Balloon race. I even miss the parade leading to the running of the Fillies for the Lilies (the official kick off race on Friday evening). Last but not least of course, is the race. Even if you don’t enjoy horse racing you find yourself caught up in the fun, watching for the famous faces to come to town and finally picking “your” horse for the race.
Then, the next Monday in May arrives and I’ll remember the parts of Louisville I didn’t enjoy. (Spaghetti Junction, I’m talking to you.) For now, however, I’m content to miss the River City.
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