Jackie, my sweet,
! Thank you! again.

The Kentucky Derby is run right here in Louisville,
(actually within the city limits and about 3 miles from my house).
Really!

Yes, CD always spruces up big-time for the derby, as does the whole city. People go to the track in their "Sunday best", and the ladies always wear superb, showy hats--it's a long tradtion. People give parties all over. I guess the most famous one is given by the Barnstable twins (the ones who were in that old Doublemint gum commercial). They invite celebrities, have a huge gala for which they charge
$500 a plate, and the proceeds go to diabetes research.

Derby festival events begin a few weeks in advance of the day, and culminate in something special every single day of Derby Week. There are foot races, bed races, a balloon race, the Pegasus Parade, and the Great Steamboat Race between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen of Cincinnati. It is grand to be here then!