The Kentucky Derby is a momentous occasion, steeped in history, tradition and surprises that thrill from coast to coast. But we asked a handful of people who live in or hail from this region how they Do Derby: Southern Indiana Style.
Paul Kiger
Broker, RE/MAX Advantage-Indiana and Real Estate Broker/Agent at National Association of REALTORS®
In previous years, Paul Kiger has done Derby in Kentuckiana, but the New Albany resident, who also works and lives part-time in Los Angeles, will watch the Run for the Roses in the City of Angels. “This year, I will be in Los Angeles creating a L.A.-style Derby party and host it somewhere there.”
Hadley Enlow
Indiana University Southeast Student
“We get a box (at Churchill Downs) every year, and we kind of just enjoy the scenery.”
Ray Lucas
Vice President, Regional Sales Manager, Indiana, Your Community Bank
“The last couple years, we’ve typically gone with family to Churchill Downs. This particular year, we are having friends over for a (kid-friendly) Derby party.”
Mark Miles
Customer Support Representative, FirstSource
“Usually, I find a good party in Indiana, bring my own bourbon, pick a horse from a hat and keep it local.”
Kristy Miles
Fashion Stylist, RueLaLa.com
“(My brother Mark Miles and) I grew up in Jeffersonville, and growing up we used to have these big parties with our family, and we would all bet and it was always around my (May 6) birthday, so it was kind of like a birthday-Derby celebration. … Usually, we do house parties or some type of event, because I love red carpets. … Last year, we went to The Village Anchor (in Anchorage), and it was so much fun.”
Hadley Enlow
Floyd Central High School Student
“I think I’m going to a Derby party with my mom and my family. … We always have a good time. It’s usually casual, but there are people here and there that are dressed up.”
Drew Flynn,
Screw Master, Mac Construction
“I will hide in the darkest, darkest hole in Louisville (during Derby). I love the tourists, but I just don’t care to be around them. It’s amateur hour.”
Jo-An Holleman
Bartender, Levy Restaurants, at Churchill Downs
“My Derby experience starts at 4:30 a.m. when I’m getting ready for a 16-hour day and hoping the makeup and hair last all day. I report at 6 a.m. raring to go. Then it’s on to opening tons of Bloody Mary mix, (prepping for) mint juleps, opening cases of julep glasses and the list go on and on and on. The fun part starts when the gates open (at Churchill Downs). Mint juleps start flowing and Bloody Mary’s are never-ending. The hats and dresses are amazing. I take pictures, if there is time, of all the fun people. We (bartenders) have so much fun while our feet are hurting, but I would not trade it for anything. I am so lucky to have a job I love so much.”
