One of the most exciting parts about the Kentucky Derby is the large number of celebrity tourists that attend. If you have always wanted to meet a famous star, there are plenty of ways that you can do this before and during the Kentucky Derby. Our writers at DerbyBetting.org have lived in the vicinity of Churchill Downs for the past two decades, and have a few tips to share with our readers.
If you get lucky and have a chance to meet a celebrity attending 2013 Kentucky Derby activities, do not forget to ask them which horse they are betting on. It could wind up being the lucky betting tip that you have been searching for.
Where you will find celebrities before the Derby
Weeks before the Derby begin, celebrities start to show up for all of the Kentucky Derby Festival grand events such as the Pegasus Parade, Great Balloon Festival, and the expansive fireworks display called Thunder over Louisville. Naturally, getting the perfect outfit for the big race means meeting with local Kentucky milliners and dressmakers. Celebrities also flocked to Louisville because it is well established as a gourmet city. Nevertheless, most celebrities sighted around Louisville long before the Kentucky Derby begins are found eating at local fried chicken restaurants, eating at acclaimed refugee-owned restaurants, and having a taste of Louisville-roasted coffee.
Where to find Kentucky Derby celebrities
Where there is luxury, you are bound to find a Kentucky Derby celebrity. In Louisville, this means that they are still liable to be in hundreds of locations. For instance, there are a variety of four and five star hotels in Downtown Louisville. At Churchill Downs, it is the higher priced tickets for Millionaire’s Row that attracts celebrities. One major event that will host a wide variety of celebrity tourists is the Barnstable Brown Party.
Celebrity Day at the Downs
Obviously, you will not be able to list all of the celebrities that have shown up for the Kentucky Derby over the past 138 years. Nevertheless, the main idea is that you should expect greatness. For example, former Presidents and Queen Elizabeth are not the only highest-ranking member of society that have shown up in the past the 10 years. This is what makes the Celebrity Day at the Downs such a treat. Most importantly, the main celebrity that horse racing fans get to meet is the Pegasus Parade Grand Marshal. In 2012, the Grand Marshal was Cyndi Lauper. This year, the Celebrity Day at the Downs 2013 will be held on the 6th floor of Churchill Downs on May 2. The cost of the ticket is $99.
Updates for Kentucky Derby celebrities
The Courier-Journal does an excellent job with their Kentucky Derby celebrity blog of keeping locals up to speed. Kentucky Derby 2013 Buzz blog has already announced a roster for 2013 that includes Wil Heuser and Ashley Iocco. Other celebrities that have announced they are coming to a Kentucky Derby-related event are Tiki Barber, Country star Luke Bryan, Guy Fieri, and Valerie Simpson. You will be able to see the stars at the Julep Ball, Unbridled Eve Party, the Bourbon Brunch and the Silks in the Bluegrass Derby Night Gala. The “Big Brother” crew will also be on the waterfront for the Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville May 1 event from 4 to 5 PM.