Though the 140th annual Kentucky Derby will be held 200 miles away, central Ohio’s only racino offers an opportunity to celebrate right here at home.
Scioto Downs Racino will host its annual Kentucky Derby Party on May 3. The free party is a themed social featuring a hat competition, a live jazz band, plenty of food and – what else? – mint juleps.
Naturally, the Kentucky Derby itself will be prominently featured via a live broadcast over the entire property. This includes the Penthouse – where the racino holds its daily simulcasts – as well as the Clubhouse, the Veil Bar and the gaming facility. Patrons will be able to wager on the Derby as they relax and enjoy refreshments.
“We will also be hosting our annual Fancy Hat Contest in the Veil Bar,” says Ashley Redmon, advertising and PR manager for Scioto Downs and the creative lead behind the Derby party.
Sign-ups for the Fancy Hat Contest begin at 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The individuals sporting the five fanciest hats will receive varying amounts of free play.
The musical entertainment takes the stage in the Veil Bar starting at 8 p.m.
“In keeping with the theme of the day, we decided to host Out of Mind Bluegrass Band to perform for the party,” says Redmon.
A separate May 3 party is a fundraiser for the St. John Learning Center, a south Columbus adult education center dedicated to helping its students raise their reading, writing and math literacy levels; earn their GEDs; and learn essential job and life skills to archive continued employment.
Every adult of legal gambling age who buys a ticket receives a $10 gaming voucher, as well as access to a raffle table, a live DJ and a cash bar. Additionally, the party will feature a Kentucky Derby cookout with a variety of cookout items for purchase.
Tickets are $40 per person and $70 per couple. Additional donations to St. John are being accepted through the day of the party.
Lauren Andrews is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
