The 151st Kentucky Derby: Foods, Traditions, and Stories You Might Not Know About!

Hold onto your hats—or your fascinators—because in this Family Tree Food & Stories episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are taking you to the 151st Kentucky Derby, The Run for the Roses, or Mint Juleps if you prefer!

Picture this: You’ve got your mint julep or bourbon in hand, and you’re surrounded by ladies in big hats, and 150,000 of your closest friends, who are all cheering for their favorite horse to win the race. But, there's more to Derby weekend than just horses and a blanket of roses; it's an exciting celebration, steeped in mouth-watering food traditions, quirky history, and unforgettable stories.

In this episode, we’re heading to the track and diving fork first into Derby culture, sharing details about the event's iconic dishes like Derby Pie (careful, it's trademarked!), savory Hot Browns, and dainty Benedictine sandwiches. You’ll hear the story behind the real history of the mint julep, and a hilarious bit of research that Sylvia’s dug up on her co-host, Nancy – yes, it’s related to The Derby!

Key takeaways:

• The top food and drinks at Churchill Downs
• What happens when it rains or snows on all those hats?
• Interesting facts about the famous race jockeys and the race horse handlers.
• What do the horses eat on race day too?

You’ll even hear about Sylvia’s many experiences with the “in crowd” at the track and more. 

Whether you’re focused on the big race itself, the food, or the elegant pageantry, this Family Tree Food & Stories episode has something for everyone. So place a bet on your favorite horse and tune into this Kentucky Derby show.

📣 What's Next?

Love food and a good story? Hit subscribe to Family Tree, Food & Stories for more unforgettable tales where laughter simmers, tradition stirs, and every meal comes with a side of real-life flavor.

👇 Share this episode with a friend who’s ever fought a box of noodles and lived to tell about it—and don’t forget to leave a review!

👇Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail or send us a DM on Facebook.

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