Derby Day at Maxie's

Hours of anticipation for 2 minutes of sports

People get really into Derby Day. They're so into it, I have a sneaking suspicion it's becoming just another excuse for the masses to get drunk and wear lavish headwear they normally wouldn't dare to don. Who am I kidding? That's more so a fact than a suspicion. But that doesn't mean my first-ever Derby party (don't knock it 'til you try it, amiright?) wasn't super fun — it was actually a blast.

This was Maxie's 11th year hosting their Derby party, which apparently grows a little bit bigger each year. Admission is $15, benefitting the Hunger Task Force. There's a big white tent in the lot beside the restaurant and a big brass band playing swing-y classics. Be sure to pop inside the restaurant for a quick shot of A.C. on a hot day. There you can also enter your raffle tickets ($1 each) for the prize(s) of your choosing. I went for a Good Kind gift card and cheese board paraphernalia, but left empty handed. 

In addition to raffles, picking which horse will win, place, or show is certainly a must. It makes the two-minute race itself worthwhile. As for outfits, there are prizes for the best hats and costumes. Colonel Sanders was an obvious pick for Best Costume this year, and a pair of adorable jockeys easily snagged Best-Dressed Couple.

Food & drink-wise, note: The cocktails are super sweet. I switched to beer after puckering my way through one mint julep. However, though overly doused in simple syrup, I will say it was also stacked with bourbon. Do with the info what you will — I'll be the one drinking beer next year, and making sure to hydrate. The food was standard Maxie's fare: mac 'n' cheese, chicken tenders, house-made chips, ribs, and more. Plenty tasty! 

But my favorite thing about Derby Day at Maxie's was the people watching. Sometimes folks just like an excuse to put on their Sunday best and be a little bit fabulous. Though I can't confirm firsthand, I've heard that other parties, like the one at the Iron Horse Hotel, can turn into a mess of day-drinkers who are one spiked sweet tea away from vomiting all over your dress shoes.

Maxie's Derby Day, on the other hand, was utterly welcoming to people of all ages. Watching grandmas get down to blaring trumpets while little ones practice their breakdancing — it's such fun! Shall we do it again? You can bet on it. See you next May!