kentucky derby 2009
ON THE SCENE AT KENTUCKY DERBY 135
While Mine That Bird, the winning horse at the 135th Kentucky Derby, was a big surprise to many (because of the 50-1 odds), the anticipated social scene - the parties, the concerts, and the Grand Gala - were sure wins this year. From the Kentucky Derby Festival Celebrity Brunch, the VIP Reception, the Derby City Party with a Purpose hosted by Radio Host Tom Joyner and Houston Texan Linebacker Amobi Okoye, the 3rd Annual Pre-Derby Jam, the Oaks, the Kentucky Derby, to the Grand Gala finale, I made my way around Derby City with a different hat each day (thanks to Vernell Washington, Global Representative for Grace Marks Hats of Nigeria) and with a mission to enjoy as many Derby festivities as I possibly could. And I did just that. Yes, I am officially a Derby Girl!
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, actor on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne Lance Gross and his fiancé, Eva Marcielle Pigford (actress & America’s Next Top Model third season winner), Actress Gabrielle Union, NFL Stars Warrick Dunn, Chester Pitts, Will Demps, Kirk Morrison, Nnandi Aomugha, Dwight Freeney and Byron Leftwich , Actress Lynn Whitfield, Attorney and Television Personality Star Jones, Actor/Singer Tyrese, Actress Brooke Shields, Songstress Aretha Franklin, “The Apprentice” Finalist Kwame Jackson, Reality Television Star Kim Kardashian, Actress Tichina Arnold, Founder of BET and Chairman of RLJ Companies Bob Johnson, Screenwriter/author Antwone Fisher, Television and Film Producer Roger Bob, Baseball Great Hank Aaron and Former NBA Star and TV Host John Saley were just a few of the celebrity guests in the midst of all the action at one or more Derby parties and at the135th Kentucky Derby.
While every A-List party I attended had its share of intrigue and fun, I especially enjoyed The Grand Gala, where Teena Marie gave an energetic performance and Tyrese joined her on stage to get the crowd even more hyped. I was also able to get a few interviews on the Red Carpet. And just in case you’re wondering what all the Kentucky Derby excitement is about, I asked a few celeb guests (below) what makes the Derby such a must-attend event for them.
Gabrielle Union - Actress
“I love the pageantry of it all. I love hanging out in a totally different location with all of my friends - the same people I hang out with around the country. We have a great time here. The people are really, really warm. The city rolls out the red carpet and welcomes you with open arms so you can’t really turn your back on that.”
Byron Leftwich - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback
“This is my fifth year at the Derby. I like the actual races. I like being [at Churchill Downs], winning or losing money, and then being able to attend the Grand Gala. That’s my favorite part. But I don’t do the hats. I leave the hats to the females.”
Donna Richardson Joyner - Fitness Instructor
“This is my second time attending the Derby. I have to admit, I love sports and the Kentucky Derby is my top three of all events. In no particular order, I would say the Derby, the Masters, and the US Open with the Williams sisters. Those are my top three. So, when I had the opportunity to come and they were going to do a fundraiser for my husband’s foundation [Tom Joyner’s Party with a Purpose], I was here. I’m very happy to be a part of it and to enjoy the festivities and the fashions. I had fun shopping for my hats. The first time I came was like a warm up, and I was like, ‘Oh. I’ve got to come with it.’ Now I’m a pro.”
Now enjoy the picture show of my Kentucky Derby Weekend!
Sonya Jenkins
To order a hat like one of the hats I was wearing during Derby Weekend contact Vernell Washington at (678)521-7697 or go to
www.granddivaenterprises.com
While Mine That Bird, the winning horse at the 135th Kentucky Derby, was a big surprise to many (because of the 50-1 odds), the anticipated social scene - the parties, the concerts, and the Grand Gala - were sure wins this year. From the Kentucky Derby Festival Celebrity Brunch, the VIP Reception, the Derby City Party with a Purpose hosted by Radio Host Tom Joyner and Houston Texan Linebacker Amobi Okoye, the 3rd Annual Pre-Derby Jam, the Oaks, the Kentucky Derby, to the Grand Gala finale, I made my way around Derby City with a different hat each day (thanks to Vernell Washington, Global Representative for Grace Marks Hats of Nigeria) and with a mission to enjoy as many Derby festivities as I possibly could. And I did just that. Yes, I am officially a Derby Girl!
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, actor on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne Lance Gross and his fiancé, Eva Marcielle Pigford (actress & America’s Next Top Model third season winner), Actress Gabrielle Union, NFL Stars Warrick Dunn, Chester Pitts, Will Demps, Kirk Morrison, Nnandi Aomugha, Dwight Freeney and Byron Leftwich , Actress Lynn Whitfield, Attorney and Television Personality Star Jones, Actor/Singer Tyrese, Actress Brooke Shields, Songstress Aretha Franklin, “The Apprentice” Finalist Kwame Jackson, Reality Television Star Kim Kardashian, Actress Tichina Arnold, Founder of BET and Chairman of RLJ Companies Bob Johnson, Screenwriter/author Antwone Fisher, Television and Film Producer Roger Bob, Baseball Great Hank Aaron and Former NBA Star and TV Host John Saley were just a few of the celebrity guests in the midst of all the action at one or more Derby parties and at the135th Kentucky Derby.
While every A-List party I attended had its share of intrigue and fun, I especially enjoyed The Grand Gala, where Teena Marie gave an energetic performance and Tyrese joined her on stage to get the crowd even more hyped. I was also able to get a few interviews on the Red Carpet. And just in case you’re wondering what all the Kentucky Derby excitement is about, I asked a few celeb guests (below) what makes the Derby such a must-attend event for them.
Gabrielle Union - Actress
“I love the pageantry of it all. I love hanging out in a totally different location with all of my friends - the same people I hang out with around the country. We have a great time here. The people are really, really warm. The city rolls out the red carpet and welcomes you with open arms so you can’t really turn your back on that.”
Byron Leftwich - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback
“This is my fifth year at the Derby. I like the actual races. I like being [at Churchill Downs], winning or losing money, and then being able to attend the Grand Gala. That’s my favorite part. But I don’t do the hats. I leave the hats to the females.”
Donna Richardson Joyner - Fitness Instructor
“This is my second time attending the Derby. I have to admit, I love sports and the Kentucky Derby is my top three of all events. In no particular order, I would say the Derby, the Masters, and the US Open with the Williams sisters. Those are my top three. So, when I had the opportunity to come and they were going to do a fundraiser for my husband’s foundation [Tom Joyner’s Party with a Purpose], I was here. I’m very happy to be a part of it and to enjoy the festivities and the fashions. I had fun shopping for my hats. The first time I came was like a warm up, and I was like, ‘Oh. I’ve got to come with it.’ Now I’m a pro.”
Now enjoy the picture show of my Kentucky Derby Weekend!
Sonya Jenkins
To order a hat like one of the hats I was wearing during Derby Weekend contact Vernell Washington at (678)521-7697 or go to
www.granddivaenterprises.com
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