Sonya’s Roundup
The Kentucky Derby, the Oaks, and the Parties

Attending the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby was all I expected it to be . . . and more. From the time I stepped foot in Louisville, I was off and running to VIP parties, brunches, and events where I mixed and mingled and “two-stepped” (partied) until the wee hours of the morning. But the highlight of my weekend was attending the Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.

      During Derby weekend, I hung out with friends and family and caught up with many celebrities and VIPS, including NBA legend Michael Jordan, New York Giants Michael Strahan & model Nicole Murphy, actress Gabriella Union, NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn, actress Lynn Whitfield, Bishop Leonard Scott, actress Tichina Arnold, Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade, singer Taylor Hicks, NBA legend Julius ‘Dr.J’ Erving, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich, Houston Texans defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, and MLB superstar Kenny Lofton, just to name a few that I mingled with at Grand Gala events.

      Artist Bryce Hudson, a Louisville-based artist who specializes in contemporary paintings and mixed media photo-based prints (www.brycehudson.com) had already put me on the guest list for a few special events, so I knew that I needed to represent Sonya’s Spotlight in style - with the right hats. Vernell Washington, International hat representative for Nigeria based Grace Mark of Grace’s Hats, helped me choose the best hats for my various outfits. In all, I chose three colorful hats (purple & red by Grace Mark, and a yellow floppy hat by Cindy Trujillo of Louisville).

      After attending a party at The Galt House the night I arrived in Louisville, I was up early the next day for the Oaks Brunch at the Brown Hotel. I viewed unique Oaks paraphernalia, mingled with a few guests, dined on scrumptious cuisine, and met a few Churchill Downs VIPS. Although it rained heavily during a good portion of the day on Friday, I still wanted to see the horses race, so I made my way to the Oaks with about three others. We got “soaked at the Oaks,” but enjoyed ourselves nevertheless. It wasn’t long after the Oaks that I had to get all dolled up for the Grand Gala’s VIP Party at the Marriott Hotel, where I interviewed a few celebs on the Red Carpet before jetting off to the 2nd Annual Honky Tonk Party, where guests sipped on mint juleps (the official drink of the Kentucky Derby), munched on tasty hors d’oeurvres, and danced to a live band. I also caught up with Nashville singer K-Rob, whose self-titled CD is soulful and rhythmic. Other celebs spotted during Derby weekend were actress Molly Sims, singer Joey Fatone,  country singer Lee Ann Womack, former heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis, Chelsea Clinton, actress Bo Derek, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, singer Smokey Robinson, and several others.

      The grand finale for me was on Derby day. And just like last year, it was a beautiful day (weather wise). After a storm rolled through during the early morning hours, the sky became clear blue as the day progressed – with the temperature in the mid 70s. My friends and I made it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby about mid day. The Derby is the only event I’ve attended where people come together in colorful hats, take pictures of each other, mingle, eat & drink, bet on horses, and celebrate like they’re at a big family reunion. But the mood turned somber when we all learned that Eight Belles had gone down after placing second. We sensed something had gone terribly wrong as we watched the race from the grandstand (because ambulances proceeded towards the finish line). But the severity of the tragedy wasn’t known to most Derby attendees right away. It wasn’t until a friend (who was watching the race on TV) text messaged me the news that I actually became aware that Eight Belles had to be euthanized. When the news started to spread, the aura at the Derby changed dramatically. What a sad tragedy. Farewell to Eight Belles. My condolences go out to all those who were a part of her life.

      The Seventh Annual Grand Gala was held at the Galt House Saturday night (after the Derby). Celebrities and attendees walked the Red Carpet and danced the night away to Grammy award winning group Earth, Wind & Fire (who performed live). After their performance, a soulful DJ had everyone on the dance floor until the lights came on. Proceeds from the Grand Gala benefit the 828 Foundation, which identifies and supports several non profits, some of which include United Negro College Fund, Young Life, Youth Alive and OASIS Life Center.

      In short, attending the 134th Kentucky Derby was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it all again next year. Congratulations to Big Brown for winning the Kentucky Derby.



Sonya Jenkins

Thanks to Vernell (www.granddivaenterprises.com) for styling me and to Penny Foster for her assistance in photography.
For more information or to purchase a Grace Mark hat,
contact Vernell at (678) 521-7697
or email her at
vernell@granddivaenterprises.com.
For more information on the Kentucky Derby, visit www.kentuckyderby.com.



 

Copyright © 2008 | Sonya's SpotLight | All rights reserved. | Contact Sonya