MANASSAS — If you can’t make the Kentucky Derby this year, Manassas plans to bring the derby home to you.
The city will hold its first “Historic Downtown Derby” on Friday afternoon, May 3, as part of its monthly First Friday events.
“Since we won’t be able to have actual horse races around the Pavilion, we thought it would be fun to still pay homage to the Kentucky Derby by creating a family-friendly race activity. The actual Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4th. Our event will be a great opportunity to get into the spirit of the races and enjoy an evening out on the town in Manassas,” said Historic Manassas Inc. Event Coordinator Rebekah Raze.
Instead of living horses, the city will use handmade, wooden stick horses crafted by city Visitor Center and Farmer’s Market Manager, Melissa Williams. The stick horses will also have their own stables and starting gates, created by David Rhodes, a Historic Manassas, Inc. Event Coordinator. Rhodes built the Throne at last month’s “Game of Thrones” First Friday costume event.
Up to five people at a time (adults and children) will race around the outside of the Harris Pavilion. Those interested in watching the races can be inside of the Pavilion area, or outside the “track.”
The races will be announced by Manassas Councilman Ian Lovejoy and city Economic Development Director Patrick Small.
There will also be a parade of hats during the event.
“Hats are a staple of the Kentucky Derby, and always fun to show off. We want everyone to wear and show off their best Derby hat in support of the races. It will not be a competition, but simply an opportunity to dress up and parade your best headpiece in the spirit of the races,” said Haight.
The event runs between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday. Downtown streets will be closed.
Attendees will also find mint juleps at participating downtown restaurants, and special activities and sales at participating downtown merchant locations.
Harris Pavilion Activities:
- 6 pm – Derby Hat Parade (show off your best Derby Hat!)
- 6 pm – Race Sign-ups begin
- 6:30 pm – Children’s Stick Horse Races
- 7 pm – Adult Stick Horse Races
- Wear your best hat and come on out to the races
Participating downtown businesses and specials
Downtown merchant specials
- Aroma Wine Tasting – Wine Flight Special and Trivia
- CENTERFUSE – Celebrating their 2 year anniversary. Offering Derby themed face painting. Horses, flowers, polka dots, etc
- Knock on Wood – 20% discount on select merchandise and Derby related kids activities.
- The Lemonade Bakery – Selling special glazed sugar cookies in the shape of horse heads and horseshoes at their store and at the Pavilion. And staying open late.
- Lotus Wellness Center – Offering 20% off all retail items for sale.
- McCall Studio Gallery/DMVISUAL LLC – Wear your best derby polka dots and hat, then be one of the first 10 best-dressed customers for a chance to win! Also – 10% off Historic Art Collection Educational Tours: 1920’s Historic art to Retro art, to the art of last Century
- Prospero’s Books – Local author book signing
- Scatter Seeds – Participate in a Kentucky Derby Trivia Contest
- Sinistral Brewing Company – New beer release and music by One Hot Mess from 7-10pm!
- Totally Vintage Design – 10-20% off hats in store
- Travel Place Manassas – Showcasing representative from Royal Caribbean. Staying open late.
Drink Specials
- Crossroads Tabletop Tavern – Mint Julep Special, Crossroads style. Racing games all weekend – teaching, playing and contests
- Okra’s – Mint Julep Special
Staying open late for First Friday
- Grounds Central Station
- Old Towne Man Cave
- Tummy Yum Yum Gourmet Candy Apples
- Weinegar’s Sweets & Treats
