Kentucky Derby party? You don't have to go to Kentucky to get in on the fun

It has been called the “most exciting 2 minutes in sports,” and here in Jackson Friends of the USA International Ballet Competition are offering fans of the Kentucky Derby a chance to enjoy the legendary racing event in style.

Called the “Kentucky Derby Party and Bluegrass Concert,” the gala will be held at Kennington’s Mansion, from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday May 4.

“We are always looking for a way to have fun,” said USA IBC Executive Director Mona Nicholas. “Our members will be preparing all of the refreshments, which will include traditional Derby food including bourbon balls, Southern hors d’oeuvres and classic mint juleps. It will almost make you feel like you are at the Derby.”

There will be television screens positioned throughout the venue for guests to view the race as well as Derby-inspired games to play while enjoying live music by The Accumulators.

The musical group is headed by T.D. Ledford who first made his mark on Jackson’s club scene more than 20 years ago as a member of the Kudzu Kings. Ledford, who will play guitar and provide vocals, will be joined by another legendary Jackson musician, Tim Avalon, on fiddle along with Austin Sorey on upright bass. “We will be playing a lot of traditional country bluegrass for people to enjoy,” Ledford said.

The first IBC Derby Party was organized in 2016, Nicholas said, but this will be the first to be held at Kennington’s Mansion, which was opened to the public for special events in 2023. The Greek Revival structure, located at 1020 Carlisle Street in Jackson, was formerly owned by the Robert Estes Kennington family who for more than 60 years operated Kennington’s Department Store in Jackson.

“The mansion is so beautifully decorated — everybody needs to see it,” Nicholas said.

Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is run by 3-year-old thoroughbreds for a distance of 1.25 miles and is the first leg of the “Triple Crown,” a series of three races that also includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

The Derby is also known as “The Run for the Roses” as the winning horse will be draped in a blanket of roses at the finish.

The Friends of the USA IBC, which is currently headed by President Randall Bolden, provides support to the USA International Ballet Competition through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. The organization also strives to increase awareness of the USA IBC, provide an outlet for community involvement, and is a major benefactor of CityDance, a program that provides free ballet lessons, dancewear and other artistic opportunities to children in the Jackson Public Schools.

The USA International Ballet Competition is held every four years in Jackson at Thalia Mara Hall, the most recent one being in 2023. The event will return to Jackson in 2027 after rotating to three other world cities: Helsinki, Finland; Moscow, Russia; and Varna, Bulgaria.

Tickets for the Kentucky Derby Party and Bluegrass Concert are $100 with special Young Professional Tickets (ages 21-35) available for $50. They my be purchased in advance by visiting www.usaibc.com/friends or calling 601-355-9853, ext 201. Tickets will also be available at the door. Admission to the party is for adults only, ages 21 and up.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Kentucky Derby party and Bluegrass Concert in Jackson MS