Parish Life
Derby Party 2007
On the first Saturday in May the bugler stepped onto the grainy track and blew the sweet notes of ‘Call to the Post’ and they headed onto the track (a.k.a. Big Sink Road). Over 75 parishioners and friends of St. John’s headed to the lovely ancestral home of the Kinkead family ‘curated’ by Charlie and Cindy, who were most gracious hosts. The rain threatened, and made good on its threat on the way out, but by post time, the dark clouds had skittered away leaving only fluffy white reminders of the storm that had passed by town. They arrived by ones and twos and threes and more, many smartly attired with bows and bouquets on the ladies heads and colorful ties and hats on the gentlemen. Some wore long skirts, some jeans, some string ties and all were topped by a smile. A banquet table was spread fit for king (but neither he nor the Queen stopped by!) and that was just the appetizers. There were greetings and introductions and chuckling wagers on the outcome of the day. Some had handicapped the race and some were just handicapped when it came to assessing the field. Not to worry: there were many ways to plunk down your cash and contribute to the causes.
“You don’t come to a Derby party without a pocket full of ones!” Ed Ruggles reminded
those in hearing. Father Alan had a betting grid to benefit the Rachel Sutherland Scholarship Fund. Ed Ruggles had several pools which resulted in multiple winners and Teresa Range had a basket full of picks for a losers pool. Homemade mint juleps were available in official Churchill Downs glasses courtesy of Ed Ruggles (Did I mention that Ed was at the party?) What would a southern-style party be without homemade lemonade and tea, too, though! Ned Meekins judged the hat contest with the contestants making sure not to get too close to the fence for fear that the horses would make their own assessments and eat the winning entry! Allison Fleck and David Richmond were quite dapper and took first place in their categories. Runners up were Doris and Ed Ruggles.
After several laps around the appetizer table, many guests moaned that they were full already! Those with room behind their belts made their way to entrée table for delicious bar-b-que and all the salads, veggies and desserts that anyone could possible want.
The last few slips were drawn, the grid filled, the bell rang and they were off! The race was a thrill, of course, and the shouting at the party matched the excitement at the track. The overwhelming tears and glee on the face of the jockey made everyone smile to see someone just so tickled to be in the winner’s circle.
The pool masters settled up with the winners for race. The betting grid netted $220 to help send kids to camp at the Domain. Those who couldn’t find a winner any other way could buy themselves a victory at the silent auction table but the big winner was Reading Camp which raised over $400 on the day.
Many, many thanks to many, many folks who helped with their time and contributions of cash as well as items to be auctioned. Obviously there was much work done to make the day a great time and all enjoyed the festivities. It was not a Derby gathering to be missed and those who did won’t want to make that error next year!
