On Saturday, May 5, the annual Kentucky Derby Party was held in the Gathering Place. Horse lovers and party goers gathered at 5:00 pm to make bets, socialize, eat goodies prepared by the Arbor Trace kitchen, and to see the horse Justify “Rollick in the Slop”, according to a headline the next day in the Naples Daily News. (It poured rain in KY throughout Derby day.) In the process, the win created a record for Bob Baffert, Justify’s trainer, who racked up the Derby record for most wins by a trainer – Justify was his 5th Derby win. Justify won by 2 1/2 lengths in the “Slop”.
Barbara W. and Carol B. chaired the Social Committee which planned the event. Dean Y. served as Announcer. Winner of the Hat Parade was Gini G., who won a dozen red roses, wearing a fetching aqua and white hat designed and created by her talented husband, Van G.. Van wore a sophisticated black hat he designed for himself. He declined to be in the Hat Parade, but quite possibly would have won a prize, if he had chosen to participate. Second place was won by Darlene Y., who paraded in an electric pink creation, and she received a bottle of wine. Third place was won by Bette K., who received a gold box of chocolate covered hazelnuts. Judging the hats were residents Dan K., Doug D., and David H.
Helpful servers for the evening were Jennifer and Roxanne. The betting, at $2 a chance, produced several winners and was ably carried out by Dale, the director of maintenence and John E. A good time was had by all!
