Patti:
hats have the girls make hats i love to watch the derby used to see them

Razzle Dazzle:
what about something mint flavored to re-create a mint julep? like a mint chocolate cake, or even mint sodas made with mint syrup, sparkling water, and lime? also, check out your local dollar stores for small plastic horse toys for decorations and favors.

Jilian:
you could paint a big board with a horse and jockey, but cut a hole where the jockey’s head would be for the kids to stick their heads through for photos.
you could also make leafy flowery necklaces like the ones they put on the winning horses (google image kentucky derby winners)

Shay:
Hmm, no decoration suggestions, but derby pie sounds good.

Brandy:
And don’t paint a tail on the photo horse – use it to play pin-the-tail (my jr highers still like laughing at friends doing it!). And how about some kind of a race? Even it was more complicated with clues, etc., you could announce the beginning of the race and award with the big flower necklace. Takes some thought but inexpensive!

Jessica:
Pin the Tail on the Racehorse and Horseshoes. Four-legged races (like three-legged races, but with another person tied to the team). What about astro turf table runners? Horse shoe decorations. You can make the cake in the shape of a horse shoe, and you can set up a Winner’s Circle for the kids to have their pictures taken.

Brandy:
Make a sign for the drink table “The Watering Trough” and the food table “The Feedbag.” Name tables after Kentucky Derby regulars like “The Winners’ Circle”, “The Owner’s Box”, and “Millionaire’s Row.” Love the horseshoe stuff!

If you are going to be watching the actual race, definitely have them pick winners and have prizes!