The 141st Kentucky Derby – known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” –  will be held on May 1-2 this year. But you don’t have to make a trip to Churchill Downs to celebrate. Instead, let your residents celebrate closer to home with a Derby-themed event at your apartment community.

Read on for some tips to make your Derby party one your residents will be talking about for weeks to come. 

Serve Southern Treats

What’s a party without the food? Serve traditional southern favorites like ham and biscuits and pecan pie. Or, order cookies from a local bakery shaped like horseshoes or Derby hats. And don’t forget the mint juleps and sweet tea!

Source: Pinterest

Dress the Part

Folks come to the Kentucky Derby dressed to the nines. Encourage your residents to don their Derby best. That means seersucker suits or bright pants and shirts for the guys, and dresses and flashy hats for the ladies. If enough people dress up, consider holding a contest for the best outfit.

Dress Up Your Community Room

Spruce up your community room with Derby-themed decorations like roses and horseshoes. Pinterest is a great place to get some fun, Derby-themed decorating ideas.   

Source: Pinterest

Rent a Big Screen TV

If you don’t have a big screen TV in your community room, rent one. That way, your residents can watch the main event.

Take Photos

Snap some photos and post on your social media channels. Your residents will love seeing photos of themselves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Plus, prospective residents will see how fun it is living at your apartment community.

Are you planning a Derby party this year? Please share in the comments below!