You might not be able to get to the Derby this year, but you can bring a taste of Churchill Downs churchilldowns.com to your own party. Chef Scott Wegener of Arlington Park arlingtonpark.com shares some authentic recipes featured at Chicago's suburban racetrack and Churchill Downs as well.
Traditional Derby Recipes
From Levy Restaurants Chefs at Arlington Park, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby
Tips for a successful party:
(PRESS RELEASE) ARLINGTON PARK HOSTS "WORLD'S LARGEST DERBY PARTY DURING OPENING WEEKEND
Arlington Park kicks off its 82nd season on Friday, May 1. Arlington Park will host the "World's Largest Derby Party" as part of its opening weekend festivities May 1 - 3.
"Arlington Park hits the ground running opening weekend with a full line-up of value entertainment options that will last throughout the racing season," said Roy Arnold, president of Arlington Park. "Not only does Arlington Park provide top level horse racing, it is also a beautiful place to come see great concerts, art shows, July 3rd fireworks or have a family picnic all for less than it would cost to go to a professional ball game."
Opening Day - Friday, May 1: Gates open early with racing from Churchill Downs beginning at 10:00 a.m., including the simulcast of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks with the first live Arlington Park race leaving the gate at 2:30 p.m. - continuing every Friday during the season. Advance wagering will also take place for the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Coverage - Saturday, May 2: Arlington Park is the host for the "World's Largest Derby Party." In addition to an exciting live racing program, Arlington Park will simulcast the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Gates open early as action gets underway with a strong undercard of races beginning at 10:00 a.m., a special post time for Derby Day. The first live Arlington Park race breaks from the gate at 12:15 p.m., with 12 live races at the track.
Other great Derby Day activities include:
The three-day opening weekend will also include Arlington Heights Community Appreciation Days on Saturday, May 2, when a race will be named for the Arlington Heights community. Park goers from Arlington Heights will receive a discount on admission.
For more information on Arlington Park's opening weekend, visit arlingtonpark.com and arlingtonparklive.com
MORE SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS AT ARLINGTON PARK
MOTHER'S DAY May 10: Tickets and brunch reservations for this annual sell-out event are now on sale. Moms will receive a rose compliments of Arlington Park.
PRAIRIE STATE ART FESTIVAL, June 21: Arlington Park will host the Prairie State Art Festival showcasing 10-15 juried Illinois artisans on Father's Day weekend. The two-day event will feature a juried art competition in which artists will be competing for $5,000 in prize money. Each artist will have one or more items with a special horse or horse racing theme on display.
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF RE-OPENING, June 28: 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Arlington Park concourse in 1989 after the fire in 1985. In its day, and today, the park was architecturally captivating. More than just the horses work fast at Arlington Park. The building was "fast tracked" -- meaning it was built while being designed. The blue prints were just a couple of steps ahead of the builders. Almost all elements of the track were designed to exquisite detail by the Duchossois family. A special day of activities will commemorate the re-opening anniversary on June 28.
INDEPENDENCE FEST, July 3: Four Man Band Performs -- Later Post Time of 4:00 p.m. Always a spectacle at Arlington Park, the track will again host a breath taking fireworks display on the evening of July 3 with a later post time of 4:00 p.m. for the first time ever. Four Man Band will perform from 4--9 p.m.. The tradition of lighting up the Northwest Suburb's skies, with its annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, will take place shortly after the day's end of Thoroughbred racing.
LADIES DAY/FASHION SHOWCASE, July 11: Ladies take center stage at Arlington Park on July 11 both on and off the racecourse. Ladies in attendance will be treated to an afternoon of spa treatments, special giveaways, and an opportunity to sport their fashionable attire. A special fashion showcase will also take place during the race day.
ROCK ART SHOW, August 1-2: Arlington Park will rock the art world with a rare collection of original art, lithographs, photographs, handwritten song lyrics, concert posters, gold records, album art and more from the greatest rock artists of all time.
ARLINGTON MILLION WEEK -- AUGUST 4-8: The popular Arlington Million returns to Arlington Park for the 27th running on Saturday, August 8. The Arlington Million is the most celebratory day of the racing calendar at Arlington Park. The track will again host a week of great activities for the whole family including a draw event in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, August 4. The entire week is a first class display, and will include a draw event in downtown Chicago.
Highlights Include:
ONGOING EVENTS -- Begin Memorial Day Weekend
For more information on Arlington Park, visit www.arlingtonpark.com and www.arlingtonparklive.com
About Arlington Park Arlington Park -- the Chicago area's premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights will run a 98-day meet in 2009 from Friday, May 1 through Sunday, Sept. 27. Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 10 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities -- Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Rockford, Trackside Waukegan, Fat Sam's Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Lucky's featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino's featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad's Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit and Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.
