An Oaks Kind of Day

The excitement in Louisville has been amazing to witness. The energy around the city, among coworkers, random passerby's.....really everyone seems to be abuzz about Derby and all of the pre-celebration activities and festivities leading up to the races.

Living in Louisville, we learned that the locals prefer to go to Oaks instead of Derby. Oaks has been deemed a 'premier event'  in Kentucky.... and is on Friday, the day before the Derby race....and for many it's considered a Holiday. For many, the day is given off and children are off school. Everything in me thinks the excitement is crazy.....but after spending a day at Oaks...the magic is obvious.

Surrounded by over 115,000 people (today was the 2nd highest attended Oaks in history), the magic of a race track comes alive. What is truly beautiful is every one's commitment to tradition. After all, there is much tradition to be celebrated since the 1st Kentucky Oaks race on May 19, 1875!

• Pink...pink..pink everywhere supporting Cancer Survivors
• Lillies (both flowers and the traditional Oaks drink...YUM) 
• Hats & Fascinators of all sizes
• Gentleman wearing bow ties
• Seersucker suits

So...what's it all about anyway? The horses of course. The day is called Oaks, but the Oaks race is later in the day and lasts all of about a 1.5 miles and just shy of 2 minutes. Today, it was the 11th race and started around 5:45pm. It always features the best 3 year old Thoroughbred fillies from all around the world. 

Today reminded me of my love for tradition. I often think of tradition around holidays...but we often have many other traditions everyday and every season. What are some of your favorite traditions outside of the 'traditional' holidays?