I love the Kentucky Derby. Love it, love it, love it. It wasn't always the case.

I attended the University of Louisville for three years and was a member of the marching band. One of the requirements to earn your band scholarship was that you had to march in the Pegasus Parade as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival and you had to be at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, in uniform, capable of playing "My Old Kentucky Home" (and actually playing it) when instructed right before post time.

I complained bitterly about this each year because I didn't want to do it. I wanted to have fun with my friends and have the option of not wearing a hot scratchy wool uniform in 90 degree heat. Or, not being stuck in a muddy infield with temperatures in the 40's with rain pelting down and no shelter. I wanted to be able to cash in my winning tickets after the race instead of running to catch a bus back to the University. My dad (being as wise as he is) told me to be quiet and that there were "plenty of people who would give their right arm" to be in my shoes. I thought to myself that they could keep their arms and switch with me for free.

When I learned to respect the Derby was after graduation when I returned to Louisville as a "civilian". Those were some of the best times I've ever experienced. We'd eat burgoo (also known as road kill stew) at the chuck wagons and munch on elephant ears while listening to great music. We'd watch the "Thunder over Louisville" fireworks show and enjoy the steamboat and hot air balloon races. We'd go to Walgreens to buy Derby glasses inexpensively and not have to drink the slop they call mint juleps at the track to get the same glass. I'll admit to skipping the Pegasus Parade but we'd be sure to go to Churchill Downs on Friday to see the running of the Kentucky Oaks which is one of the other two times (Derby Day and Breeders Cup) the infield at Churchill Downs is open for spectators. The locals all turn out for the Oaks which is basically the Derby for the fillies. Afterwards, we'd go to Chi Chi's for happy hour (it's always happy hour at Chi Chi's for some reason) and get some hot Krispy Kremes or some White Castle sliders. The next day, if the weather was cooperative (which means not too hot, not too cold and not raining), we'd use some student parking at the University and walk to Churchill Downs. It's not the closest parking but it's absolutely free and you avoid the worst of the traffic. We'd bring our own food and drinks but no alcoholic beverages since they aren't allowed and settle in to the infield by the fence. They now have big video screens so you can see more of the race than just a swish of tails and hooves as the horses go by. We'd place our bets for the entire day early in the morning. That generally meant betting on whatever Pat Day was riding in the early races (since he was the jockey with the most wins at Churchill Downs) and betting on anyone except Pat Day and the favorite for the Derby itself.

Even though it's been a few years (well, close to 10) since I last attended a Derby in person, I still love it. My husband and I met on Derby Day. At our wedding, we used Derby glasses for toasting. No matter where we are, we're sure to watch the race or go to a Derby party (even if it means holding our own Derby party).

My top 10 tips regarding Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby:

1. Make hotel reservations as far in advance as possible unless you have firm plans to stay with a local. Many hotels have three or four night minimums. If you're in Louisville, there are plenty of other things to see besides the Derby so staying a few extra nights isn't a bad thing aside from the jacked up prices. Some hotels will allow you to reserve a year in advance. DO IT. Otherwise, you may end up spending the night in Cincinnati. That's a LONG drive and you don't want to do it after a long day in the sun/rain.

2. Don't buy the mint julep swill at the track, even if you want the souvenir glass. It's watered down water with a stalk of limp mint, a bit of sugar and a splash of really cheap bourbon. You can buy the exact same glass at Walgreens for a couple of bucks. While you're there, splurge on a bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon and make your own mint julep when you get home. Or just drink your bourbon straight, with a little bit of water. Smooth.

3. Come back when it isn't Derby Week to enjoy the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs and take a tour of the paddock area. The Museum has just finished a renovation so I haven't been there yet but even before they fixed it up, I'd consider it the best thing to see in Louisville. You're really missing out if you don't see this.

4. If you are going to go into the infield, do not dress up in a suit or in a pretty dress with a big hat. You'll look and feel ridiculous. You'll probably end up ruining your beautiful finery. Dress for comfort in the infield. That means that if it's warm, wear sunscreen! If it's cold, don't wear shorts. Bring a parka. I've been there for 9 hours straight with 40 degree weather. It's miserable. If it's raining, bring a rain poncho. Bring blankets to place on the ground with a tarp for underneath so they don't get wet if it has been muddy or raining. Also, you are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages into the infield with you. Pack a cooler. You'll save a lot of money. They do check everything you bring in (that includes piccolos) for smuggled contraband. The cops know all of the tricks for hiding alcoholic beverages. I do know of one person who managed to bring in a bottle of champagne *in the bottle* but he was the exception. He packed a gigantic barrel full of ice and crab claws. The bottle was in the middle of the barrel. No one wanted to stick their arm into there to look for anything. This person now is on the Louisville police force so don't even think about trying his method.

5. Don't get drunk. You're in the infield a long time. You can really end up in bad shape if you drink too much, too early in the day. Some people say that it's not a successful Derby if you're still sober when the horses hit the track for the big race. I have never had more than one drink on Derby Day at the track, even when I wasn't required to be in "playing" condition. I always felt sorry for those people I saw being dragged off by the police because they couldn't enjoy themselves without drinking. The worst was a woman who stripped herself naked and must have also been using some drugs because the police ended up dragging her away by her hair.

6. If you can find parking elsewhere other than around the track and can walk or bus in, do it. I hate the parking vultures who charge people $20 to park their cars on front lawns. That's just a pet peeve of mine.

7. If you'd like a nice day at Churchill Downs without all of the drunken fools, come out the day before for the Kentucky Oaks. The track is dressed up just as nicely and it's filled with locals. It's a great day out.

8. Place your bets early. You don't want to wait in a huge line and not be able to place your bets because you ran out of time. You can bet on every race all day from the time the windows open. Don't lose your tickets and good luck! There's nothing like having a winning bet on the Kentucky Derby. If you don't want to brave the lines to cash in your winnings, there is a mail redemption offer.

9. If you can't make it to Louisville, you can still have a great time watching the race on television with your friends at a Derby party. You can order programs ahead of time from Churchill Downs and there are dozens of companies who can provide you with official glasses, party wear and decorations for your party. There are recipe sites where you can find out how to make your own burgoo, Derby pie, bourbon balls and mint juleps. There's even a recipe out there for mint julep ice cream that is pretty good.

10. If you are fortunate enough to have grandstand seats, dress to the nines and have a wonderful time. I hope one day to be able to enjoy the Derby from that vantage point and actually see the entire race in person, rather than just a flash of hooves and tails.

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