Carolina Meadows Second Annual Kentucky Derby party surpassed even last year’s smash event. We were able to accomadate over 130 residents – all who wished to were able join in the fun. The ladies were resplendent in their over-the-top hats, the Mint Juleps (organic mint!) were much tastier thanks to the collaboration of Tony Armer and Tabitha, and Thom and the kitchen outdid themselves with great fried chicken, and fixings, including a warm pineapple side dish.

Folks who bet on the favorite, American Pharaoh, outsmarted us self-styled math whizzes, who bet on the horses with higher payoff potential. He did win, and paid off handsomely, since we emptied the till and paid $5 for each winning $1 bet.

We were entertained by the wit and wisdom of Roy Carroll, and the tunes from Clarence Whitefield’s harmonica. But the highlight of the evening (for those of us too clever to bet on the favorite, and not lined up to collect our winnings) was the ladies hat contest – while all were great, the winner was an aromatic chapeau of lilies, sported by Betsy Bowman.

All went home happy, full of good food and drink, and some just a bit more wealthy.