Talk Derby to Me

Enjoy watching the most exciting two minutes in sports with your friends in the spectacular setting of Sea Island’s Retreat Clubhouse at Frederica Academy’s 18th annual Derby Day. Saturday, May 4 marks one of the most highly anticipated spring events in the Golden Isles, and if you’ve ever attended, you know why this is a party not to be missed! This year’s Co-Chairs, Jenny and Paul Thompson and Elizabeth and Zach Powell are hard at work with school staff, students, and volunteers to pull off another amazing event. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and you’re in for a real treat! For those of you who haven’t joined this annual celebration of the Run for the Roses, we encourage you to get your tickets and thought we’d provide you with some “insider” tips.

Ladies, start planning your attire now. Whether to match the hat to the dress or the dress to the hat? Should it adorn a fancy updo or simply top a sleek ponytail? From snazzy spectators to fabulous fascinators, you’ll want your chapeau to shine! The Derby Day hat parade is no joke, and there are some fierce competitors just waiting to show their stuff! And, gents, don’t think you’re exempt. Get spiffy in your seersucker or sport some equestrian inspired flair. Part of what makes this evening fun is seeing how traditional Derby Day fashion is brought to life in the Golden Isles.

Come hungry, because you’ll be treated to a wide array of delicious Southern fare prepared by the Sea Island chefs ranging from sliders to a shrimp and grits bar to decadent desserts. The mint juleps will be flowing, and there’s a well-stocked bar with the requisite fine bourbon called for by the occasion as well as many other choices to slake your thirst. Drop by the betting window and choose the horse and jockey you think will be strutting their silks in the winner’s circle. While the “piece de resistance” is the simulcast of the running of the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, the fun doesn’t stop there! Beloved local party band Mason Waters and the Groove Allstars will set the tone when you arrive and will get you on the dance floor after the race and auction are concluded. When the last strains of the music fade away, you’ll be left wondering where the time went and won’t want the night to end.

Take your time to walk around and see all of the silent auction offerings. There are always

wonderful creations from students and class projects, as well as art, jewelry, and so many other treasures. There really is something for everyone – from sports fans to music and movie buffs to food and wine connoisseurs – and ample opportunities to bid. Also don’t miss your chance to win a Yamaha Golf Cart from XL Carts by purchasing your raffle tickets (1 for $50 or 5 for $200). Following the race, the exciting live auction takes place. Past year’s auction items have included amazing vacation packages, concert experiences, and even furry companions! The bidding is lively and everyone always has a fun time, whether or not they walk away with their coveted items. The real winners here are always the students of Frederica Academy, because funding from Derby Day proceeds is critical to the success of the school and its ability to provide an outstanding college-preparatory education to its students.

Tickets for Derby Day are $125 per personal and include all food and beverages. The generous support you provide by becoming a Derby Day sponsor, attending the event, purchasing raffle tickets, and bidding on a wide array of silent and live auction items helps the school to continue serving students as the premier independent school between Jacksonville and Savannah. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit fredericaacademy.org/support-fa/derby-day, or contact Brad Hutcherson at bradhutcherson@fredericaacademy.org. Not only is this an excellent opportunity for our community to support Frederica Academy while having fun with friends, it’s a wonderful way for new residents and families to be introduced to Frederica Academy and our local community.