Rocky Mount Derby Day

Rocky Mount Derby Day A Derby Day tradition in Rocky Mount, Virginia celebrating classic racing culture, spring style, and community connection each year.

In the early days, the Derby wasn't just a race; it was a high-society picnic. Founder Meriwether Clark knew that to mak...
04/19/2026

In the early days, the Derby wasn't just a race; it was a high-society picnic. Founder Meriwether Clark knew that to make the event a success, he needed the support of the most fashionable women in town. He went door-to-door, inviting them to wear their finest attire. By the 1920s, the Derby became THE place to see and be seen. Today, the Big Hat is more than just an accessory—it’s a work of art and a nod to the elegance of the past.

Rocky Mount Derby Day, sponsored by Angie McGhee, Franklin County Real Estate will celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a community that knows how to enjoy the Run for the Roses.

Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com .

Show of hands: Who has already picked out their hat for this year?

Some of these names made history. Others made it to the toy shelf.Take a shot and call them out in the comments. Which o...
04/18/2026

Some of these names made history. Others made it to the toy shelf.

Take a shot and call them out in the comments. Which ones ran for the roses and which ones belong in a toy aisle?

No Googling. Trust your gut.

Tag a friend and see who knows their Derby winners.

Rocky Mount Derby Day, sponsored by Angie McGhee, Franklin County Real Estate, will celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a community that knows how to enjoy the Run for the Roses.

Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com .

How many did you get right?

Bred in California for a modest fee, California Chrome became a fan favorite.His underdog story captured national attent...
04/17/2026

Bred in California for a modest fee, California Chrome became a fan favorite.
His underdog story captured national attention.

Rocky Mount Derby Day brings together the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a crowd ready for the Run for the Roses. This event is made possible through the support of Angie McGhee, Franklin County Real Estate.

Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.xom

Who do you love more, the favorite or the underdog?

The Mint Julep has been part of Derby Day for generations.Crushed ice, fresh mint, sugar, and bourbon come together in a...
04/16/2026

The Mint Julep has been part of Derby Day for generations.

Crushed ice, fresh mint, sugar, and bourbon come together in a drink built for warm spring afternoons. It is simple, but every detail matters.

More than 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs each Derby weekend.

Rocky Mount Derby Day will celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a community that knows how to enjoy the Run for the Roses. This event is possible through the generous support of Angie McGhee, Franklin County Real Estate.

Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com .

Are you ordering a Mint Julep or reaching for something else?

War Admiral, son of Man o’ War, claimed the Derby before facing Seabiscuit in a legendary match race.Join us at The Hist...
04/16/2026

War Admiral, son of Man o’ War, claimed the Derby before facing Seabiscuit in a legendary match race.

Join us at The Historic Early Inn on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm and enjoy a spread designed to keep the day moving. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, rich flavors, and plenty to share as you move between music, conversation, and the excitement of the race.

Live music, dancing, and a full broadcast of the Kentucky Derby bring the lawn to life. Add a bourbon in hand and the experience comes together. This event made possible by the generous contribution of Angie McGhee, Franklin County Real Estate.

Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com .

Which historic matchup would you want to see in person?

Citation became the first horse to earn over $1 million in career winnings.He dominated his era and set a new financial ...
04/13/2026

Citation became the first horse to earn over $1 million in career winnings.

He dominated his era and set a new financial standard for the sport.

Rocky Mount Derby Day brings together the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a crowd ready for the Run for the Roses. Tickets are available at DerbyDayTix.com.

Which era of racing would you most want to witness live?

Why is it called the "Run for the Roses"?It all started in 1896 when winner Ben Brush was gifted a floral arrangement of...
04/12/2026

Why is it called the "Run for the Roses"?

It all started in 1896 when winner Ben Brush was gifted a floral arrangement of pink and white roses. By 1904, the red rose was named the official flower of the Derby. Today, the winner is draped in a spectacular garland made of more than 500 roses, weighing about 40 pounds! It’s a tradition of beauty and triumph that has lasted over a century.

Rocky Mount Derby Day will celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a community that knows how to enjoy the Run for the Roses. Get your tickets at www.DerbyDayTix.com.

What’s your favorite Derby tradition? The roses, the horses, or the fashion? Let us know!

Great food sets the foundation for a great Derby Day.Join us at The Historic Early Inn on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 to 9...
04/11/2026

Great food sets the foundation for a great Derby Day.

Join us at The Historic Early Inn on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm and enjoy a spread designed to keep the day moving. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, rich flavors, and plenty to share as you move between music, conversation, and the excitement of the race.

Live music, dancing, and a full broadcast of the Kentucky Derby bring the lawn to life.

Add a bourbon in hand and a cigar under the open sky, and the experience comes together.

Arrive ready to be seen. The Best Dressed and Best Hat contests will highlight the style and personality that define Derby Day.

This is a ticketed event and space is limited. Secure your spot and join us for an afternoon that delivers from start to finish. Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com.

Justify never raced at age two, then went on to win the Derby and sweep the Triple Crown.He retired undefeated after six...
04/10/2026

Justify never raced at age two, then went on to win the Derby and sweep the Triple Crown.

He retired undefeated after six races.

Join us for Rocky Mount Derby Day as we celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Big hats, bold colors, great music, and a lively crowd await. Reserve your spot at www.DerbyDayTix.com.

Is an undefeated champion more impressive than a long career legend?

In 1992, Julie Krone became the first woman in over two decades to ride in the Kentucky Derby, breaking through at a tim...
04/09/2026

In 1992, Julie Krone became the first woman in over two decades to ride in the Kentucky Derby, breaking through at a time when opportunities for women in racing were still rare. She returned again in 1995, proving she belonged on the sport’s biggest stage.

Krone built one of the most accomplished careers in racing history, becoming the first woman to win a Triple Crown race and earning induction into the Hall of Fame. Her grit and skill set a new standard and pushed the sport forward.

This Derby season, we raise a glass to the women who helped shape the sport and the traditions that make Derby Day special.

Rocky Mount Derby Day will celebrate the history, style, and spirit of the Derby. Expect big hats, bold colors, great music, and a community that knows how to enjoy the Run for the Roses. Tickets are available at www.DerbyDayTix.com.

Who are you cheering for this Derby season?

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50 Floyd Avenue
Rocky Mount, VA
24151

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