The 2011 Derby Day Gala – was the best yet!
April 4, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Derby Day Gala, Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
The 3rd Annual Derby Day Gala was held Sat. May 7, 2011, the same day as the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. And what a day it was to celebrate this southern tradition in true Derby fashion. We saw seersucker suits, big hats, mint juleps, traditional Kentucky Derby fare, friendly wagering and had a blast dancing to the live entertainment provided by Project 4. Plus the added benefit of the most gorgeous view of the Roanoke Valley. The Derby Day Gala has now officially become one of Roanoke’s social events of the year!
Mark your calendar for the 2012 Derby Day Gala – Saturday May 5, 2012.
See photos of the 2011 Derby Day Gala!
2nd Annual Derby Day Gala – a huge success!
May 3, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
It was a beautiful day on Saturday, May 1 at Rockledge for the 2nd Annual Derby Day Gala fundraiser. It was a little warm until the sun set, so all those big hats and cool seer sucker suite came in 
handy! The food was great, the beverages refreshing, and Hoppie Vaughn and the Pace Brothers sounded terrific. Nearly 150 “good looking” people attended and enjoyed the Kentucky Derby and the view from Mill Mountain – while supporting the Festival in the Park Scholarship for the Arts.
See photos from the 2010 Derby Day Gala.
Be sure to RSVP for Derby Day limited space available
April 13, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
We are almost two weeks away from the 2nd Annual Derby Day Gala at Rockledge. Last year’s inaugural event was a fabulous way to start the summer; great food, gorgeous hats, Kentucky Derby horse races and of course raising money for a wonderful cause – the Festival in the Park’s Arts Scholarship Program. You definitely do not want to miss this year’s event. Be sure to RSVP soon before this event sells out, as space is limited. Event begins at 4:00pm- 9:30pm. Complimentary valet.
Contact Debbie McClure at dmcclure@rev.net or call (540)-580-2526 to make your reservations.
Food is just one of the stars of Derby Day Gala!
April 9, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
There’s a lot of elements that made last year’s inaugural Derby Day Gala fundraiser such a huge success. The breathtaking view from Mill Mountain, the elegance of the Rockledge home, the graciousness of our event hosts, the enthusiasm of the Derby Day Gala committee members, the great looking people in their Derby attire, the fine wine, the mint juleps, and even the Kentucky Derby itself. But certainly one of the big attractions of the event was the food prepared by the chefs and students of the Virginia Western School of Culinary Arts. Not only was the menu absolutely delicious, beautiful in presentation and plentiful – but the Culinary Arts students were so enthusiastic and enjoyable – they became a big hit themselves.
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
The menu for this year’s Derby Day Gala, on May 1, 2010, has been tweaked to add even more classic Derby culinary treats. It will feature action stations with carved turkey hot browns, shrimp & grits, strip lion with Henry Bains sauce. Also expect pork lion on sweet potato biscuits, grilled vegetables, Rumaki-scallops wrapped in bacon, Italian sausage dip, Kentucky Burgoo to name just a few. Of course no Derby Day Gala would be complete without Kentucky Derby pie and other sweet treats!
Invitations have been mailed to last year’s guests. We’ve had overwhelming response and the buzz has started. Capacity to the Derby Day Gala is limited, but if you are interested in joining us I bet we can find room – and some food! The Derby Day Gala is a fund raising event for Festival in the Park and it’s Scholarship for the Arts Program. Your tax deductible contribution of $100.00 per person guarantees you a great experience and a few keep sakes. Event begins at 4:00pm- 9:30pm. Oh yea, we understand that Derby hat sales at Roanoke Valley retailers is already brisk – so we suggest you get started on your attire ASAP! See this web site for Derby Hat ideas and tips.
Email Debbie McClure or call (540) 580-2526 for more information.
See photos from the 2009 Derby Day Gala!
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
Photo Courtesy of Rod Dixon
2nd Annual Derby Day Gala at Rockledge
March 13, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Our Events, Scholarship for the Arts
The “Run for the Roses” Derby Day Gala, on May 1, 2010, is not only a great reason to break out the gala hat or your seersucker suit (or buy a new one) but it is also a benefit for a worthy cause. Proceeds benefit Festival in the Park and its Scholarship for the Arts program. Doctors Nancy and Kevin Dye open their beautiful home, Rockledge, to host this
Our Derby winner with the view of downtown Roanoke behind
event each year. Built in the 1900s, Rockledge enjoys a rich history and sits just below the Mill Mountain Star. During the Gala, all guests are encouraged to enjoy the grounds and make themselves at home at Rockledge. Of course there’s the awe inspiring view, especially at sunset. Last year’s 1st annual event was a great success and we expect this year’s to be even better.
Winners of the "Best Derby Attire" Award
May 1, 2010 is Kentucky Derby Day, and in Roanoke VA, its also the Derby Day Gala. Invitations will be mailed to charter attendees from the inaugural year. Attendance capacity is limited but if you’d like to attend this year there may still availability. Email Debbie for information and tell her you’d like to join the fun, enjoy the great food, mint juleps and all the festivities. This promises to be a winning ticket!
See more photos from the 2009 Derby Day Gala
