The weeks before Derby are a BIG DEAL in Louisville. It is pronounced "Luh-vull" for those who are not from around these here parts. There are literally daily activities for a month prior, and everyone uses the opportunity to get outside and celebrate spring (read: skip work). There are hot air balloon races, an air show, a big parade, riverboat races, you name it. The kids even get out of school on the Friday before Derby for "Oaks Day" - this is when the fillies race. A filly is a girl horse. Mainly locals and really cool people go to Oaks. Cool people who know other cool people that get them tickets. But I digress.
The big kick-off is Thunder Over Louisville, which is a gigantic fireworks display over the Ohio River that is advertised as the largest fireworks event that takes place in the U.S. (Can that be correct?) We haven't gone during the 3.5 yrs we've lived here, because a) you pretty much have to camp out to get a good spot, b) it takes like 5 hrs to get home afterwards in the traffic, and c) oh yes, I'm too old and cranky to be patient for that kind of thing! Light me up some sparklers, black snakes and fountains in the back yard and we'll just call it a day, allright? Can't take the country out of the girl...
One of the best activities is the Chow Wagon. This would be tents and vendors set up near the waterfront of the Ohio River, and is glorified fair food with a performance stage and some cheesy little stores selling Derby knick knacks. It is the perfect opportunity to skip work. So off we went - 4 coworkers and 2 infants in strollers, just out to enjoy the day. Actually, DeShawn looked like he had a harem. Which might explain why he ran away from us once he escorted us to the Chow Wagon. Or perhaps he just got lost on the hunt for his elusive $11 turkey leg. Our feelings were hurt, but we soothed ourselves with hot apple dumplings, corn dogs, and bloomin' onions.
Have you ever seen someone so excited about a darn batter-fried vegetable? My coworker Katherine is a riot. And a darn fine case manager!
I can't make fun of her excitement, as I basically jumped up and down and clapped with joy when I saw someone's apple dumpling, and then determined to make it mine!
Monique and Arial look like ladies here. Don't be fooled. Ms. M can take out a corn dog like nobody's business!
This is how Hania spent most of her time at the Chow Wagon. I think we all felt about this tired on the way home from all of the junk we ate.
After the Chow Wagon they were both ready to play. Check out Hania's daisy dukes and Arial's blingy belt. They can't believe they didn't get junk food!
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