What do you do for the Derby?

[largo1]

Long ago, I tried,, a few times, to have a Derby party. I would invite some of my horse riding friends, but it didn't work because they were not really racing fans. I would end up going ballistic and yelling at everyone to "Shut the eff up or get the eff outta here. Or BOTH!". So after that,(FYI... I did eventually get new friends) I just stayed home by myself so I could watch and hear everything and not have to strangle someone. But NOW, I really have a good deal going. I have these great friends, Tonya and her husband Chris, who are huge sports fans. They are always glued to the TV watching whatever sport is on. Gradually, over the years, I have gotten them interested in racing. Now they are all into it, watching all the preps, tivo-ing races for me, etc. So for the past few years, and this year included, we have a standing date on the first Sat. in May. We all take off work that weekend and get together at their house. We wear stupid hats, drink Mint Juleps(among many other beverages), bring a bunch of food and Chris grills out half the day. Last year he grilled whole teriyaki chickens and got cheese and veggie trays from the local deli. Basically, we just drink and eat our heads off all weekend. And no one talks during the race!! It is an AWESOME, laidback time!