Kindergarteners Take On The Derby
By Saniya Ghanoui — 05/06/11
The Kentucky Derby is a race for 3-year olds. But this year the contenders are a couple years older…in the Kindergarten Derby.
Every year, a couple days before the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Collegiate School gives 5-year old students an opportunity to participate in their own version of the Derby.
This year’s theme called “Decades” was chosen to celebrate the Kentucky Derby’s Golden Jubilee. The day before the grown-ups Derby, the young students who are aged 4 to 9 dress up as their favorite character from past decades to walk in the Kindergarten parade.
The school’s Communications Director, Elizabeth Post, attended Louisville Collegiate School and has helped with the race for years. “It’s the children that bring everyone here. Their continued enthusiasm has made this event such a tradition for the community. Many parents here also ran in the Derby when they were kids so the tradition is strong.”
In the weeks leading up to the Kindergarten Derby, the children decorate their horses that are made out of foam or wood.