Willie Shoemaker will never live down what he did in the Kentucky Derby in 1957. Leading on Gallant Man, he mistakenly pulled up 110 yards before the finish line and was passed by Iron Liege. Don’t you make a mistake and let the Annual Kentucky Derby Party at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport on Saturday, May 1 at 4PM pass you by this year. Tickets to this annual fundraising event are $65 and may be purchased in-person at the Box Office, by calling 978/462-7336, or online at www.firehouse.org.
Derby Day marks the arrival of spring here in the Port City and the Derby Party is bursting with all the color, sights and sounds of a lovely May day to announce the arrival of the season. Guests may sip their complimentary mint julep while mingling on the Center’s balcony (one of the premiere scenic viewpoints in our town); peruse the items that will be offered up during the auction portion of the event, and place a wager on their favorite Thoroughbred – all while being served delicious hors-d’oeuvres before watching the race on the big screen. As you are enjoying yourself, the judges will be seeking out the most bizarre, the most beautiful and the most creative hats as they judge the hats they deem worthy of meeting their own imitable criteria!
Once a year, the Firehouse Center entertains patrons of the arts on this festive occasion to bring members of the community together to support the beautiful, historic theater. In order to continue to operate as a civic center that hosts major events like the Documentary Film Festival, The Newburyport Literary Festival, and The New Works Festival, all of which have succeeded in putting Newburyport in the spotlight, the Firehouse needs the support of individuals and corporations throughout the North Shore. The Firehouse Center is a genuine source of pride for all of us and as the arts center enters their 20th year, the funds raised at this Derby Party event will help see that the theater continues to operate as a civic resource and as a vital economic boost to the region. Won’t you please join with the generous Signature Sponsors The Susanne Marcus Collins Foundation, Inc., Institution for Savings, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, Not Your Average Joe’s, Mission Oak Grill, Kelly’s True Value Hardware and SPS, Inc. in keeping the arts alive in the North Shore/tri-state region?
Derby Party guest and Firehouse supporter Cyndi Barry said of last year’s event: “There was so much color, so much enthusiasm and so much fun, it didn’t matter if my horse came in third! I also can’t think of a better excuse to wear a beautiful hat.”
It's almost Post Time! So grab your hat, fill your julep cup and head over to the Firehouse for Newburyport's annual rite of spring! It’s a great way to support the Arts in your community and have fun with your friends and neighbors as you toast the season of new beginnings. Your support keeps the arts alive in our community – make no mistake about it.
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