At Deupree House, we know that living well isn’t just about regular exercise or good nutrition. Activities, volunteering and social engagements are an import aspect of enriched retirement living. Many older adults often move into independent living communities to take advantage of the leisure and social opportunities these communities offer.

With the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, you have plenty of opportunities for social gatherings. Get in on the festivities by creating a Derby Party worthy of the Churchill Downs right in your own retirement community.

The professional staff at Deupree helps make our private parties and special events sensational with elegant décor and top-notch catering services. They have a few suggestions to help you put together a Derby Day event that will be the talk of your retirement community.

Get Everyone in on the Action!

Take the festivities out onto the lawn of your retirement community for a game of horseshoes that will bring people together.

Here’s the Kentucky Derby’s official Point System for those of you who need a refresher:

• 1 Point— The nearest horseshoe to the stake within 6 inches 
• 2 Points— If both of one player's horseshoes are closer than the opponent's or a leaner, the case where a horseshoe literally leans on the stake.
• 3 Points— A ringer! (If each player throws a ringer, the ringers cancel and no points are scored)

Most games are played to 21, and the winner must be ahead by two points.

A Classy Cocktail Bar is Always a Winner

Food and drink bring people together.

Help foster community spirit and make your Derby party a success with a well-stocked bar where residents and their guests can mingle as they mix-up personalized concoctions. You can easily set up a bar area in a private dining room or common areas, or events center. All you need is a table, glasses and a good selection of spirits and mixers (make sure you include options like seltzer and diet tonic water so that residents with dietary restrictions can enjoy a drink too).After all, who doesn’t love a good cocktail?

At Deupree, the pre-dinner cocktail hour is a highlight of every evening in our retirement community. Our dedicated cocktail bar in the club room  provides a variety of classic spirits and mixers. Our residents regularly gather together to enjoy a good drink as they chat with friends and catch up on all the latest news before heading in to enjoy a meal prepared by our Executive Chef and his team.

To get people talking, concoct a signature drink that stands out.

Why not go with a traditional Churchill Downs beverage for your signature Derby Party cocktail? The Early Times Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for more than 18 years.

Early Times Mint Julep

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Early Times Kentucky Whisky
• Silver Julep Cups

Directions

Boil the sugar and water together for five minutes to create a simple syrup.
Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

Mix your drinks by filling a julep cup with crushed ice then adding a tablespoon of mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Plan on each guest having about three cocktails in addition to other beverages like wine or sparkling water, so make sure there’s enough to go around.

Add a menu of healthy finger foods and your retirement community is in for a stellar event.