NEW ORLEANS – While the world's greatest jockeys and horses run the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” on Saturday, May 7, 2016, local celebrants won't have to travel the 705 miles from New Orleans to Kentucky to take part in the festivities.
Starting at 1:00 p.m., Fulton Street in downtown New Orleans will be abuzz with an interactive festival, the city's newest.
The 2nd annual Derby on Fulton will feature live music and local food, and a portion of the sales will benefit Ride of the Brotherhood, a locally based non-profit that serves the needs of veterans.
“We are happy to support the Derby on Fulton again this year, especially in light of the local horse owners, GMB Racing, being in contention in at the Derby,” said Tim Bryant, President Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots and Fair Grounds OTB and Casinos. “The Kentucky Derby® is iconic, Fulton Street is a cultural hotbed and Ride of the Brotherhood is an extremely worthy cause for support.”
“This event is a dream team of local businesses and entertainers,” said Ray Sutherlin, who handles promotions for the event. “Harrah's, Manning's, Apres Lounge, Fulton Alley, Ernst Café, and the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots have once again collaborated to bring great entertainment for an iconic event and a good cause. There is too much history between New Orleans and the Kentucky Derby for it not be embraced and celebrated, especially this year with Tom Benson owning two of the participating horses.”
“Having Churchill Downs and the Fairgrounds Race Course and Slots endorse the event is giving it the utmost credibility, we are honored at being their partner!” said Sutherlin.
“New Orleanians and visitors are gravitating to Fulton Street as one of the best outdoor venues in the city,” said Shane Songy, owner of Apres Lounge. “Fulton Street is becoming one of the Crescent City's most thriving entertainment districts. With Tom Benson having two horses in the Kentucky Derby, it gives this year's event even more momentum. We will be cheering for his horses in number!”
Each venue will have several viewing options.
“Fulton Street is an extraordinary venue,” said Kristin Westberg, vice president of marketing for Harrah's. “A pedestrian mall surrounded by diverse and booming businesses, it's a great location to celebrate the Kentucky Derby right here in New Orleans.”
“New Orleanians and visitors to our city don't just want to have fun,” said Jim Bessleman, owner of Ernst Café. “They want to make a difference, too. Partnering with Ride of the Brotherhood is a great opportunity for everyone involved – to support America's veterans, to have a blast, and to enjoy the Derby.”
