Barbara Hendel: A day at the races leads to much merriment
May 16—MAY DAY, the kickoff to spring, was extra special this year since it was also the day of the Kentucky Derby, the 147th running of the roses. Also special was seeing all of the lovely spring fashions at local soirees.
Of course, the southern-style event based in Kentucky is also noted for its mint juleps, which are basically a bourbon snow cone with a spring of mint and some sugar. And the menu isn't complete without fried chicken, the Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced turkey sandwich, a few bourbon balls, Derby chocolate walnut pie, deviled eggs, Kentucky Burgoo, and some cucumber and pimento dips or sandwiches.
MANHATTAN'S Pub 'n Cheer's 10th Derby Party, formerly at 20 North Gallery, was a scene of gorgeous hats and the signature mint julep drink, from the late Peggy Grant's mint julep recipe prepped three days in advance by Manhattan's co-owner Marty Lahey and 20 North owner Eric Hillenbrand, to steep and fully mature the flavor. She received the recipe from Samuel Riddle, owner of the legendary racehorse, Man O' War.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the party was smaller than usual; about 70 people, socially distanced, and masks were worn at all times, unless the patrons were seated.
Revelers watched the race on big screen televisions, fist-pumping and whooping in their chairs.
Notables included Rénee Grabarczyk Williams and Michael Williams and family including her dad, Danny Grabarczyk and her son Derek Schafer. In her floral print dress, gladiator-style lace up stilettos, beautiful hat, and official Kentucky Derby mask, she looked like she belonged on Millionaire's Row at Churchill Downs.
Also making fashion statements were Hurker Jenkins in a dashing vicuna felt fedora and bow tie, Karen Devera in an emerald green fascinator, and Condessa Croninger modeling a 100-year-old vintage riding habit hat with veil, like that worn by Downton's Lady Mary.
Seen were Tom Gearhart, Melissa Napier, Paul Sullivan, Jim and Mary Takacs, Tim and Ruth Mominee, and first timers Darlene McCabe and Rachel Shoemaker.
The event also served as a fund-raiser for the Uptown Association's Neighborhood Cleanup headed by cleanup chairman Linda Bowyer.
For many area country clubs, this was a season opener, a kickoff for members to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine at their private playgrounds with golf, tennis, swimming, and more.
—STONE Oak Country Club's annual derby day celebration is the club's kickoff to the golf season. The day started with shambles and scrambles golf for many, then everyone joined together for cocktails including a keepsake Derby glass, heavy hors d'oeuvres, friendly betting on the race, and a Derby Hat contest. Tennis, aquatics, fine and casual dining, are also on the slate for the season.
Stone Oak Country Club, originally known as Glengarry Country Club, was founded in 1921. It was the home of the first Marathon Classic, under its namesake, the Jamie Farr Classic. For 65 years, Glengarry existed, then it became Stone Oak in 1988 and in 2001, it became membership owned.
—TOLEDO Country Club's annual Spring Gala was a Derby-themed event since it was on the day of the Running for the Roses. It was also extra special since it was the club's first major social event of the season.
Members and guests, donned in spring hats, suits and dresses, enjoyed live betting, specialty cocktails, of course, including the mint julep, and maybe the Oaks race special drink, the The Lily, a cranberry and lemonade concoction. Food stations were filled with derby themed edibles and more to suit everyone's palette.
Established in 1897 along the Maumee River, TCC has withstood two World Wars and the Great Depression, during its 120-year existence. The golf course was originally designed by British Open Champion Willie Park Jr. and later redesigned by Arthur Hills. Club records indicate that in 1899, a golf lesson cost a mere seventy-five cents, while golf clubs were $2.50. The amenities also include aquatics, tennis, fine and casual dining, and more.
—SYLVANIA Country Club's annual Derby Day Golf Outing was followed with a race day party on the clubhouse grounds which included southern style grazing stations, passed mint juleps, music, television monitors for the race and more.
—SCC, a private member-owned club, marked its 100th birthday in 2016. It features golf, tennis, an aquatics center with a zero depth entry pool, and fine and casual dining.
Extra special this year is the club is host to the PING Junior Solheim Cup in September. Modeled after the Solheim Cup, the tournament is a biennial event that features the 12 best female junior golfers (ages 12-18) from the United States against their counterparts from Europe.
First Published May 16, 2021, 6:00am
