Wilmingtonians catch Kentucky Derby fever

Kentucky Derby parties go along with the race. City Hall in Wilmington served as the backdrop Saturday afternoon for a party to benefit the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society.

There were plenty of mint juleps, derby food, hats and bow ties. Apparently Wilmington knows a thing or two about the Kentucky Derby.

“We see this as a springboard for many more run for the roses that the society would host. We think this is a good way to raise money for the society to support our programs while we offer folks a way to have a good time,” said Dee Eicher of the Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear.

There was a beautiful bonnet and bodacious bow tie contest Saturday night at City Hall, which may have ended up being a closer race than the Kentucky Derby run for the roses.

Mine That Bird pulled off an upset in the derby. The 3-year-old colt dug up a miracle, stunning the field to win the Kentucky Derby with a dynamic stretch run through the mud at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Calvin Borel found room down the stretch to pull away from the pack.

It gave the 50-to-1 long shot the biggest upset in the 135-year history of the race.

It was the second derby victory for Borel in three years.