HOT SPRINGS -- The Arkansas Derby is not just a horse race. It's a day of tradition. Misty rain and gray skies on April 16 didn't dampen spirits or the festive atmosphere at Oaklawn Park.
Despite the drizzly precipitation, many followed the fine tradition of dressing up. Women wore beautifully embellished wide-brimmed hats or fascinators while some of the fashion-conscious men wore bow ties, and seersucker or madras plaid suits.
Members of the Jockey Club, the best-dressed crowd and certainly the most elaborately hatted, perched five stories above the track as they watched the day's races. Between races, they enjoyed music by a string band and a mariachi band as well as trips to a buffet with an array of choices such as crab claws, tuna bites, fish filets in lobster sauce, roast beef and, of course, the track's famous corned beef sliced to order.
Outside, a line of tents belonging to varied businesses lined a section of the track's infield. Their guests enjoyed lunch and entertainment, coming out to cheer their favorite horse at each race.
On the expansive infield, a crowd of college students and young families lounged and visited. Entertainment for the kiddos included a petting zoo, face painting and bounce house.
Almost 65,000 attended the last day of the Festival of the South, which is also the last day of live thoroughbred racing at the park.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 04/24/2016