The Kentucky Society of Washington

Upcoming Events

The 24rd Annual Pre-Derby Party

Collingwood Estate
Alexandria, VA
Saturday, April 30, 2005

It’s time to prepare for our 24th Annual Pre-Derby Party on April 30, 2005 (the Saturday before the Derby) from 1:00 to 5:00PM at Collingwood Estate in Alexandria, Virginia!!!

Any Kentucky Society member may choose to be an Owner (16 tickets to the event); a Jockey (8 tickets) or a Trainer (4 tickets). Only Kentucky Society Members who have paid their 2005 dues may purchase tickets to the party. Only 1000 tickets will be available for the 2005 Pre-Derby Party. Please plan ahead to ensure that you get tickets. They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. As you know, the income, labor and food to support the party comes mainly from the Owners, Jockeys and Trainers. If you plan to purchase tickets for the party, you need to plan to help out with party planning, set up or clean up, food support, or implementation of the event. Success of the event depends on the work of ALL of those who buy tickets.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

To download the order form, click here.

The Bluegrass Ball
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, D.C.
January 18, 2005

The Bluegrass Ball is an opportunity to celebrate "All Things Kentucky" as we inaugurate the President of the United states. It is a black-tie gala, featuring a reception, dinner and dancing. The first Bluegrass Ball was held in 1949 to honor Vice President Alben Barkley.

The Biennal Henry Clay Distinguished Kentuckian Awards Dinner

Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
September 14, 2004
The Society recognizes the important contributions of nationally prominent Kentuckians through the biennial presentation of the Henry Clay Distinguished Kentuckian Award. Proceeds from the Clay Award Dinner fund scholarships for outstanding Kentucky college students as summer interns in Washington in one of the three branches of the federal government.

An Evening with University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Coach Tubby Smith

University Club
Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004

The 23rd Annual Pre-Derby Party

Collingwood Estate
Alexandria, VA
Saturday, April 24, 2004

The 23rd Annual Pre-Derby Party the Saturday before the Derby was enjoyed by all. It was held at Collingwood Estate in Alexandria, Virginia.

Annual Summer Outing

Market Square North

401 9th Street NW
Washington DC
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, 5:30-8 PM

Come join the Kentucky Society as we say goodbye to summer with fun and fellowship. Courtesy of our hosts, law firm Adams & Reese, this year’s outing will be held on the rooftop of the Market Square North building in downtown’s Penn Quarter, with sweeping views of the Mall and Monuments. The Outing also serves as the Society’s annual Membership Meeting, which will begin at 7 pm.

The Henry Clay Distinguished Kentuckian Award Dinner
Willard Intercontinental Hotel
Washington, D.C.
September 18, 2002

This biennial award is presented to a noted Kentuckian whose career and pursuits have brought honor to the Commonwealth. At least a portion of the accomplishments of the honoree must have been made while a resident of the National Capital region.

2002 honoree: NPR's Bob Edwards (Bob is a Louisville native and a graduate of the University of Louisville. He has been the host of NPR's Morning Edition since its premier in 1979.)

2000 honoree: Helen Thomas, Senior White House correspondent for United Press International.

The 21st Annual Pre-Derby Party
Collingwood Estate
Alexandria, VA
Saturday, April 27, 2002

Every year, Society members and guests gather on the Saturday before the Kentucky Derby to wear their favorite Derby attire, drink mint juleps, have some burgoo and cornbread, and listen to Bluegrass music. It's a traditional southern lawn party enjoyed by Kentuckians from both far and near. In recent years, nearly 1200 guests have celebrated the start of Derby Week with us, and the event has received national recognition with a feature article in USA Today.