OK, Mama doesn’t really like The Kentucky Derby all that much, but Mama does enjoy spring and any excuse to get the kids outside. With that in mind, I bring you the Derby edition of Mama Likes, focusing on three little-known Derby-themed activities you can enjoy for little to no money with your entire family.
Spalding University Rat Race
Thursday, April 12
Parade
Where: S. 3rd and 4th Streets between W. Broadway and Kentucky Street
When: 10:30 a.m.
Rat Race & Luncheon
Where: University Center Ballroom, 824 S. 4th Street, Second Floor
When: 11:30 a.m.
Also fondly referred to as the Running of the Rodents, this annual event, created in 1973 by former Spalding University professor Sister Julia Clare Fontaine, is a little-known gem of fun for families who want to get in the Derby spirit. Never heard of the Rat Race? Here’s what to expect: Spalding student organizations, along with faculty and staff, train rats to run and compete in a race along a circular track measuring .024 furlongs and looking suspiciously like a lilliputian Churchill Downs. The rats all have clever names that associate with the race theme of the year and all compete in a series of short races. Local newscasters Dawne Gee and Barry Bernson emcee the event and Churchill Downs bugler Steve Buttleman announces a call to the track. While Rat Race events occur all week for Spalding students, the public is invited to campus on Thursday, April 12 for a parade featuring themed floats, costumes, and candy, as well as the rat races and a $5 lunch. For the 40th anniversary celebration, students selected the theme Viva Rat Vegas. All parade floats, rat names, and general amusement will refer to Las Vegas. Expect a lot of Rat Pack and Wayne Newton references, and a bevy of Elvis impersonators. All “casino” games will be child-friendly, carnival-style booths, such as ring tosses. And my PETA friends should be happy to know that all rats are treated humanely and adopted after the race.
Sandy’s Pet Shop Hamster Derby
Sunday, April 29
Where: 1421 Hess Lane
When: Sign up – Noon, First race – 1 p.m.
No fee to sign up
For the past few years, Sandy’s Pet Shop has hosted the annual Hamster Derby. Participants can bring their pet hamsters and hamster balls, or the store will graciously loan you a ball and even a hamster to race. A straight track runs along the floor of the store and hamsters scurry in their plastic balls down straight lanes delineated by plastic bumpers. Adults and children may enter the friendly competition and the grand prize winner will walk away with a deluxe critter trail, courtesy of Sandy’s. Approximately 24-30 hamsters compete in several heats throughout the afternoon. Sandy is open-minded. She has even allowed gerbils to race. If you sign up early enough, you might enjoy seeing your pet race in a Cinderella carriage, a motorcycle or a race car – all with hamster balls built into them. All entrants walk away winners, with small animal treats and toys.
Little Sisters of the Poor Turtle Derby and Chicken Dinner
Sunday, April 29
Where: 15 Audubon Plaza Drive, behind Audubon Hospital
When: Noon – 6 p.m.
The Little Sisters of the Poor charity has been racing turtles for 20 years in what they call “the slowest two minutes in sports” you’ll ever witness. Located behind Audubon Hospital, the charity event features turtles on loan from Sandy’s Pet Shop and sponsored by local businesses. The dinner prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children. If you can break away from the turtles, you might also enjoy carnival activities such as music, a cake wheel, and raffles.
– Amy Miller
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