Friday, May 3, 2013

Kentucky Derby Traditions - Crafting the Rose Garland


~ Click on collage to enlarge ~

This Derby Eve I braved the crowds at our local Kroger's supermarket in Middletown to get these photos of the florists crafting the spectacular Garland of Roses which will be placed on the thoroughbred winner of the 139th Kentucky Derby.  It's a tradition for a local Kroger's to craft the garland and people are invited to come and watch.  After the garland is complete it is displayed at the store, along with the Official Kentucky Derby Trophy, until early Saturday morning when it goes to Churchill Downs, ready for the Winner's Circle Ceremonies.

The Garland of Roses is crafted according to tradition from about 400 Freedom Roses (named in honor of those who perished on 9.11).  Each rose is placed in its own water vial and then handsewn into a bed of greenery.  The garland crown includes a special rose for every horse in the Derby.  Here are a few other photos from tonight:

Display of the Garland and Winner's Trophy

Closeup of garland greenery and roses

Roses ready for water vials

Jockey silks banners throughout the store

Tired florists working since 4p - notice the bracelet

Garland Crown with rose for each horse racing

Winner's Trophy

And finally, Derby Pie from Kern's Bakery!  Fudgey chocolate and nuts, oh my!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this little behind the scenes account of one great Derby tradition.  When you see the Galrland of Roses tomorrow in the Winner's Circle you can tell your friends you know how this beauty was made!   

Linking for May 6: Macro Monday and Mosaic Monday . 



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19 comments:

  1. Brian KingMay 4, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    Wow! That's very cool! I had no idea how it was made. Definitely beautiful!

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  2. Grandma Barb's This and ThatMay 4, 2013 at 12:39 AM

    The garland is beautiful! Thanks for showing us the behind the scenes photos.

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  3. Stewart MMay 4, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    I have to say the pie looks shockingly good! Do they do mail order??

    Stewart M - Melbourne

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  4. TexWisGirlMay 4, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    that is really neat. thanks for sharing this bit of 'behind the scenes' reporting from louisville!

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  5. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)May 4, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    Wonderful information - I had no clue about the roses - actually I have no clue about anything about the derby except that horses run very fast and everyone yells a lot. Lovely photos. I love the local traditions of different areas.

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  6. UnknownMay 4, 2013 at 11:46 AM

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  7. UnknownMay 4, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    Leave it to Fadie to come up with a unique angle for today's festivities! All hail your on-the-spot reportage. I'll look for Orb to be wearing the garland today; but I'm not overly confident about this pick with such a crowded (as usual) field

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  8. UnknownMay 4, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Jo's WorldMay 4, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    Tex-Wis Girl shared this interesting blog with me today. We were talking about the Derby and someone was televised (NBC) while working on the wreath.

    I love any sporting event that is over in a few minutes. Beginning, Middle and End, just like that. So horseracing fills the bill!

    Cheers,

    Jo in Minnesota

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  10. carol l mckennaMay 5, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    Great photos and what an exciting event ~ ^_^

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  11. eileeninmdMay 5, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    The roses are beautiful. Everything about the Derby is exciting. Very cool, thanks for sharing. Wonderful photos, have a happy week!

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  12. Judith @ Lavender CottageMay 5, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    So much goes on behind the scenes to make events a success. I had no idea of all the preparations.

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  13. Jemma@athomewithjemmaMay 6, 2013 at 12:28 AM

    What an informative and intriguing post!
    Garland is gorgeous!
    Visiting from Little Red House-
    jemma

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  14. LolaMay 6, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    What a great event!

    Great post!

    Visiting from Macro Monday - here’s mine!

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  15. KarenMay 6, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    A really great look at behind the scene!

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  16. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!May 6, 2013 at 12:45 PM

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  17. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!May 6, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    Good Afternoon Faye, I have heard of the Kentucky Derby, but I have never seen it, so it was fascinating to see the preparations behind the scenes. The rose garland is fabulous and such a work of art.
    I am going to show Sadie, my mother-in-law these pictures as she loves racing and I know she will love them.
    I have had fun visiting you and I have become your 100th follower.... how exciting.
    I would like to invite you to visit me at Ivy, Phyllis and Me! you will be so welcome.
    Best Wishes from England,
    Daphne

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  18. UnknownMay 6, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Gorgeous roses! That's a lot of work, but the result is beautiful.

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  19. Gardening in a SandboxMay 6, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    That was a gorgeous garland. Too bad it rained all that day of the race. Valerie

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