The 2014 73rd Iroquois Steeplechase is Nashville’s Derby!
Were you unable to make it to the Kentucky Derby this year? Don’t fret because every year on the second Saturday in May, Percy Warner Park hosts the 73rd Annual Iroquois Steeplechase race.
This year’s monies raised will be donated to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Every year there is a child ambassador for the hospital on the day of the race. This year 13-year-old Michael Stanley was chosen as host for the day.
Here’s a quick checklist of do’s and don’ts, what to bring, and what to expect the day of the race.
The 2014 Nashville Steeplechase takes place Saturday May 10th with the first race of the day at 1:00pm, gates opening at 8 am. There are 7 total races with approximately 40 minutes between races. General Admission is $15, children under 12 are free.
I recommend that you try to get coveted box seats but they are usually the first to sell out. Another option is the Individual Tailgating wristband for $100.00 or the newly added Tents in Turn where you can get a Directors Tent for $3000.00 and invite 30 of your closest friends to attend and drink all day with you.
Parking requires a permit and is based on what ticket you have to Steeplechase. One option is to purchase VIP parking which allows you to valet. There are complimentary shuttles that will pick you up from Hwy 100 and shuttle you to the race if you have a wristband. Note: Old Hickory Blvd will be closed to traffic between Vaughn Road and Gravel Road for the entire day.
You must carry identification. The park holds a very strict no underage drinking rule for the race so expect to be carded.
Other items to bring include: folding chairs with shoulder strap, bottled water, beer in plastic bottles or cans, wine in plastic jugs, plastic cups, extra trash bags, picnic basket, battery operated hand fans, and an extra pair of shoes in case your first pair gets muddied.
No kegs, no glass containers of any kind, no drinking games, tents or umbrellas other than those reserved through The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, grills, ATV’s or four wheelers, and dogs unless they are on a leash. Signage is not permitted unless it is authorized by the Steeplechase office.
What to wear:
Ladies – sundresses will be in full effect but the main focus of the day will be about your hat, so make sure you find a great one. Also make sure you have proper foot attire that day. There will be tons of walking and usually the grounds are known to be muddy and unleveled.
Men – This is a great time to revisit that Easter outfit or that seersucker jacket that you have been dying to wear. If it’s made out of silk, linen, or lightweight cotton then it’s appropriate. Sport coats are not necessary and denim is a NO. Footwear can be a casual look as long as it is not an athletic shoe.
Sharanda Nechole is a lifestyle specialist who has worked in event planning, music and film for over 2 decades. Follow her on Twitter @sharandanechole.