Run for the Rose' 86'd

I think Robin's point is that everything doesn't have to be a spectacular Cecil B. DeMille production.

Just because you can't find the cash to throw your daughter's sweet sixteen gathering at the country club with 200 guests and a new BMW as a gift doesn't mean you can't still have a party and some fun.

[Robin Garr]

I think Robin's point is that everything doesn't have to be a spectacular Cecil B. DeMille production.

Just because you can't find the cash to throw your daughter's sweet sixteen gathering at the country club with 200 guests and a new BMW as a gift doesn't mean you can't still have a party and some fun.

That's pretty much where I was headed, Ray. I do understand that lots of people put in hard work and long hours to make the annual Derby party fun for all. That being said, the official word on the Run for the Rose struck me as rather awkward, and yes, some of the stuff KDF has done in recent years - trademarking everything and swatting off perceived competition, for instance - does look a bit as if a sense of entitlement is creeping in. My analogy to the LO board wasn't thoughtless.

KDF too grandiose? Please. The legion of KDF volunteers and directors like Harry Dennery should be applauded for what they do for this community, not insulted. Sponsorships are difficult to sell, whether you are the KDF or a charity doing a local fundraiser. Local businesses have always been included in their sponsorships, so why would you assume otherwise? But it does sound so easy, when you put it that way - just pass the hat, a few rentals and wine and a successful, well-attended event is re-born. I'm sure the KDF would welcome the LouisvilleHotBytes Run for the Rose next year.

I don't think anybody was saying that the volunteers and directors shouldn't be applauded. But I certainly agree with Robin in saying that many of the events have become too grandiose! Many of the things that start out grassroots have now grown to the degree they require "professionals" to manage them, in many cases neglecting the use of people who would volunteer otherwise. Now days I really don't think anyone can just go and start up an event and make it part of the KDF like the code when it first started. Accept it or not the KDF has become big business in every way.

All i have to say is booooo! I have ran in this ev
ent for several years and it was a blast. Barefoot wines has sponsored it for the past couple years i believe...plus it was $75 a head to enter. Somebody was getting money .

...plus it was $75 a head to enter. Somebody was getting money .

That's what I thought and after a conversation with a compatriot today - I'm not sure where the rhetoric ends and the truth resides! Sucky all around for "in the business" KY Derby pride, for sure. I ran it one year, too, Sue! And we were sponsored by our employers entree fee. Say what you will in defense of the KDF, but this is a slap in the face to industry professionals. How many years in a row did this event take place? 20ish?

I think it has to be more than 20 years...because I remeber watching the running when they would run across the big concrete circles in the fountain on the belvedere. I was always amazed when they had any wine left.

Okay. I am not sure how to interpret this event. Did people drink wine while they ran a marathon?

Okay. I am not sure how to interpret this event. Did people drink wine while they ran a marathon?

Contestants ran an obstacle course while carrying a server tray with full wine glasses. The winner had the fastest time and most wine remaining.