Derby on the Doe… Chamber sponsors the first annual event as a fundraiser
Published 11:20 pm Monday, May 3, 2021
Photo Contributed The winner of the Best Hat went to Chasity Thompson and the Most Creative Hat honor was presented to Samantha Turbyfill.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce held their first annual Derby on the Doe on Saturday to tie in with the annual running of the Kentucky Derby. The event served as a fundraiser for various programs supported by the Chamber. (L-R) Chamber Administrative Assistant Seth Hice, Chamber Executive Director Joy McCray, and Casey Eryssa prepare to welcome guests to the event held at the Chamber of Commerce.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders The Chamber's Derby by the Doe saw many well-thought-out hats donned by the ladies that attended the event.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joy McCray, David LeVeau - President of the Board of Directors, and Anette LeVeau take a moment to pose for a photo during Saturday's Derby by the Doe.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Main Street Elizabethton Director Courtney Washburn flashes a smile during the Derby on the Doe event.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders This couple came in their Derby finest in support of the first annual Derby on the Doe event to help raise funds for programs supported by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders A lot of time and attention went into this award winning hat displayed by Samantha Turbyfill.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders This colorful hat adorned with red roses and golden sunflowers were just one of the beautiful hats on display at the Chamber of Commerce's Derby on the Doe event.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Riverside Taphouse was on hand to provide a selection of cider and beer for the event.
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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
The 147th Kentucky Derby was run on Saturday at Churchill Downs as over 50,000 fans attended the highest attended event since the COVID-19 pandemic began to witness the Run for the Roses.
There is a lot of pomp and circumstance that comes with one of horse racing’s most notable races that bring out fans dressed in brilliantly decorated hats by the ladies and derby’s worn by the men.
Locally, the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce fed off the event by hosting its first annual Derby on the Doe event at the Chamber of Commerce in downtown Elizabethton.
Many of those attending the downtown car show couldn’t help but notice all of those who were attending decked out in brilliant-colored hats and ready for an evening of fun.
According to Chamber Executive Director Joy McCray, the proceeds from the fundraising event will go towards community programs and workshops – Chamber Youth Ambassadors, Adult Leadership, Level Up New Business workshop, Next Level Advanced Business Workshop, and Carter County 101.
The event was held to 50 guests to ensure social distancing could take place while those in attendance enjoyed a great spread of food as well as various selections of Cider and Beer provided by Riverside Taphouse.
And of course, the ladies showed up with their decorated hats and the gentlemen in their derby as everyone enjoyed the time they had to celebrate Spring and spending a time of fellowship.
Each attendee also took a shot at picking the lucky winner as well as the loser from the Run for the Roses. The best dressed, best hat and most creative hat were also selected from among those in attendance.
The winner of the Best Hat went to Chasity Thompson and the Most Creative Hat honor was presented to Samantha Turbyfill.
One cannot forget to mention the real race as Medina Spirit who was purchased in 2019 from more than 400 horses that were sold in an auction in Florida for a single bid of $1,000 in an auction that saw the most expensive horse go for $200,000.
And now two years later, Medina Spirit is a Kentucky Derby champion gaining a winner’s purse of $1.86 million dollars.
As far as Derby on the Doe goes, the Chamber is already looking forward to next year.
