By Sara Wilson
For the Opelika Observer
Storybook Farm’s 12th annual Kentucky Derby Day will be held on the grounds of the farm on May 2.
Guests are invited to don their Kentucky Derby attire while enjoying food, games, music and fun.
This year’s event is presented by Stone Martin Builders, and sponsors include F.L.I. properties and WLTZ. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent and live auction that will continue throughout the afternoon.
For the ladies, there will be a spectacular hat contest. The winner of that contest will receive a piece of jewelry from Diamonds Direct. The men will have the opportunity to participate in a Dapper Dan Shuffle sponsored by the Locker Room, with the winner receiving merchandise from there.
The event will give attendees the chance to sample several of Lee County’s favorite restaurants.
Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant of the day, and a trophy will be awarded to the winner.
“The farm is captivating on an everyday basis, but when we have the derby, it is morphed into an unbelievable showcase,” said Dena Little, founder and president of Storybook Farm.
Eighteen years ago, Little founded Storybook Farm with the hope to bridge the gap between hope and hardship. In those 18 years, the farm has served more than 10,000 children in the community who are emotionally and medically fragile.
Storybook Farm offers its services free of charge. The funds raised by the Kentucky Derby Day will help cover various expenses the farm has throughout the year.
General admission tickets can be purchased for $115, or a table of 10 seats can be purchased for $1,250. For more information, visit www.hopeonhorseback.org.