Can I Sniff Your Fruit?

I survived Derby ’08. This was my first derby ever and all I can say is, WOW. Last year I missed out because of mono but there was no stopping me this time. Six of us crammed into Mama Borts’ mini van and drove to Lou- A- Vull. We had the luxuryof staying with a friend who lives close to the downs in a HUGE house.

Friday night we went out to 4th street. The feel was very similar to Austins 5th street. It was a wide open area with outdoor bars and $20 covers, lots of fun nonetheless.

Derby day began around noon. I packed up my alcohol soaked fruit and away we went. I have to admit I thought I was pretty clever with the fruit, seeing as you can bring in food but not alcohol. I felt pretty cocky right up until I got to the infield gate and security asked “ Can I sniff your fruit?” Uhh…sure. The man went on to breathe in what I knew to be nothing but 151 and raspberry flavored vodka. I was actually surprised he didn’t pass out. He then passed it to another man who inhaled deeply and passed it back. The fruit was then put in front of me and nothing said. At this point I was dumbfounded. I just stood there and stared for a second, grabbed my fruit and went on. There is no possible way they couldn’t smell it. I’m still puzzled.

The rest of the day was down hill from there. One mint julep (awful), a bag of fruit(even more awful) and several single barrel jacks later. I was screaming at the top of my lungs that I won three thousand dollars. ( I really didn’t win anything, in fact I never bet but it was fun) Yes , Derby is the place to be for mud fights Port -a- potty racing and a good old farmers tan.