It's Bill, 5/10/26: Legion Derby

May 10
2 min read

Derby Day In Lubec

We like all holidays, fun to decorate, a good reason for a party or a picnic, particularly a toast. Our favorites are non-holidays. Superbowl, Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day [of course], National Pet Day, Kentucky Derby, Mothers’ Day, Indigenous People’s Day [Columbus Day], Halloween [Best!] I’ve been in Lubec 25 years, May 2, 2026, last Saturday was the first time we enjoyed the Kentucky Derby at Lubec’s American Legion, Post 65. We look forward to next year.

The Legion opens at four, arriving around 5, I found the parking lot was filling up fast. Inside, so were the bar stools and tables. Missy was selling scratch off raffle tickets, I bought 2 tickets to try my luck. Yeah, a definite charitable cash contribution, for a good cause, The Legion.

Everyone was in a festive mood, dressing up more than usual. A lot of walking and talking, catching up and telling lies, laughing. There were as many standing as sitting. Plus, both pool tables had six players each, drinking beer, talking, not shooting too fast, no hurry.

Watching The Race

Let’s not forget it’s The Kentucky Derby, the TV was on in the corner. The TV pre-race show highlighted the horses, owners, jockeys and the festive crowd in the grandstands. We at the bar had to jockey around the packed table in front of the TV, some big guys blocking the view. No one cared, everyone having a fine time, talking, moving around. And drinking.

The Lubec Ladies Auxiliary generously provided a buffet dinner for all for our Derby festivities. Baked chicken legs were primary, supported with coleslaw, potato salad, potato chips and a well-balanced crudite with a tasty dip. The buffet table had a good variety of desserts, cupcakes and more.

Derby Hats And Big Winners

And, what comes with the Derby besides pretty ladies? Derby Hats! Of Course! Wide brims to showcase fancy Derby trimmings and more. Votes were taken for the best hat contest. The ladies’ hats were proudly displayed, all clever and showy. A favorite was a hat with horses on it. Not to be outdone, a man was showcasing a sporty fedora.

We watched the horses being loaded into the gate. One horse declined to get in his gate and threw his rider. The horse was taken out of the Derby. And, They’re Off! Everybody had their favorite. We watched as it turned into an exciting horse race. How’s the rail horse, ”Renegade”, doing? He’s boxed in. Who is in the middle of the pack, the lead keeps changing? And, look at that big horse coming up on the front straight! It’s “Golden Tempo”, a 23-1 shot, the winner!

It’s just wonderful that his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, was the first woman trainer to win The Kentucky Derby.