Derby Days racing will be “hot” in 2023.
With temperatures climbing into the 90s today and Saturday, staying hydrated will be key to enjoying the festivities.
The adult version of Derby Days races on North Street starts at 6 p.m. tonight as the 75th Annual Derby Days festival kicks into full gear.
Strange Brew Band will perform at the conclusion of the Adult Derby Days race until 11 p.m.
The Beer Garden will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Cartoon Ups caricature artist will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Saturday schedule begins with breakfast (7 to 10 a.m.) at the American Legion Auxiliary.
The annual Paul Otis Goble (P.O.G.) Run begins at 8:15 a.m.
Vendors and food trucks in front of Morristown Elementary School open at 9 a.m.
Parade participants start lining up at 10 a.m. with the parade along U.S. 52 in downtown Morristown starting at 11 a.m.
Derby Days racing follows the parade.
Other festivities Saturday afternoon include bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, the Boys and Girls Club Car Show (noon), alumni volleyball game in Morristown High School gymnasium (1 p.m.), 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the community park (2 p.m.), and a whiffleball tournament at Morristown High School’s fields (4 p.m.).
Saturday’s nightcap includes a concert by Indianapolis-native Andrew Young and a fireworks show.
“We are very fortunate this year. We have raised enough money to bring fireworks back (to Derby Days),” said Thomas Wright, one of the Derby Days organizers in a radio interview with GIANT fm. “We will have a nice fireworks show to cap it all off.”
Young is a Platinum downloaded singer/songwriter who has opened for such artists as Babyface, The Isley Brothers, LL Cool J, Dru Hill and Vanessa Williams. He has performed at numerous venues around Indianapolis and will take the stage Saturday in front of Morristown High School at 6 p.m.
There is a full field of Cub Scout and Girl Scout racers for the highly-anticipated Derby Days races down U.S. 52 into downtown Morristown.
“We have more kids coming in, a lot of racers this year,” said Wright. “We may even have more than last year. All those things people are used to at Derby Days are coming back. There is lots of stuff to do. Big events. Big concerts. It’s going to be a good time.”
Here are the competitors for the Derby Days races:
- Kori Palmer (daughter of Jack and Sarah Palmer)
- Molly Ramsey (Joey and Megan Ramsey)
- Kynzleigh McKinney (Michael and Jordan McKinney)
- Loran Austin (Mark Austin)
- Madison Richardson (Brian and Amber Richardson)
- Adilyn Boring (Douglas Boring and Brittany Green)
- Zoe Graves (John and Brandy Graves)
- Madilyn Carlton (Aaron and Stacie Carlton)
- Sabriel Emminger (Samantha White)
- Bristol Goin (Gary and Alexis Goin)
- Arianna Roller (Gary and Alexis Goin)
- Chloe Coons (Terry Coons and Desara Brush)
- Aubrey Longwell (Andy and Ashley Longwell) (2022 Derby Days girls champion)
- Natalie Wright (Thomas and Jennifer Wright)
- Addi Palmer (Nick and Kylie Palmer)
- Lillian Chapella (Joel and Courtney Chapella)
- Presley Rodenhuis (Eric and Liz Rodenhuis)
- Lilee Barr (Alan and Carissa Barr)
- Bailey Rinzel (Andy and Amy Rinzel)
- Cameron Roller (son of Alexis and Gary Goin)
- Grant Hill (Daniel Hill and Courtney Lawrie)
- Carter Bell (Will and Julia Bell) (2021 Derby Days boys champion)
- Alex Anderson (Aaron Anderson and Kyra Peoples)
- Laikin Stout (Kreigh and Brooke Stout)
- Asa Odum (Shane and Renee Odum)
- Kambdan McKinney (Michael and Jordan McKinney)
- Kellen Larson (Erik and Katy Larson)
- Jaxen Tweedy (Garrick Straber and Sara McCubbins)
- Mayson Sidebottom (Daniel and Amy Sidebottom)
- Brady Walton (Justin and Amber Walton)
- Jasen Tweedy (Garrick Straber and Sara McCubbins)
- Deacon DeWitt (Sam and Kelly DeWitt)
- Beau DeWitt (Sam and Kelley DeWitt)
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