Yesterday, May 3 mark the first day in 75 years that the Kentucky Derby has not been held on its traditional date. As Churchill Downs stood eerily quiet marked by signs of disuse members of the staff present described feeling sadness.
Pandemic breaks seven decade long Tradition :
Once again, the coronavirus pandemic has managed to achieve something that has not been done in over seven decades. While this cancellation strikes the Derby community hard it is not the only one that is being affected this way. The Derby like so many other events is more than about merchants selling goods, athletes competing, or artists performing. It’s about the community.
The Kentucky Derby has been postponed to September 5 due to concerns over the coronavirus. And a wish to keep all participants and spectators safe. The last time the derby was not held on May 3 was during World War II specifically the year of 1945. Many of the employees and management of the Kentucky Derby described a sense of sadness and regret.
Historical Significance of the Derby :
They remember derbies past, of the people gathering from all walks of life coming together to enjoy the event. Many have been participating in the Derby or visiting it for decades. The fact that it’s not being held is unsettling.
Perhaps the best example of what they are describing is the current state of Churchill Downs. It is a ghost town, buildings that were being worked on incomplete and walkways empty that should be filled with crowds.
What is happening with the Kentucky Derby is not just limited to Churchill Downs or Kentucky. Instead you can use it as an example of what is happening the world over whether it’s just a small towns annual fair or annual national event.
Rescheduling :
Though some are rescheduled, optimistically, hoping that they can be held later this year many are canceled. This doesn’t just affect the individuals directly participate but also the spectator’s shoppers, the community that comes to these events. It is a sense that is difficult to quantify beyond sadness and loss.
Many of these events are so look forward to as a chance to gather together that not been able to attend that is like a loss of dear friend. Hopefully away will be found to hold these events through determination nothing else. Perhaps Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery put it best when he said “We’re going to run the Kentucky Derby in 2020.”
