Eater Miami's Guide to 2012 Kentucky Derby Parties

Before you embrace your Mexican Heritage this Saturday, you're going to want to break out your big floppy hat and spend your afternoon with a julep cup in hand for "the Run for the Roses". Here are some of your options:

· Bourbon Steak will have complimentary canapes and $5 mint juleps from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

· Yardbird hosts Kentucky Derby Day featuring the Yardbird Mint Julep and a special Derby menu of small snacks. Yardbird opens at 12 pm and will have a live broadcast of the race at posting time. Prizes will be rewarded for the most outlandish Derby hats.

· Tap 42 in Ft. Lauderdale will be celebrating their inaugural Derby Day with $5 Wild Turkey mint juleps starting at 2 pm. All drinks at the bar will be 50% off from 4 until the winner crosses the finish line. And for the ladies with the big hats, iPad2 is the prize du jour.

· For those wagering on Daddy Long Legs and other horses, Calder Casino & Race Course hosts "Florida's Biggest Kentucky Derby Party" with live music all afternoon, barbecue, and all day drink specials. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Turf Club is hosting a "Buffet of Derby Classics". There will also be a Derby hat contest with prizes in the categories: most stylish, most unique, biggest, and best overall.

· More gambling can be had at Gulfstream with $5 mint juleps with a free julep cup, chance to win share of $3,000 in free bets as well as Women's Derby Hat Contest for a shot at a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

· The Hard Rock Casino's Passion also mixes the gambling and mint juleps with their "4th Annual Rock the Race" to benefit the Ann Storck Center. Tickets are $50 that include complimentary beverages, hors d'ouevres, and a silent auction. And for those embarrassed by the size of their hat, there will be a Derby hat making and decorating station.
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