Shelby Optimist Club hosts Derby Day

SHELBY — You don’t need to be at Churchill Downs to catch the excitement of this year’s Kentucky Derby. Just buy a ticket to Shelby Optimist Club’s Derby Day on Saturday, May 2, at 6 p.m. 

Purchase your $20 tickets at the door or beforehand at Shelby State Bank, Fresh Point Nutrition or West Shore Bank. Admission includes tasty light appetizers and access to all activities. This year’s Derby Day proceeds will be split between the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Shelby Middle School’s Ride with Pride program. 

Join the race crowd and experience:

•     Livestream of the actual Kentucky Derby race.
•     Mock horse races featuring betting on 36 “horses” sponsored by local businesses.
•     Derby Hat Contest complete with prizes for best hats.
•     Raffle tickets for exciting, valuable prizes such as Electric Forest tickets, golf packages, spring-themed raffles, Magic Mystery Cooler, and more.
•     Entertaining and lively announcing during the mock horse races.
•     A cash bar complete with mint juleps.

Your attendance at Derby Day and other Shelby Optimist Club events helps raise funds provided to various youth-related causes and organizations throughout Oceana County. Funds granted so far during the club’s 2025-26 season total $18,350.

Learn more about Shelby Optimist Club and how to join its active membership or how to apply for a grant by visiting https://www.shelbyoptimist.com.  

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