By KELLY KULTYS
Residence Halls Association (RHA) has announced this year’s theme for Under the Tent will be “Kentucky Derby.”
Under the Tent will take place the Saturday night of Spring Weekend, beginning at 9 p.m.
“Students are encouraged to dress semi-formal or the way they would if going to the Kentucky Derby race,” Maria Buck, RHA treasurer and president-elect, said.
For background, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of quest for the Triple Crown, horse racing’s most prestigious title. This year will mark the 140th running of the race.
While a major event for the sport, the vibrant attire of attendees has come to rival the race itself, becoming a modern spectacle of southern tradition. The races, which take place on the first weekend in May, are prime for celebrity sightings.
The most eye-catching tradition is the diversity of hats featured at the Derby. The Kentucky Derby’s website states, “part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes ‘The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports’ one of the greatest people-watching events in the world! From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits when it comes to choosing your Derby hat.”
For women, Kentucky Derby style is often described as modern southern belle. Ladies usually wear colorful dresses, matched with elaborate and ornate hats.
The gentlemen in attendance often sport seersucker suits accompanied by flashy shirts and bright ties.
The event’s unmistakable fashion scene has such a large reputation that Vineyard Vines has created its own line just for the Derby. The series even has received the title of “the official style of the Kentucky Derby.”
Tickets for Under the Tent will go on sale Tuesday April 8 at 12 p.m. in McGinley Lobby and will be sold until 7 p.m. or until the amount of tickets sells out.
The pre-sale ticket cost $20. Students must bring a valid Fordham ID to purchase a ticket.
RHA has released a trailer, teasing the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofTAMBoiDNw
