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Giddy Up: 15 Philadelphia area Kentucky Derby celebrations

We may be about 700 miles from Churchill Downs here in Philadelphia, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the Kentucky Derby in properly dandy way.

We may be about 700 miles from Churchill Downs here in Philadelphia, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the Kentucky Derby in properly dandy way.

The 142nd annual Kentucky Derby race itself will kick off Saturday, May 7 at about 6:34 p.m. Naturally, that leaves you some time to bust out a dressy hat, get dapper, and decide where to throw back some mint juleps for the evening.

Below, our picks on where in the Philadelphia area to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. Off to the races:

Alma Mater
7165 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Pathfinders Travel Magazine hosts this event, complete with dandy attire, mint juleps, and stogies. Our own Elizabeth Wellington and Jenice Armstrong will be in attendance. Begins at 3 p.m.

Ashton Cigar Bar
1522 Walnut St., Philadelphia
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., $5 mint juleps will be available courtesy of spirit makers Bulleit and Diageo. Plus, prizes will be available for the event's best dressed attendee.

Cooper River Distillers
34 N. 4th St., Camden
Black Eyed Susan's Food Truck will provide eats for this event, which runs 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cooper River will provide the cocktails. Bonus: Live music from Anderson's Six Mile Cross and The River Bones.

Cranky Joe's
3501 Indian Queen Ln., Philadelphia
A backyard BBQ in East Falls, featuring brisket from Matt Belz Caterers. Homemade sides, summer brews, and drink specials will also be available, along with the races playing on TV. Runs 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Field House
1150 Filbert St., Philadelphia
$4 Yards drafts and $5 mint juleps head up Field House's Kentucky Derby celebration. And if you show up with the best hat, you'll walk out with a $250 prize. Live music from Secret Service following the Derby.

Harrah's Casino
777 Harrah's Blvd., Chester
The party starts at 3:15, and includes a fashion show, live DJ, best hat contest, food and drink specials, and a simulcast of the day's races. It all caps off at 9 p.m. with a fireworks-focused finale.

Khyber Pass Pub
56 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia
Keep it simple at Khyber, which will feature food specials and $5 frozen mint juleps throughout the day. And, if you're feeling festive, attendees are encourage to break out their Derby best.

New Liberty Distillery
1431 N. Cadwallader St., Philadelphia
New Liberty will provide whiskey, spirits, and cocktails, plus mint juleps on draft. Cost is $75 to attend, with the evening benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Paramour at the Wayne Hotel
139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
Kicking off at 4 p.m., Paramour's Kentucky Derby celebration features mint juleps, southern snacks, and a Best Dressed contest. This event is ticketed, with passes available for $50 each, and proceeds benefit the Wayne Art Center.

Parx Racing
2999 Street Rd., Bensalem
Aside from wagering stations, Parx provides Derby-goers with a special race menu for $26.95. Plus, more than $2,000 in vouchers for Best Classic Hat and Best Horse Racing Themed Hat. Gates are at 10 a.m.

Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard St., Philadelphia
With a 3 p.m. start time, Pub & Kitchen's Run for the Roses party will feature classic Kentucky cuisine, mint juleps, and fine Derby attire. Plus: Live coverage of the day's races.

The Piazza at Schmidts
1050 N. Hancock St., Philadelphia
The Philaderby hits the Piazza beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday. Games, prizes, and live music will be available, along with a 1 hour open bar with a special "Derby Drink List." Tickets are required, and start at $35.

The Twisted Tail
509 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia
Bow ties and hats abound at Twisted Tail's party, which will feature prizes for best hat and a winning horse raffle. Mint Juleps and bourbon flights will be on special. Begins at 2 p.m.

Valley Forge Casino
1160 First Ave., King of Prussia
Grab some southern barbecue and some cocktails, and head off to the watch party. A giveaway will also take place for the casino's Best Dressed competition. Runs 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

West Laurel Hill Cemetery
215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd
Enjoy carriage rides, live music, giveaways, door prizes, and contests at this annual event. Passes, priced at $45, are required, and the cost includes refreshments, plus a donation to Hope Springs Equestrian Center. Starts at 4:30.