OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In the Horse Capital of the World®, it’s hard not to get excited about the Kentucky Derby – even if you’re not directly involved in Marion County’s equine industry.
The 150th Run for the Roses takes place Saturday, May 4, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.
While the race itself starts around 6:45 p.m. and will last only about two minutes, true horse racing enthusiasts and those just passionate about a Derby party will start celebrating in the early afternoon when television coverage begins.
If your party is outside, make sure you have a rain contingency as there is a chance for precipitation in the forecast on Saturday. (By the way, there’s rain in the forecast for Louisville too.)
If you want to enjoy the revelry of a derby party without the hassle of putting it on yourself, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) has a couple of options.
Wear your best derby attire, walk the grounds at WEC and watch the race on the big jumbotrons at the Grand Arena for FREE.
If you want a more refined experience, WEC is throwing a Kentucky Derby Hat Party on the terrace at the Equestrian Hotel. Tickets cost $235 but that will get you chef-prepared foods, champagne and mint juleps. The party is from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
If horse racing isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of other things to do around the 352. Just be advised, you could get rained on.
Ocala Forecast
Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the morning.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East wind 5 to 8 mph.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Get your 352 weather info here anytime you need it or download our free app. Be sure to enable the weather alert to receive notifications to your cellphone.