Kentucky Derby Party at Kilmer Mansion

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — Local folks can watch the Run for the Roses in an historic mansion with close ties to a celebrated champion.

The Kilmer Mansion is hosting a Kentucky Derby viewing party on Saturday. Willis Sharpe Kilmer, whose father built the house in 1898 and whose Swamp Root medicinal tonic built the family’s fortune, was also an avid owner of race horses.

That includes the legendary Exterminator who shocked the racing world by winning the derby as a 30 to 1 long shot in 1918. Saturday’s event is being organized by The Friends of Kilmer Mansion which was created two years ago to restore and preserve the structure. Since its inception, the organization has raised and spent roughly $400,000 on repairing chimneys and masonry.

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Now it needs to raise another $100,000 to complete the restoration of the north terrace and east porch. Executive Director Alisha Swietzer says what better way to raise money than through a celebration of the Kilmer’s’ Kentucky Derby ties.

“Preserving that history here at the mansion, we get to do all sorts of different events while we do that. So, we’re having fun while we’re bringing in funds to preserve it. I think that the mansion attracts so many different people because of the architecture and the history, the Swamp Root, the events and we feel that it is a place for everybody,” Swietzer said.

Exterminator, who went on to a stellar racing career, was inducted into the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame on Monday. Saturday’s viewing party runs from 4 to 8 with the race shown live on a 36 foot inflatable screen.

There will be two live bands, Buttercup Chins and Ms. Honey and the Hive, plus wine, whiskey and spirits tastings. Food will be by Remlik’s and American Dining Creations plus there will be a cash bar with mint juleps.

Tickets are $70 and can be purchased at KilmerMansion.org

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