GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – A splendid evening was had by all at the recent Annual Derby Day Event. Attendees heard the phrase “ Good, clean fun ” a few times, and it couldn’t be more true . Gateway Industries, Inc., located in Ronceverte, does so much for their community as well as with and for our differently-abled citizens. So the time-honored tradition of Derby Days was a perfect opportunity to fundraise for the new mini-golf pres-du-Jardin, which will be built on Island Park, Ronceverte.
All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the ongoing project of a new 18-hole miniature golf course located at Jardin by the river on Island Park in Ronceverte. The location will feature a handicapped-friendly mini golf course, a batting cage, a game room, and a picnic pavilion. Additional support for the project is available to the public with a commemorative engraved brick. The brick will become a permanent part of the facility and will be attributed to those you choose to honor. Call 304-645-3165 for ordering information on the bricks.
The Cecil Underwood Building at the State Fairgrounds was decked out with red roses, linen-covered tables, prizes, pictures, art, gala designs, silent auction items and so much more. Mixing handmade mint juleps (Yes, West Virginia’s Mint Julep, 1808) with Smooth Ambler’s Contradiction Whiskey, glasses of wine and beer , the Gateway Teams were ready to go . A lovely buffet filled the room, and the caterers were on top of keeping it full while partygoers made their bids on the silent auction items.
Executive Director Phyllis Cantrell and Betty Jo Gum worked tirelessly into the night, assembling the whimsical auction tables. Live music by The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys entertained the multitudes while the Kentucky Derby was shown on several big-screen TVs. After bidding on your favorite horse and taking a chance on raffle tickets, guests mingled and had dinner.
The Most Spectacular Hat Contest was followed with all the lovely ladies and a jovial gentleman who won an honorable mention, and donned spirited hats, as is the custom when attending the races. A parade of contestants ended with runners-up and a grand prize winner, winning great and fun goods.
As the race began, the excitement filled the room. As the horses were breezed entering the paddock, then the gates, jockeys vying for respect, the bell sounded and they were off! Horse Number 2, Sierra Leone and Jockey Tyler Gafflione; Number 17, Fierceness and favored Jockey John Velazquez; and Number 3, Mystik Dan with Jockey Brian Hernandez, stayed close to the rail for the mile and quarter. Horse Number 10, T O Password, entered into the race as Number 9 Encino, scratched. The thundering herd was a treat for the senses as the thoroughbreds bolted like a freight train around the track. Shouts began to arise, “ C’mon Girl. You’ve got this! Go, go go! ” The best part is when the horse is turned loose to do what they do best, change gears and run!
The very moment the jockey releases the reins and the smooth communication between them echoes from “ Hold on honey…not yet, not yet ” to “ NOW Pops! Let’s GO. You’ve got THIS! ” is a sight to behold. Staying on the rail and literally neck and neck, Number 17 Fierceness relented to Number 11 Forever Young and Jockey Ryusei Sakai so that the three could barrel over the finish line with barely a nose between them. A race this close hasn’t happened since another trio-photo finish in 1947. As the crowd and Jockey Hernandez waited what seemed to be a lifetime for the results, the moment was celebrated with shouts of joy and accolades, both in Kentucky and West Virginia for Mystik Dan, Horse Number 3 to take the win. It’s fascinating how much planning, weeks and months of preparations, hours upon hours of training and countless, sleepless nights go into this 3-minute extravaganza. The purse was $5 million with $3.1 going to the winner.
The evening continued with more music, auctions and gaiety. It was clear that the night was a success for Gateway Industries. The team consists of Executive Director Phyllis Fern Cantrell, Admin Consultant Tony Benedetto, Bookkeeper Becky Meriwether, IT Specialist Mark Mengel, Assessment Specialist Carolyn Rudley, QC/Safety Matthew Cantrell and Production/Etching Specialist Amy Seiple. Tammy and Alan O’Brien , owners of Greenbrier Excavating, sponsored the music, while hundreds of other local businesses sponsored other aspects of the event. City officials and campaign runners, business owners and an adoring public enjoyed an incredible evening.
American Beer Company provided and manned the beer truck while Black Dawg Catered the meal of pulled BBQ, beans, broccoli salad, charcuterie, steamed shrimp, a chocolate fountain with fruit and marshmallows and petit fours. Gateway Industries would like to thank and recognize Tony Benedetto for procuring grants and for his wise advice.
“ A ll of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work with dignity and freedom ” is the tenant upon which Gateway Industries is based and operates daily. “ Our clients are our purpose. Our vision is offering hope and employment for the people who find their way through our doors. ”
Also, a special thank you to the many businesses who donated items for the silent auctions, and deepest gratitude is given to the Gateway Board of Directors. Lastly, an honorable mention is given to the founder of The Derby Days, Robert W. McCormick.
The post Celebrating 150 Years of The Kentucky Derby While Fundraising for Ronceverte Mini Golf Course appeared first on West Virginia Daily News .
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