The CPSS Kappa Derby

A SINCERE 'THANK YOU' TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!

The College Park Sandy Spring (M) Alumni (E) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (The Blueprint Chapter) created a new experience at The Hennessy Creek Event Center in Brandywine, MD! And we owe a debt of gratitude to all of our guests who made the event a success!

Guests at The Kappa Derby Day Party experienced great music all day, with 3 DJs who played the best music to keep everyone moving!  Food and beverage options were available from local favorite KitchenCray catering! A silent auction for fine art pieces, an outdoor cigar lounge and hookah station, and of course, real-time viewing of the 2023The Kentucky Derby LIVE from Churchill Downs!

We have a dual mission as a service and social organization. It was a pleasure for us to curate this grand event, and your support enables us to fund scholarships and mentoring activities, as well as being able to provide financial support for our Kappa Leaguers in their pursuit of higher education.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for an even grander event.

About the Inaugural 2023 Kappa Derby Day Party!

The College Park Sandy Spring (M) Alumni (E) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (The Blueprint Chapter) set out to create an experience at The Hennessy Creek Event Center in Brandywine, MD!

As a guest at The Kappa Derby Day Party, you experienced great entertainment all day, with 3 DJs playing the best music that kept our guests moving and grooving! In addition, food and beverage options were available from local favorite KitchenCray caterers! A silent auction for fine art pieces, a outdoor cigar lounge and hookah station, and of course, real-time viewing of the most exciting two minutes in sports: The Kentucky Derby LIVE from Churchill Downs!!

The ladies sported their best hats, fascinators and beautiful dresses, while the gentlemen sported fly bow ties and fedoras everyone had an amazing time!

Kappa Derby Day Party Attire

[The following information is excerpted from https://www.kentuckyderby.com/party]

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.

Like attendees at the official Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Ky., wearing a hat to the CPSS Nupes Kappa Derby Day Party is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women; however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well. Wearing a hat is much like getting into costume, you might be pleasantly surprised to see what type of character you become. From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits.

Her Derby Style: Dress or Hat? Which Comes First?

Some will say that you absolutely get the outfit first. Then you design your hat to go with the outfit. (The argument here is that it's easier to custom design a hat than to "make" an outfit to go with a hat!)

Then there are those who say that you must definitely purchase, create or design your hat before picking out the outfit.

Most often in this case, matching the dress (or outfit) to your hat involves personal preference, however keep a few things in mind in getting dressed:

• If your hat is having a pattern party, keep the dress design simple.
• If the hat is simple and elegant, keep the outfit simple also for a classy look.
• If you want a funky outfit, keep it consistent and accent the hat most of all!
• If you have long hair, showcase a ponytail slightly to the side or keep it down to one side to highlight the color on your face.

Hat or Fascinator?

A more recent trend in Kentucky Derby headwear is the fascinator. Smaller than a traditional hat and just as stylish, this piece of headwear has become more popular among Kentucky Derby attendees over recent years. Recently popularized by Kate Middleton, these chic, headpieces are made from a woven disc topped with feathers and netting and secured to your head via a comb or headband. They can be simpler to wear than a hat, and won't give you hat-hair!

Our Derby Day Party is a "garden event," and casual is key. Ladies, emphasize your Derby hat with a colorful sundress or business-casual attire. Simple accessories and fashionable shoes make the perfect compliment.

His Derby Style

The Kentucky Derby provides a splendid excuse for men to get just as dressed up and decked out as the ladies! The modern Derby man possesses an unparalleled color palette. Sun-drenched, tropical colors in bold stripes or busy plaid and bright pastels steal the limelight. Although, if you want a more polished look, a classic navy or pinstripe blazer is always in style. But remember, gentlemen: The secret to looking great is confidence. Whatever you wear, wear it proud!

Our Derby Day Party is a "garden event," and casual is key. You’ll want to be fashionable but casual. Slacks and a button-down shirt with tie is acceptable attire. Show your Derby spirit and break out some vibrant spring colors.

From fantastic hats and colorful spring dresses to dashing bow ties and seersucker suits, Derby’s display of American style and tradition simply doesn’t exist anywhere else. So whether you’re coming to the track or attending a Derby party, it’s time to start thinking about your Derby outfit because the 148th year of iconic style is right around the corner!