This year’s Derby Day Party hosted by the Marengo County Historical Society was off to the races as guests began to arrive in style, donning their Derby best. As I looked around the room at my hometown people dressed in fabulous hats, coats, and funky ties, I could not help but smile. The atmosphere was light hearted and fun. Hugs were exchanged, hands were extended for hearty handshakes and all was right in the world in one moment in time in a tiny town of Demopolis, Alabama overlooking the Tombigbee River. And who doesn’t love any opportunity to wear a pair of red high heels for the evening?

Friends old and new gathered to watch a race steeped in history and tradition. Ironically, I don’t think any of us realized that in this moment we were also creating tradition and making history. After the race and with the music starting back, people continued to enjoy themselves by dancing. Familiar favorites echoed in the old Civic Center, a gift from Vanity Fair, a sewing factory from days gone by that helped feed families like mine (my grandmother, great aunts, and aunt were all employed there at one time; even my dad worked there briefly). The Civic Center has seen some parties in its day. Conversations mingled outside on the balcony in the cool evening with lights twinkling above. A pontoon boat rode by on the old Tombigbee with its passengers, honking their greeting.

I enjoyed watching my friends’ eyes light up as they spoke sharing stories and laughter. It was nice to be among the familiar, comforting sounds of their voices. I, also, made a new friend, a fellow warrior, fighting a similar battle. Making these connections are so special.

The evening was rather perfect, and it will be something I will always hold dear to me. I’m thankful for my small hometown and the people in it. Once upon a time, I thought I would never come back here, and I’d live in some big city but honestly big cities are overrated (read in your most Southern of accents for dramatic affect). Demopolis may only be “more’n just a little knockabout place” but it is my home and it has my heart.

I don’t know who won the Kentucky Derby but I can tell you this party was a run for the roses and it won!