Grande Dunes’ Derby Day Brings Churchill Downs Excitement to Marina Park

May 31st, 2018

More than 500 people, many in full race day regalia, attended Grande Dunes’ first annual Derby Day celebration on Saturday, May 5. Women took pride in colorful race-day hats and dresses, while men sported bright blazers, pastel shirts and bowties. The most fashionable, including children, took home awards from the Best Dressed Contest.

The uber-stylish attendees enjoyed live music from bluegrass bands Grasstowne and Cornbread, plenty of food from the Jersey Dogs and Mister Softee trucks, and cheer from a beer and wine tent. Kids were thrilled by the games, pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses and balloon animals created by a performer on stilts.

A jumbo monitor, against the backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway, allowed everyone to view the Derby live from Marina Park’s grassy lawn.

The $60 and $100 tickets to the VIP Tent, which sold out quickly, contributed in a big way to charity haul that day. The VIPs had access to their own tables, open bar and private viewing monitors. They also savored gourmet fare from Kurbside Katering. On the sunny afternoon, the VIP Tent provided a cool and shaded place to kick back and watch the Derby with other donors.

Many praised the festive atmosphere and opportunity to meet new people in a beautiful locale such as Marina Park. “We offer many opportunities for our residents to connect with their neighbors as well as the greater Myrtle Beach community by coming together and giving back to the local area. The Grande Dunes community is about the wonderful people, the resort style amenities, and the overall lifestyle. It’s about doing the things that you are passionate about. That’s what the Grande Dunes lifestyle is all about” states Peggy Davis, Lifestyle Director at Grande Dunes.