By Avery Wageman
Contributing Writer
Green Bay is off to the races May 6 for the Run for the Roses Wine Walk.
The Broadway District will be celebrating the Kentucky Derby with wine tasting, shopping, a watch party and dress-up contest.
Get ready for the race by exploring twenty participating Broadway District businesses from 2 to 5 p.m. that will be hosting wine tasting stops with light food pairings.
“I think people enjoy coming out with their friends, family, and celebrating the start of the spring weather, getting all dressed up in costume, enjoying and trying out different types of wines in different settings,” said Brooke Hafs, marketing director for On Broadway, Inc. “It’s a unique way to wine taste.”
Participants may even find ways to add extra flare to their derby day costumes along the way. Big hats and bright-colored formal wear are encouraged, especially for those looking for a chance to win one of the grand prizes at the dress-up contest.
“Part of the goal of this event is to encourage people to visit our businesses,” said Hafs. “We have some great retail businesses in the Broadway District for people to go get a Kentucky Derby inspired outfit.”
After meandering the wine tasting route, head over to Old Fort Square to build your own flower bouquet to take home.
Catch the Kentucky Derby watch party at The Depot from 4 to 7 p.m. and show off your best derby outfit for the dress-up contest. Last year, categories for the contest included best hat, best group costume, and best individual costume.
Not sure what to wear? Hat Cetera, one of Broadway’s businesses participating in the event, is happy to help. Brittany Berkovitz, owner of Hat Cetera, encourages people to embrace the eccentric Kentucky Derby hat culture.
“I think people go out and they don’t realize how many people are dressed up,” said Berkovitz. “Then they want to join in the fun, so they pick out a hat and dress up.”
In order to find the right hat, Berkovitz encourages trying on a variety to make sure they suit the style, color, and fit you are looking for.
“I get so many people who go online, they buy a hat, … [and say] ‘it wasn’t the style for me, it didn’t match my outfit.’ I always encourage people … [to] bring your outfit to the store and we’ll match it for you,” said Berkovitz. “I get a lot of people, too, who say that they’re not a hat person, and I often convince them wrong, because most people are hat people. You just need to find the fit that works for your face shape.”
Tickets for the Run for Roses Wine Walk are $45 but increase for day-of sales. Wine tastings and appetizers, a complimentary wine glass, a floral bouquet, and admission to the watch party are included. Non-alcoholic tickets are also available for $15. Check out https://downtowngreenbay.com/explore/broadway-events/run-for-the-roses for more details.