Down Home Derby Returns Saturday, Funds Local Preschool Education

Put on your best hat and get out your boots, because going "down home" will help give an excellent and affordable preschool education to local children when the of Roswell hosts its fourth annual Down Home Derby this Saturday, May 5.

This year's Down Home Derby heads to "In Your Dreams Farm," a prestigious equestrian venue in Milton.

The Derby raises critical scholarship funds for students of the CDA. Organizers hope to raise $100,000 for scholarships for CDA students. Last year’s Derby raised more than $85,000 through sponsor contributions, individual donations, auctions and ticket sales.

Watching the Kentucky Derby is just the beginning of a lively, exciting evening that includes live and silent auctions, great music and entertainment and an expert dressage exhibition. Hats are a tradition at the Kentucky Derby and this year the Derby is holding its first Blue Ribbon Hat Parade.

The Blue Ribbon Hat Parade will award prizes in three categories:

• Creative: The contestant who has made or embellished a hat most creatively
• Equestrian: Best cowboy hat, riding hat, etc.
• Best in Show: Best overall hat, whether purchased or crafted.

The Parade will be open to men and women and all proceeds to go towards a new classroom computer for a CDA classroom. E-mail hats@cdakids.org for more information.

Around 300 people are expected to attend the Derby, which begins at 5 p.m., with a viewing of the Run for the Roses post time 6:04 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Catering will be provided by: David Larkworthy, chef and owner of .

2012 Down Home Derby entertainment will be provided by local artists:

• Jonny Hibbert's Beautiful Dream
• Hope Sonam

The CDA’s Presenting Sponsor for the 2012 Down Home Derby is Kimberly-Clark, followed by Triple Crown Sponsors: North Point Community Church, , University of Phoenix and Rotary Club of Roswell.

Additional corporate sponsorships are available starting at $500. Individuals may elect to sponsor the Derby through a named sponsorship or show their support as an attendee.

“Scholarships are the lifeblood of the CDA. They enable us to deliver high quality programming while remaining accessible to the most economically disadvantaged families in our community” says Donna Smythe, executive director of the Child Development Association. “The Down Home Derby draws our supporters together to build our scholarship fund and to brighten our youngsters’ future.”

Derby tickets are $150/each and may be purchased online or by calling 770-992-4339. For more information, go to the Derby webpage online.