When is the Alpha Derby Party?

Louisville won’t be the only place to party for the annual Derby Day “Run for the Roses.”

The Alphas of Atlanta will host its fourth annual Alpha Derby weekend celebration and fundraiser, complete with traditional mint juleps, elaborate hats, live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, music and a jazz brunch.

The events, hosted by the eight metro Atlanta graduate chapters for of the black Greek-letter fraternity, will be held Friday through Sunday at the Georgia World Congress Center. Last year, more than 2,500 people attended the Derby party.

It was the brainchild of Michael Jones, a Ferguson, Mo. native, who attended the Kentucky Derby several times.

Credit: Lauren Booker

Credit: Lauren Booker

“I said let’s take that experience from Louisville and bring it to Atlanta,” said Jones, who works in risk management for rental car company. “People having a good time, seersucker suits, hats and the fellowship. It was an experience.”

“It doesn’t take a whole lot to convince Atlantans to dress up and have fun,” said co-founder Robert Cunningham. “It fits right into Atlanta culture.”

For tickets and information go the event's website.

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Sheila Poole

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