The "Run for the Roses" is more than just a fun nickname for the Kentucky Derby. It's the trophy the horses run for each May, and a tradition that dates back decades.
Updated: 11:15 AM EDT Apr 30, 2021 The traditional Garland of Lillies for Friday s Oaks race was crafted Thursday night, at the Middletown Kroger.Dozens of people gathered to watch the artists place each flower.Last year, due to the pandemic, the crafting of the garland was not a public event, but that is not the case this year. There s not as many lilies on the garland, so we can have a little more fun with the crowd and talk to them. Tomorrow is a little bit more pressure. We just have a lot more roses that go on, said Allison Gousha, Derby Coordinator at Middletown Kroger.The crafting of the Garland of Roses begins Friday at 3 p.m. at the Middletown Kroger.Kroger has donated the flowers and crafted the iconic garlands for more than 30 years.