The Race Is On Friday, April 27th 2012!

The Lakeland Derby is an annual “Derby Style” event staged on beautiful Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. With the entertaining flair of the event and the competitive spirit of the race, the Derby again promises to be a memorable occasion in 2012. Adding to the excitement, the Derby is scheduled on Friday, April 27th, 2012, just one week prior to the Kentucky Derby.

The Lakeland Derby captures the thrill of a race and the purity of sports entertainment in a hometown setting. The true essence of the Derby is the reward of knowing the proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, a vital local charity.

The Derby features ten beautifully hand-crafted swan paddleboats in a thrilling race to the finish line. Each swan will have an owner/breeder who will designate and train their own jockeys to compete for the prestigious annual Lakeland Derby Trophy. In the chance of a photo finish, The Lakeland Derby Committee will offer two first place trophies to the winners.

EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS to this year’s Derby include corn hole toss, bounce house, balloon artist and small fishing ponds for the little ones. For good eats Fred’s Southern Kitchen is offering a dinner for only $5. You can also enjoy wine, beer and strawberry shortcake.

Schedule of Events

5:30 PM    Concessions open

Super Ticket opens

Derby Raffle opens

Children’s activities – Hat making/face tattoos/cookie decorating

VIP event opens/hat contest – Bistro level

6:15 PM    Call to the Post

Race 1 - Maiden Handicap 1/2 lap

6:30 PM    Medical Awards Presentation – VIP event

6:45 PM    Call to the Post

Race 2 – Derby Dash (celebrity)

7:00 PM    Super Ticket drawings begin – main stage

7:05 PM    Introduction of owners and jockeys – main stage

7:15 PM    Presentation of Colors

National Anthem

7:20 PM    Parade to the Post

7:30 PM    Final Call

Race 3 – The Lakeland Derby

Hat contest concludes

7:45 PM    Race concludes

Super ticket drawings

Derby Hat Contest presentations – main stage

7:55 PM    Grand Awards to Owners and Race Winners - main stage

8:15 PM    Live Entertainment - main stage

9:00 PM    Final Super Ticket drawings

9:30 PM    Fireworks