This week the Great Bend Public Library is celebrating two popular franchises, “Star Wars” and the Kentucky Derby. Thanks to a play on the movie catchphrase, “May the force be with you,” both are early May traditions.
Today is the fourth of May, or some would say May the fourth, which is why it has come to be known as Star Wars Day. After that, Saturday, May 6, is the date for the 149th annual Kentucky Derby, the first leg in the Triple Crown of horse racing.
When we think of Kansas, we don’t necessarily think of Star Wars. However, BetKansas.com, part of BetMGM.com, points out that the Sunflower State has some of the movie franchise's biggest fans in the nation. At least we’re in the Top 10, ranking eighth in interest level. That nugget of information is apparently based on internet searches related to the topic.
BetKansas also tells us that Kansas ranks among the states with the most interest in the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Kentucky ranks first, followed by Indiana, then Kansas and Ohio are tied for third place. “Expect there to be a healthy appetite across Kansas sports betting for the race,” says BetKansas.com writer Christopher Boan.
The traditions tied to both early May events are part of our culture. May 4 is only tied to Star Wars by a bad pun, but ever since the first movie in the franchise opened in 1977 we have had people who identify as Jedis or Wookies, and spin-offs to keep the Force alive. The Star Wars thing Kansans are most often searching for on the internet these days is Din Grogu, the new character often referred to as Baby Yoda, from the TV series “The Mandalorian.”
The Kentucky Derby is more than 100 years older than Star Wars, dating back to 1875. Aside from horse racing and betting, the Derby’s traditions are the drinking of mint juleps and the wearing of ornate hats by female spectators. An alternative to a hat is the headpiece known as a fascinator, which can be more elaborately decorated but doesn’t have a brim.
Thursday at the library, the Star Wars celebration starts at 4 p.m. There will be stations set up around the library with “intergalactic snacks, out-of-this-world crafts and more.” Those who come in costume win a prize.
Saturday, the library is featuring a Kentucky Derby Hat Making Party at 10:30 a.m. Participants will create fascinators “that would be the envy at Churchill Downs” while enjoying appetizers and mocktails. (Registration for this event is required and can be done at the library or online at greatbendpl.info.)
What a great way to kick off the month. Add to that all of the area events, including Friday’s Art & Wine Walk and Great Bend’s 30th Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, as well as other events, and it’s clear that Spring has arrived and we’re all ready to get out and have some fun. The choice is yours, but there’s plenty to do.
