Wow, what a fun weekend! Not only did Jay and Stacy (our friends from Atlanta) come stay with us, they helped us pull off a pretty amazing Cinco de Derby party!
After last year’s cindo de derby success, we decided to claim it as our annual party. So this year we kicked it up a notch! Since cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby fall on the same weekend, we like to combine to two events into the ultimate fiesta to kick off summer!
This year there was plenty of delicious beer, thanks to Corona!
The Modelos were easily a crowd favorite, followed by Corona Light.
FYI- Corona Light only has 99 calories, which is less than Coor’s Light 102 and Bud Light’s 110 (source). Just an interesting factoid since summer is coming up and it’s easily my favorite ‘light option’ beer.
We also set up a make-your-own margarita bar. FYI- we went through 2 handles of tequila. A fun party? Yes, I think so.
And what would the derby be without a way to wager?!
David printed off bios on the horses, owners and jockeys, which I found hilarious. Kind of like this amazing sombrero.
The party began at 3pm so it would be family-friendly. To ensure our friends knew kids were welcomed, Bounce Houses & More supplied the ultimate kid-magnet…
…what? I had to test it out to make sure it would do 
It. Was. Awesome. Neil was so easy to work with, the equipment was clean and seemed new and the team even arrived early to set up. I now want a bounce house at every event.
But what really makes a party? The people!
I’ve mentioned before that I get mild anxiety over party throwing. I always worry people won’t show up. Luckily, despite the looming clouds, our friends came and made the party a true success!
Not only did they come, they came bearing delicious dips and sides.
Snacking, mingling and drinking ensued, along with plenty of bouncing.
Before long, it was derby time!
My horse, Itsmyluckyday, didn’t live up to his name. I didn’t let it rain on my parade, though. Neither did anyone else.
After the derby, we fired up the grill for burgers and hotdogs. I was genuinely excited, not just because of my growling stomach, but I finally was going to get to try NoBull Veggie Burgers.
NoBull provided some burgers for the fiesta after I reached out to them to express my desire in trying their burgers that I’ve seen online and that always look SO good. Not only is the ingredient list impressive, they are delicious! I loved that they were hearty and didn’t squish out the sides when I bit in.
Others agreed. Even some meat eaters opted for the veggie version and were happily surprised by the goodness.
For me, the party flew by.
Before I knew it, it was dark and people had started to scatter. We decided to leave the cleaning up for the morning, and instead roasted the remaining hotdogs over the bonfire.
Thank you so much to Corona, Bounce Houses & More and NoBull Veggie Burgers for help making this year’s Cinco de Derby fiesta so much fun! And thank you to our friends for coming out and making it a true success!
Now to start planning next year’s fiesta….
Karen says
What a FUN weekend. I love the party theme and might have to steal it from you…ha-ha. Those veggie burgers look amazing as well. I have been on a spicy black bean burger lately. So GOOD!! Have a great week!!
Brittany Dixon says
Steal away! I doubt we are the first ones to come up with it 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
What a fun idea to combine the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo into one celebration. It looks like it was a super good time. Oh, and a make your own margarita bar? Now that sounds fantastic! 😉
Parita says
Looks like an awesome party! I love that you made is kid-friendly as well with the bouncy house. And I especially love the make your own margarita bar. YUM!
Erica says
That looks like the perfect party!
Jane Marie says
Y’all sure know how to throw a party!!!! Sad we missed it, and looking forward to coming up for a visit soon!
Jane Marie
Brittany Dixon says
We need to put this on the calendar STAT. We miss yall!
Erin @Axell's Kitchen says
How fun!! Everything looks perfect!
Beth @ Mangoes and Miles says
This looks like so much fun! It’s such a good idea, too.
PS. Bounce houses rock. I’m convinced you’ll never be too old for bounce houses.
Brittany Dixon says
Agreed. It was tempting to ask them to leave it overnight. I could have bounced for hours. Way more fun than the gym 😉
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
I am so sad I missed the veggie burgers! I have been wanting to try them too!
Brittany Dixon says
If we had any left, I’d bring you one! They’re pretty delicious.
Erin says
What a fun time! Glad y’all had a good turn out! I picked the same horse and I was disappointed in the outcome, too! 🙂
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
What an awesome party, Brittany! So glad you got to try the No Bull Burgers–I sample them almost every week at the Charlottesville City Market, and when I buy a pack of 4, it does not last long!
Brittany Dixon says
I need to start ordering them regularly- they’re so good! Wish we had them in stores near me.
katie says
WOW! I remember your post from last year, but so cool that you were able to partner with Corona! Keep up the good work!
Christie says
So bummed I missed it- It looked like a great time! I certainly could’ve used a margarita… and a corona… and a turn in the bounce house, naturally! 😉
Jen says
Looks like it was a great time! I bet the bounce house was a hit. I hope we can make it next year!
Maria says
And again, this is why we need to be neighbors 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Can you go ahead and put next year’s party on your calendar?
Beth Sheridan says
Oh that party looks just incredible!! I would have SO come to hang out with you all if I lived closer!! So much fun 🙂
Christina says
Those are some amazing acrobatic skills you are showing off in the Bounce House!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks! I channeled my former inner cheerleader… Sadly I’ve lost a few skills since high school 😉
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Can I come next year?!?!?!
NO BULL! Those are made in Charlottesville. [Wait. You probably knew that…] I LOVE them because they hold up on a grill, unlike most veggie burgers. They just came out with a vegan, GF version which I tried at the farmer’s market, but I like the original best. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
I had the original, too, and it was really good! I wish I had more, so I need to look into ordering some. Or maybe I’ll just come visit Charlottesville 🙂
And YES, please come next year!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers says
Looks like y’all know how to throw a party! I wish I could have made it, but the in-laws were in town this weekend. hmph. Sure looks like fun! I’m not a huge Corona fan, but I think I saw a Victoria in there too (yum!)… not that I guess I can have any of that now anyway. haha
Krista says
Fun fun fun!! But WHERE are the derby hats??? 😉
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Corona with lime is delicious 🙂
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart says
This looks like one amazing party…I mean fiesta! I would I have been right next to you bouncing away 🙂 You have me totally intrigued by these NO Bull burgers.. def. checking them out!
Neil Butterfield says
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. I like the odd flutter myself.
blackhuff says
What a fun party! And you are so flexible. Incredible