LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Adults entertain themselves at the neighborhood Derby party, but children sometimes need some guidance. The writers at www.LouisvilleFamilyFun.net show us some inexpensive ideas that get children involved.
First, children can design their own Derby hats. You can purchase inexpensive straw hats and flowers from a local bargain store. With straw hats, children can weave the wire holding the flowers into the hat itself, eliminating the need for a hot glue gun. Another option is to buy inexpensive plastic headbands and use them to make fascinators. The base can be created with paper, poster board, or a paper plate. Sparkly stickers are a nice embellishment, or children can make roses out of tissue paper.
The LouisvilleFamilyFun group also recommends having a Derby-themed story time. Local libraries and bookstores offer a plethora of horse-related or Derby-related books. This gives children something to do while also having them calm down from playing. This can be done while offering a snack.
Derby-themed snacks aren't limited to the adults. LouisvilleFamilyFun's Stephanie White suggests making puffed rice/marshmallow treats, and instead of slicing them, mold them into a giant horseshoe and sprinkle with chocolate chips. A "Junior Julep" can be made by mixing Ginger Ale and Lemon Juice with a sprig of mint.
Finally, children can have a horse race of their own and even make their own horses. White used foam pool noodles to craft a horse. Fold a short piece of one end over onto the rest of the noodle, and secure it with sturdy twine. Then, let children decorate the horse by drawing a face and adding a mane made of felt, yarn, or even a plastic Hawaiian lei. A string of yarn can be used as reins.
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