According to my Derby glass, the winner of the 1921 Kentucky Derby was a horse named Behave Yourself. Perhaps even back in the early days of the Harding Administration, Derby revelers were being cautioned to keep the hijinks to a minimum. Relive those thrilling days of yesteryear (sorry, wrong horse) at the 2011 Bootleggers Ball, a “delightful evening” benefiting the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, Sunday, February 5.

The event, which is a speakeasy-themed black-tie and period dress gala, will include a 1920s costume contest, plus music from the West Market Street Stompers, a seven-man swinging jazz band guaranteed to get the Charleston going. Also, Maker’s Mark will sponsor a bourbon tasting at the ball.

The Bootleggers Ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Wildwood Country Club, 5000 Bardstown Road. Ticket prices, which include dinner and a cash bar, are $65 per person, $125 per couple or $750 for a corporate table of 10, and are partially tax deductible. For tickets or more information, call 584-FEST.

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Image courtesy Kentucky Derby Festival