Welcome to all venturing from near and far that are descending upon Louisville starting today. Friday is Oaks Day. This use to be the day that locals ventured to Churchill Downs to enjoy a pleasant day at the track, soak up the Derby vide and watch some first class horse racing.

Now the Oaks has grown into a spectacle as large as what the Derby used to be not that long ago. I hope everyone takes full advantage of Louisville’s liberal hours for nightlife, samples the fine cuisine and picks a pocket full of winning horses.

To get the 2016 Kentucky Derby off to a proper start, I can think of no better individual than Kentucky favorite son and resident provocateur of all things strange, Hunter S. Thompson, Doctor Gonzo himself, to offer his words of encouragement for Derby spectators.

Please take a moment and read, from Scanlan’s Monthly in June 1970, by Hunter S. Thompson:  The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved.

Be safe out there everyone and have a blast. Welcome to Louisville and the Kentucky Derby.