Madison Derby Days slate full of music, laughter

Madison Derby Days’ slate of activities promises a fun day filled with contests, singing and, of couse, the Kentucky Derby.

At 7 a.m., the Run Through The Roses” 10K race will depart from Eastview Extension. By 9 a.m., the last participant in the 5K run will reach downtown and proceed down Front Street.

Derby Days officially opens at 10 a.m. Energetic singer-songwriter Bonner Black will be the day’s first performer at 10:30 a.m.

At 10:50 a.m., babies in the Diaper Derby will race on the Village Green. Proud parents and grandparents will cheer for their baby to be the first to crawl past the finish line. Posh Mommy is sponsoring the event.

Shane Adkins will entertain at 11 a.m. Adkins won the International “Home of the Legends” Thumbpicking Contest in Muhlenberg County, Ky. and the fingerstyle guitar contest at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention in Athens.

The Toddler Trot takes off at 11:45 a.m. Local icon Jim Parker will perform at noon. Parker moderates his popular Songwriters’ Series that has introduced many aspiring artists to the public. At 12:45 p.m., a raffle drawing will be held.

Contestants for the most attractive Derby hat will report to the registration table at 12:50 p.m. Judges will announce winners at 1:45 p.m.

At 1 p.m., Donnie Fritts will bring his band of Americana music on stage. Guitarist, producer and singer-songwriter Ricky Ray will perform at 2 p.m.

Derby Day organizers will draw the winning ticket for a birdhouse at 2:45 p.m. Next, Karen Staley at 3 p.m. will offer her blend of country, gospel and rhythm & blues.

The 50-50 drawing is planned for 3:45 p.m. MaryJustice Lucas will share her talent at 4 p.m. MaryJustice was named the 2012 Songwriter of the Year by the North America Country Music Associations.

From Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Race will be broadcast on wide-screen monitors at 5 p.m. The festival ends at 6 p.m. For more information, visit madisonderbydays.com.