You don't need to attend Churchill Downs to enjoy the . In fact, many people who have never watched horse racing before will show up to get a glimpse of the most exciting two minutes in sports. And it's also a great excuse to throw a Derby Day party! We're talking cute and , along with fun games and Kentucky Derby foods. That’s right, there are tons of and drinks enjoyed across the country, including favorites, , and classic Derby recipes that are worthy of the Triple Crown.

If hosting a Kentucky Derby party, there are a few must-haves to make the day complete. First, ! And more specifically: mint juleps.

The classic icy beverage made with bourbon, sugar, and mint has been the official drink of the derby since 1938. Then, there's the food. Some traditional derby dishes include pimento cheese, tea sandwiches, and deviled eggs. Here, you'll find those recipes and so much more. Like Southern fried okra, homemade biscuits, ham and cheese sliders, and tomato pie. We've even included a few that would be perfect for a Southern-inspired party. Try hummingbird cake, pecan pie bars, or one of the ahead. Odds are that these dishes will be the winners of the day.