Make 'The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports' last throughout the day. Host a memorable Kentucky Derby party

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For millions of horse-racing enthusiasts, the first Saturday in May annually brings the renewal of an exciting and memorable event. That's when fans gather at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, or are glued to their televisions, to witness what many consider the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." The Kentucky Derby, also known as the "Run for the Roses" due to the rose blanket that is draped over the winning horse, is a 1 - mile race that pits the best 3-year-old Thoroughbreds against one another in the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of U.S. horse racing.

In addition to the race -- which lasts approximately 2 minutes -- there are many traditions and festivities that ensure the Kentucky Derby is a fun-filled event. For those who are not able to head to Louisville to attend the fanfare, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the races at home with a party that plays to the Kentucky Derby theme.

Renowned celebrity Chef Bobby Flay has partnered with Churchill Downs for the second year to bring the Kentucky Derby experience home to racing fans through the Kentucky Derby Party program. The program features an official Web site, www.kentuckyderbyparty.com, which puts fans in touch with Flay's Derby-inspired recipes and ideas for hosting their own fetes.

"The Kentucky Derby is a one-of-a-kind springtime sports party that showcases a unique blend of food, fashion and Southern hospitality against the backdrop of America's oldest continuously held sporting event," offers Chef Flay. "As a horse racing enthusiast, I love attending the Kentucky Derby in person, and I also enjoy throwing Derby parties for family and friends. The official Kentucky Derby Party Web site offers hosts and hostesses everything they need to know about Derby entertaining and a few new exciting features that will appeal to all who visit."

Here are some ways to incorporate Kentucky Derby traditions into your party:

* Invitations: Invite guests with invitations that play upon the equine theme. Use clip art of horses or order die-cut horse-shaped invites. Carry the racing theme throughout the party decor by choosing bright, vibrant colors reminiscent of jockeys' silks. For a classier feel, use the official Kentucky Derby Party invitations provided online.

* Attire: Colorful and lavish outfits are the norm for women in attendance. Big hats complete the look. Encourage guests to dress the part with their own Derby-inspired ensembles. Men can dress up in collared shirts and sport coats.

* Food and Drink: Southern-style fare should be the norm at the festivities. Burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables, is a traditional Kentucky dish served at the Derby. Other ideas include sandwiches made with country ham, catfish fritters, shrimp and grits and cheddar biscuits. Desserts featuring chocolate and pecans will continue the Southern specialty theme. The Mint Julep is the traditional cocktail for Derby revelers, with its key ingredient -- Kentucky Bourbon. Try these great recipes:

Mint Juleps

Serves: 1

Bourbon

Simple Syrup

Fresh Mint

Shaved Ice

Combine a shot of bourbon, a few teaspoons of simple syrup and several mint sprigs in a mint julep cup and muddle with spoon. Add shaved ice and garnish with more mint. Serve immediately.

Bobby Flay's All You Can Eat Shrimp with Green Onion, Garlic & BBQ Spices

Serves: 8

Shrimp

cup smoked sweet paprika

2 tablespoons ancho chile powder

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 lbs (21-24 size) large shrimp, shell on

9 tablespoons canola oil, divided

12 cloves coarsely chopped fresh garlic, divided

cup thinly sliced green onion

1. Whisk together the paprika, ancho powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

2. Place the shrimp in a large bowl, add the spice rub and stir well to coat each shrimp.

3. Heat your grill to high. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil on the grates of the grill over high heat in a large cast iron or saute pan; add a third of the shrimp and a third of the garlic and cook until just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in a third of the green onions and transfer to a large platter or turnout onto brown paper bags. Wipe out of the pan with paper towels, and repeat with the remaining ingredients.

* Entertainment: The centerpiece of the day will be the race itself, which is typically run just after 6 p.m. ET. However, other festivities, such as games and dancing can lead up to and follow the fun and add to the sense of competition. Games such as horseshoe tosses and croquet are nice activities if you have a large yard for entertaining. Guests can "bet" on their favorite horses at the party by drawing contenders' names from a hat. Have small prizes for those who choose the winner.

For more ideas, party hosts and hostesses can visit the official Kentucky Derby Party Web site, www.kentuckyderbyparty.com to register their event as an "official" Derby party and to send out free electronic invitations to guests. Be sure to browse through Bobby Flay's recipes and tips for Derby fun.