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D erby Day may be a new tradition in Round Top. The hats are big, the bourbon pours are generous, and the celebration finds its way back to supporting the community. Such was the case when Red Antler owners John Cone and Greg Fourticq hosted the inaugural Run for the Roses Derby Day Dinner, which raised more than $13,000 for the town's beloved Round Top Family Library. Guests arrived in their Derby best, with colorful fascinators, seersucker jackets, and floral dresses bringing another burst of color to the James Cabana at Red Antler Bungalows. The setting overflowed with lush roses, poolside cocktails, and ideal spring temperatures. The evening began by the pool, where Fayetteville Mayor Mike Stroup played bluegrass music as guests gathered with mint juleps in commemorative Derby cups, poured by Red Antler bartender Edwin Mares. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey provided its signature bourbon throughout cocktail hour, and Caymus Vineyards kept glasses filled. Royers Round Top Cafe made Roses Dinner Benefiting Round Top Family Library Run for the By Sophia Porter. Photography Heather Robards. the rounds with shrimp bruschetta and bacon- wrapped dates before guests settled in for the four-course dinner. A raffle kept the energy high between courses, with prizes including a stay at Red Antler and gifts from Royers, all supporting the library and its free programs for children, families, and lifelong learners throughout the Round Top community. The atmosphere felt less like a formal fundraiser and more like an intimate dinner party where every guest knows someone across the table. For a first-year event, the Run for the Roses Derby Day Dinner felt remarkably established. Spotted: Sofia and Owen Massey, Kim and Richard Rolland, Andrew Echols, Elizabeth Moore Galtney and Will Galtney, Bob Moore, Cindy Earthman, Sissy Lappin, Kathy and Dale Young, Amy Bone, Rebecca Moore Pletz, Denise Jacobs, Frank Hillbolt, Pam Lankford, Kasey and Mark Massey, Susan Ketterer, Johna and Judd Watts, Shanna and Rob Schanen, Penny and Paul Layne, Wendy Burks, Lisa Cone, and Kendall and Cale Kobza. Rob & Shanna Schanen for the Mint Julep win Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for the Mint Julep win Greg Fourticq, Kathy Young Sofia Massey, John Cone Kim Rolland, Kathy Young Denise Jacobs Frank Hillbolt, Pam Langford Susan Ketterer Penny & Paul Layne Rebecca Moore Pletz Elizabeth Moore Galtney 76