Supplied
The Iroquois Steeplechase has been Nashville’s “rite of spring” for decades, with horses taking the track for a crowd of up to 25,000 spectators at Percy Warner Park every second Saturday in May since 1941.
But the race came to a halt this year—its 79th—when event organizers realized they couldn’t move forward with the original plans for a June 27 event.
Instead, event organizers created “Party in a Box,” a new way to continue the race’s tradition of fundraising for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
It was also imperative for Steeplechase to carry on in some way for the sake of the organization’s own future.
“Without hosting the race this year, there are minimal funds to keep the organization alive. Funds are needed to maintain the course, fields, irrigation, barn, decks, staffing, insurance, and all the expenses that are associated with the business and event,” says Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase.
The “Party in a Box” is a custom-made kit that includes a limited-edition Iroquois Steeplechase 2020 bottle of Jack Daniels, silver-plated Mint Julep cups, and lavender-mint simple syrup. Four different packages are available for purchase: the Ultimate Iroquois Steeplechase box, the Winner’s Circle Iroquois Steeplechase box, the Thank Goodness We Can Party box, and the Cooler at Home tailgate package, with prices ranging from $500 to $10,000.
Some packages include a bartender and photographer to capture the fun. Other goodies include a selection of hors d’oeuvres by Flavor Catering, handmade face masks by Christine A. Moore Millinery, and the latest copy of Nashville Lifestyles. Another perk?
"A King Jewelers box with ‘diamonds.’ Some will be cubic zirconia, yet one lucky patron will receive a real diamond,” says Hall.
Although this year’s event will be a bit different, the festivities will still take place on Saturday, June 27. From 6 to 7 p.m., News Channel 5 will broadcast a special that includes highlights from races in past years, the event’s history, and the race’s main beneficiary, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Nadia Dabit
Every year a Child Ambassador from the hospital attends the race. These patients and former patients help raise awareness of the hospital’s programs and philanthropic needs and serve as the face of Children’s Hospital.
This year’s ambassador, Nadia Dabit, is not only outgoing and resilient, as a heart patient she has a deep connection to Dr. David Bichell, this year’s honorary co-chair, through his work as a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon. She also loves horses.
Another Steeplechase tradition likely to show up (and show off) this year? The fashion.
“Patrons will likely dress up for the occasion, including signature hats with appropriate racing day fashions,” says Hall.
So, if you’re planning to buy a box and celebrate at home, be sure to photograph yourself in your Iroquois Steeplechase-worthy hats and tag Nashville Lifestyles to be entered into our annual hat contest on social media. iroquoissteeplechase.org