And they’re off, once again! Woodlawn students race in stick horse Derby
Published 2:09 pm Monday, May 3, 2021
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A Woodlawn Elementary School kindergartener gets a piggyback ride, her eyes smiling and her hair blowing in the wind. She was the last child to cross the finish line in the last stick horse Derby race Woodlawn conducted for kindergarteners on Friday. First graders were in the audience as spectators since, due to COVID-19, they weren’t able to do the race last year. The race was held on the turf field at Boyle County High School. - Photo by Olivia Mohr
In the audience, Woodlawn first-grader Gavin Campbell shows off his hat, complete with a horse stuffed animal, stickers and a pinwheel decorated with the colors and patterns of the American flag. - Photo by Olivia Mohr
Woodlawn first-grader Sam May, watches the kindergarten students race in their version of a stick horse derby on Friday afternoon. -Photo by Robin Hart
Three boys race to the finish line at Woodlawn Elementary School Friday afternoon. -Photo by Robin Hart
Several kindergarten boys race to the finish line at Woodlawn Elementary School Friday afternoon. -Photo by Robin Hart
Three first-graders cheer on the runners at Woodlawn Elementary School Friday afternoon. -Photo by Robin Hart
First-graders at Woodlawn Elementary School in the bleachers at Boyle County Football stadium keep their face masks on and keep socially distanced as they cheer on the kindergarten students running in the annual stick horse derby. -Photo by Robin Hart
Kindergarten girls race to the finish line during Woodlawn Elementary School’s annual stick horse derby Friday afternoon -Photo by Robin Hart
A first grader in the audience claps as kindergarteners race. He wears a gold and black hat adorned with a flower, black-and-white ribbon and the word “Derby.” - Photo by Olivia Mohr
A first grader in the audience wears a flowered dress and wide-brimmed hat. Both racers and audience members dressed in Derby-esque outfits and hats. - Photo by Olivia Mohr
PHOTOS BY OLIVIA MOHR AND ROBIN HART
In recognition of the Kentucky Derby, Woodlawn Elementary School kindergarteners gathered on the turf field at Boyle County High School on Friday to host their own Derby, except they ran on foot holding stick horses.
Since the now-first-graders who were kindergarteners last year weren’t able to have a stick horse Derby last year due to COVID-19, they were in the audience for the race as spectators so they could have a way to participate.
Many of the children wore elaborate hats, spring dresses and other Derby-inspired dress.
Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the racers and audience members.