BVA Derby Day 2019 is set for May 4 at Amulet Farms in Rostraver, in conjunction with the 145th running of the world-famous Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky.

A fundraiser to enhance educational opportunities in the Belle Vernon Area School District, the inaugural BVA Derby Day last May attracted more than 500 people and netted $38,000.

“The goal is to make this year’s event bigger and better than last year,” says Tom Svrcek, owner of the Rostraver harness racing facility and CSC Insurance Options, the official fundraiser sponsor. “This is an opportunity for Mon Valley residents to socialize and have fun in a unique way, all for a great cause.”

Gates will open at 3 p.m. for the 21-and-over event, which runs until 7 p.m. and will include:

• Live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby on a Jumbo-Tron

• Derby Hat Contest

• Music by DJ Sean Alter of Galiffa Productions, Donora

• Games of chance, an $8,000 cash prize giveaway and Chinese auction

• Live auction of special weekend packages for the Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Pirates, Penguins and Steelers, consisting of dinner, tickets and overnight stays.

The Meadows package includes $500 in casino chips, a photo in the Winners Circle and a ride in the pace car. The Steelers package includes a Ben Roethlisberger autographed jersey from his 2004 rookie year. Auction items also include a diamond necklace, a high-priced rifle and a custom-made handgun with a Leopard print.

Returning are two popular Pittsburgh-based food trucks: BRGR, featuring gourmet burgers and handcrafted milkshakes, and the Southside BBQ Co. “CarnivoreMobile,” offering ribs, pulled pork, mac’n cheese and grilled sweet potatoes. Trucks featuring tacos and cigars also will be on site.

Beer, wine, daiquiris and the traditional Derby mint juleps will be available.

Photo opportunities will be set up on the Amulet Farms grounds, including at a bronze statue of a horse blanketed in red roses.

Event tickets at $20 each can be purchased at CSC Insurance Options, 4552 Route 51, Rostraver; or at bvaderbyday.com. Sponsorships are available.

Rain date, if needed, will be May 18, when the Preakness is held in Baltimore.

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