All Eyes on Luna: Big Crowd, Bigger Nerves at the Derby Bar Open House

Today’s the day.

After weeks of planning, polishing, prepping, and dreaming, my Kentucky Derby Party Open House has finally arrived. And if I’m being honest… it didn’t exactly start off the way I imagined.

When the sun came up this morning, so did the chill. 34 degrees. Brrr doesn’t even begin to cover it.

And the forecast? Not much better. A high of 47 degrees means we’re in for a cold one all day long. Not exactly classic Derby weather—but if there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s that a great party isn’t about perfect conditions… it’s about working with what you are given. And thankfully, my people showed up. Audrey went into full-on problem-solving mode, making call after call to friends, neighbors, and rental companies until we had exactly what we needed—heaters, and lots of them. What could have been a freezing, uncomfortable day is now shaping up to be cozy, warm, and inviting. Crisis averted.

Meanwhile, behind the bar, Ray has been shaking his head (and maybe guarding the taps a little more closely than usual). Yesterday, he prepped what he officially declared to be “the most expensive keg I’ve ever made.” And honestly… he’s not wrong. We’re talking five gallons of Woodford Reserve bourbon, transformed into a flowing, ready-to-pour Mint Julep keg. Smooth, bold, and dangerously easy to serve. It’s Derby Day in liquid form—and it might just be the star of the show.

Of course, no big event ever comes together without a few surprises. Late in the game, we discovered that all of my tap handles needed to be replaced—damage from winter storage that somehow went unnoticed until now. Not exactly ideal timing. But thanks to some quick thinking (and quick hands) from Brad and Ray, everything was repaired and back in working order just in time.

A little last-minute chaos? Sure. But that’s just part of the story.

Because this isn’t just any event.

This is the biggest event we’ve ever done. We’re expecting around 300 guests, which meant one big decision—we had to move the entire party to a nearby park to make room for everyone. And let me tell you, the setup? It’s something special. A massive sailcloth tent now stretches across the space, soft and elegant, catching the light in a way that feels both classic and elevated. It’s the kind of tent that doesn’t just cover a party—it defines it. Add in a luxury portable bathroom trailer for comfort, and suddenly this isn’t just a gathering… it’s an experience.

And me? I’m right at the center of it. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling it a little today.

Because this crowd… it matters. Today isn’t just friends and neighbors stopping by (though they’re here too, and I love that). It’s also brides-to-be, parents planning graduation parties, wedding coordinators, event planners, and even craft brewers and distillers—all coming to see what I can do.

That’s a lot of eyes. A lot of expectations. And yeah… a few nerves.

Will the drinks hit just right? Will the vibe come together the way we imagined? Will people feel that something special the moment they walk up to me?

I hope so.

Because that’s what I’m built for. Not just to serve drinks—but to create a place where people gather, linger, laugh, and connect. A place that feels like the heart of the party.

So even with the cold morning, the last-minute fixes, and the pressure of a big crowd… I’m ready. The heaters are on. Drinks are prepped. The tent is standing tall. And the gates are about to open.

Let’s run this Derby.

With a little nervous energy and a whole lot of heart,
Luna Belle 🐴🥃🎩✨