Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Kentucky Derby Party
Come Join Us on May 1st during our Opening Weekend for the Kentucky Derby! We're celebrating the Kentucky Derby's 136th year with A Best and Biggest Hat Contest, Race Raffle, Mint Juleps, and of Course the Derby itself. Check out the Derby History and Traditions below and visit us on our Facebook Fan Page for more info and to RSVP for the Event!
History of the Derby:
(courtesy of kentuckyderby.com)
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famed horse races in the world. Aptly named "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, the race is a Grade I stakes race like no other. Visitors flock to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May to watch thoroughbred horses compete along 1 and ¼ miles of racetrack. Mint Juleps and elegant hats line the raceway as fans enjoy themselves and stay cool on race day. The race is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Kentucky has been a major center of horse breeding and racing, tracing its traditions back to the late 18th century. Ever since it was settled, the Bluegrass Region has been noted for its ability to produce superior race horses. Louisville's premier racetrack, Churchill Downs, was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Clark organized the Louisville Jockey Club to raise money to build quality racing facilities outside the city. Churchill Downs was the name of the racetrack Clark built, and its name was officially incorporated in 1937.
The first Kentucky Derby race was run at 1.5 miles, the same distance as the Grand Prix de Paris. In 1896, the distance was changed to 1.25 miles, and is currently raced at this distance. The first race was held on May 17, 1875 in front of a crowd of 10,000 people. Fifteen horses competed in the inaugural race, and the first winner was horse Aristides and his rider, Oliver Lewis. Derby participants are limited to three-year-old horses, and no horse since Apollo in 1882 has won the Derby without racing at age two.
The Kentucky Derby is host to some of the longest standing racetrack traditions in the U.S. Each year, you will find fans sipping Mint Juleps (w whiskey drink made from whiskey, mint and sugar) and eating burgoo (a meat stew) at the racetrack. Women appear in lavish outfits with big, elegant hats. The University of Louisville marching band plays Stephen Foster’s "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses are paraded before the grandstands.
The Derby is sometimes referred to as "The Run for the Roses," as a blanket of 554 roses is awarded to the Derby winner each year. This tradition is thought to have started when New York socialite E. Berry Wall presented roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs founder, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr.
The fastest time ever run in the Kentucky Derby was set in 1973 when Secretariat clocked-in at 1:59:40. The most wins achieved by a single jockey is five, and jockeys Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack are tied for the record. Ben A. Jones holds the record for most wins by a trainer, and Calumet Farm holds the record for most wins by an owner.
Derby Hats
Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women, however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well. Wearing a hat is much like getting into costume, you might be pleasantly surprised to see what type of character you become. From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits. In the clubhouse and paddock, women of grace and taste sport classy, fashionable styles. In the infield, the headwear has tendancy to take on a zanier character.
Mint Juleps
The Classic Drink is made with Early Times Bourbon, A Mint Simple Syrup, a Splash of Soda Water and Garnished with a Sprig of Mint.
My Old Kentucky Home
The Official Song of the Kentucky Derby is called "My Old Kentucky Home" and is Played Every Year before the Derby begins. You an listen to the 1853 song here.
My Old Kentucky Home
By Stephen Foster
The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.
Tis summer, the people are gay;
The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom
While the birds make music all the day.
The young folks roll on the little cabin floor
All merry, all happy and bright;
By'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!
All merry, all happy and bright;
By'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door
Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!
Weep no more my lady. Oh! Weep no more today!
We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.
We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home, far away.
The Thirsty Whale Presents: Meet Your Bartender
Welcome to the Thirsty Whale Presents Series!
Meet Your Bartender
This Week
Issue 1. Vol. 1-------Tom Nimsgern
Full Name: Tom Nimsgern
Number of Years at the Whale: 8
Signature Cocktail: The Killer Whale!
Favorite Menu Item: Grouper Sandwich
Best Pick-Up Line: "Hey are you from Tennessee? (why?) Because your the only 10 I see!
Worst Pick-Up Line: "Can I get you a Drink? (sure!) Great Stop by my place around 7."
Where you can find me when I'm not working: (Like that ever happens;) Beer Can Island or enjoying a drink up in the Cupola.
Amazing Super Talent- Supersonic Juke and Pivot Skills- Able to navigate large crowds with full trays at lightning speed and serve 10 drinks- all at the same time.
Sage Bartender Advice: I go by many names "Hey You" is not one of them. If you really want to get the Bartender's attention wave a $100 bill. Waving a Credit Card all about is as real to a bartender as the town Cougar's rack.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Midwest Living's 4 Favorite Family Getaways: Minocqua, WI
Midwest Living Magazine recently rated Minocqua, WI as one of their 4 favorite family getaways. One of their favorite stops to eat and drink? The Thirsty Whale of Course! You can view their thumbs up for the Whale and see who else made the list by clicking the link below!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Help Us Name the Whale!
We are in need of your Help! Many of you know our famous Whale in Front of the Building. Our Thirsty Whale is in need of a Nick-Name and we're looking for suggestions! The Best 4 names will be chosen by our staff and we will put up a web poll to decide the winner. The Winner of the "Name the Whale Contest" will receive a free drink and Lifetime Street Cred. for Naming our outdoor Mascot! Send your suggestions to thethirstywhaleminocqua@gmail.com Subject: Name the Whale Contest- along with name and email address.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Where is the Whale?
Looking for the Thirsty Whale Ice Shanty that was on Lake Minocqua this Winter? You can go see the awesome shanty built by Ron McMullin parked just west of South Farming Road.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
History of The Thirsty Whale
February of 1902, Dick Hoover and his partner Hugh McMillin decided to erect a new boathouse on the west end of Milwaukee Street and conduct a boat livery the coming Spring Season. It will be the second livery in Minocqua.
In the Spring of 1905, McMillin was no longer a partner. Hoover married widow Karen Winger and it was called "Hoover and Winger Boat Livery." The business grew rapidly and they were soon operating a bar/restaurant along with the boathouse. There were additions made to the boathouse almost every year for the next 10 years. In 1909 two lumber barges were purchased and were converted into houseboats that were rented out as complete restaurants for fishing trips.
In October 1911 Richard Hoover was shot and killed by his stepson in self defense.
Thereafter Karen ran the business with her son Albert. After her death in 1921, Albert formed a partnership with his brother Edwin. Albert and Edwin sold the business to
Ralph Garrison in 1927 and he continued to run the engine and boat repair shop as
"Pleasant View Livery."
In 1930 Garrison sold the boat livery to Anton Bosacki and he renamed it "Town Dock Boathouse." It is unsure when Bosacki sold the place sometime in the 1930's. We believe John O'Leary bought the building and it sat empty for a few years.
During the mid 1940's the building was leased out to Curt Fleman who made rubber door mats there. Children would bring old tires down there and he would pay them a nickel a tire.
In 1950 the Bassetts bought the place and called it "Bassetts Marine Bar and Restaurant." Sometime in 1955. Joe and Ruth Ritchie brought out Bassetts and renamed the place "Joe's Marine Bar." Joe bartended and repaired boats and his wife
Ruth cooked in the restaurant. Their six children all pitched in with the daily chores from cleaning the place to bartending and waiting on customers.
Each year the bar/restaurant was opened up in May and closed down for the season in September. In 1957 Joe decided that the bar needed a gimmick and invented the
"Moscow Mule Bucket Club." When you drank a bucket you got to hang it on the ceiling and become a bucket club member. The bucket club was a huge success and upon selling the bar in 1970 they had members from all 50 states and 7 foreign countries. In 1965 Joe had again completely remodeled the bar and restaurant.
Joe and Ruth sold the bar to Norman and Donna Schooth and cousins Roger and Joan Springston. It was then that the name was changed to "The Thirsty Whale."
Norman and Donna's daughter and husband. Gary and Jan Speil ran the bar for them at first and not long after bought them out continuing to run the bussines until 1979. The Moscow Mule was replaced in the buckets with a drink they called the "Summer Hummer. " After contacting the Mohawk bottling company they were able to get them to bottle and distribute the mixture that they used for the "Summer Hummers." It is called Limon. It has been a popular item for the past 25 years for not only The Thirsty Whale but for many others who enjoy making it at other establishments and at home.
Roger and Vivian Carron were the next owners of "The Thirsty Whale" in 1979 and once again kept the locals and tourists entertained for 5 more years. Ed and Dolores Prohaska purchased the place from Roger in 1984. Their daughter and husband
Deanne and Jay Kidd ran the bar and restaurant for them. In 1999 Deanne and Jay bought the business. They both continue to run "The Thirsty Whale" along with their dedicated employees.
Imagine sitting on the deck over looking beautiful Lake Minocqua watching water ski show or snowmobiling in the winter right outside our door. Fun is had by all ages at this 100 year old landmark business. Come and enjoy the Northwoods, its good for your soul.
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