Joc and Trey at brunch before the races
The group posing at brunch
The race grounds
Our gazebo - prime location at the races
Joc and Trey posing in front of our tent at the races
Mel, Debi, Michele and Jocelyn at our tent
Jocelyn and Michele
Jocelyn posing with a policeman - don't worry - she did not do anything naughty!
Deciding on what to order from Mr. Whippy
What to choose.....
Jocelyn finally got her Mr. Whippy!
Jocelyn and Trey with Mr. Whippy
Last weekend we put on our best frocks and headed to the races with friends!
Jocelyn's friend from work had organised a brunch and had another friend get to the racetrack early to get a prime spot to watch the races. We paid her each $17 for tickets and a bit more so that we would not need to worry about food, glasses, etc.) A modest price for an entire day of fun! We chose the tailgating option as opposed to being in the stands which seemed like a more "authentic" way to enjoy the event.
The morning was spent with Jocelyn getting fully made up with false lashes and a giant flower fascinator (hat/headband) which you simply cannot go to the races without! We joined the group at a lovly restaurant which was just a short walk from the track - this way we could just walk from brunch to the races.
It was a lovely day - probably the nicest weather day since we have lived here in NZ.
We got to the parking spot that our friend had scored and there were lawn chairs, a gazebo/tent and a table all set up. The alcohol we had dropped to our friend a day prior was already chilled and waiting for us to pur into our wine glasses. No fuss!
We were one row back from the track and immediately in front of the large screen showing the races and the outcomes. We were with a very large group and went in $20 each on a syndicate so we all got a chance to bet on a race. We ended up winning $10 each which is not a lot but it definitely felt good to go home a winner and helped us to pay attention and stay invested in the races.
It was a great party atmosphere and Jocelyn really enjoyed watching all of the hits and misses in the fashion department. There were some awesome dresses, shoes and fascinators!
Two things that Jocelyn was told were "must try's" of Cup and Show week was that she must get a "hot dog" which they said was like th American version of a corn dog and Mr. Whippy ice cream (The Kiwi version of the Ice Cream Man).
She was not a fan of the "hot dog" and towards the end of the races she could not find a Mr. Whippy truck. This was very disappointing to her.
We got a ride home with some friends, Michele, Kurt and Debi. As we were driving back to our place before ordering pizza for the evening's dinner, we spotted a Mr. Whippy truck pulled over at the side of the road - but it did not look open. "Pull over!"
We hopped out of the car while Kurt parked it on the side of the road. Debi knocked on the window and we pleaded with the man (we'll just call him Mr. Whippy ;-) ) "Please, Mr. Whippy! We are not from here and were told we must try some!" He obliged and Jocelyn and Trey got their very first Mr. Whippy's. It was not over-hyped. It was delicious and the perfect ending to our Cup and Show week.
