For the fourth year in a row, Black Frost Distillery held its Kentucky Derby viewing party. The distillery livestreams the race for guests. The Black Frost Distillery is located at N. 1st Street and Valley Street, in the heart of the Goosetown section of New Ulm.

The idea behind Black Frost, co-founded by Nate Gieseke and Jace Marti, originated four years ago due to the connection between fine bourbon and the historical reference to Kentucky.

The celebration at Black Frost began hours before the race. Guests were encouraged to come in elaborate hats, dresses and suits as is the tradition at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. Historically back in the 1800’s and early into the 20th century, hats were in vogue and were associated with high society.

To give the event extra stakes, each guest was able to draw a random horse competing in the derby. If their horse won, they received a free drink.

Jessica Barnhoft won “best hat” at the Black Frost’s Kentucky Derby viewing party. Barnhoft’s hat was homemade. She was able to attach a toy flamingo to a blue sun hat. Bornhoft said the hat represented all her creative output. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Moments before the derby began, a horse named Great White bucked and flipped, tossing his jockey, forcing a last-minute scratch from the race. The crowd at Black Frost howled in shock during a replay of the near accident.

Going into the derby, a horse name Renegade was favored to win, but it a surprise upset, the derby was won by Golden Tempo, who entered with 23-1 odds. Golden Tempo began the race in last place, but managed to pull into first during the last quarter of the race.

After the race, guests receive awards for best hat, best outfit and best couples outfit.

Jessica Bornhoft would win best hat for her homemade flamingo design. He was able to attach a toy flamingo to a blue sun hat.

Bornhoft said the hat represented all her creative output.

Mike Goodell and Brittany Cornick of Cottage Grove won “best couples outfit” at the Black Frost’s Kentucky Derby viewing party. Goodell said Cornick spent considerable time finding the right outfit to wear to the celebration. She ultimately decided on a blue and pink dress with a matching pink hat. Goodell said once she had the dress he just needed to find a blue suit to match her. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Overall best outfit went to My Phung Huynh for a white and black striped dress with a black hat adorned with white and gold flowers.

Huynh said winning the best overall outfit came as a surprise. She had actually been trying to win the best hat. After attending last year’s Kentucky Derby viewing party, Huynh realized she had to work hard to win best hat and had not expected to win for her entire outfit.

Mike Goodell and Brittany Cornick of Cottage Grove won the best couple’s award. This was the first time the couple had attended the Kentucky Derby viewing party.

Goodell said Cornick spent considerable time finding the right outfit to wear to the celebration. She ultimately decided on a blue and pink dress with a matching pink hat. Goodell said once she had the dress, he just needed to find a blue suit to match her.

Gieseke said this year had the best turnout for the viewing part in all four years.

Jace Marti, co-owner of Black Frost, gives My Phung Huynh her prize for “best outfit” during Black Frost’s Kentucky Derby viewing party. Huynh said winning best overall outfit came as a surprise. She had been aiming to win best hat. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Marti said he didn’t expect the event to grow this big when they started four years ago, but he was happy to see everyone come out and celebrate. The annual celebration has become one of the most popular events they host.

New Ulm residents come out in their best outfits to watching the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Black Frost Distillery. In photo from left to right: Todd Christiansen, Andrew “Hank” Hippert, Sara Christiansen and Char Reinhart-Kalk Photo by Clay Schuldt