Iron Fish Distillery’s 6th annual Kentucky Derby Party Returns to Thompsonville, Michigan for a Good Cause.

Hat’s and Horse’s  is Iron Fish Distillery’s biggest community fundraiser of the year.  Each year, Iron Fish selects a local community group or non profit organization to participate in the event, marked by a real horse race with veteran retired race horses, 50/50 race tickets, and a silent auction.  This year, an anonymous donor, and Iron Fish Distillery Flycaster Club member offered to match every dollar donated during the event.   

“Everyone at Iron Fish couldn’t be more thrilled to have the Garden Theater as our 2023 Derby Party non profit partner,” said Sarah Anderson Iron Fish Distillery and Co-Founder. “Since 1924, the Garden Theater has been a cornerstone of  the region by bringing year-round, diverse entertainment and providing a community gathering space. Funds raised at our event will support a major expansion underway at the Garden and infrastructure improvements that will allow the theater to offer a wider variety of artistic and educational performances to substantially strengthen the cultural richness in Benzie County and beyond. ”  “We are thrilled to be able to bring the community together to support the Garden Theater and honored to know a member of our Flycaster Club will match money raised during the event!”

The Garden Theater has been at the very center of the Benzie County community and beyond since its opening in 1924. More than just a long-time movie house, the theater has a history and tradition of bringing new ideas, experiences, and energy to downtown Frankfort,  bringing year-round, diverse entertainment, personal enrichment, and providing a community gathering space, The Garden Theater enhances the lives of all stakeholders and participants through its events and offerings. The Garden Theater is currently fundraising for their Performing Arts Project which will allow for the theater to offer a wider variety of artistic and educational performances to substantially strengthen the cultural richness in Benzie County and beyond. The proposed project includes entirely new lighting, rigging, video, and sound systems for the theater as well as improvements to the theater’s accessibility and the investment of venue necessities to mitigate ongoing rental costs. These enhancements will transform the Garden Theater into a fully functioning multipurpose venue and give greater access to performers seeking an audience and community members seeking a culturally fulfilling experience.

Iron Fish Derby Party Tickets

Saturday, May 6th – 3:00-8:00 pm (21+ Only)

Arrive on time, to size up the Parade of Horses and get an up-close look at this year’s contenders racing the Iron Fish Dirt Road Derby. Review pedigrees of this year’s racing field and make your pick among Benzie and Manistee County racing legends. The track rounds the bend of Dzuibanek Road with the finish line directly in front of the distillery. Following the race, celebrate the crowning of the winning horse and jockey with the Garland of Roses. That’s just the beginning!