22nd Preakness Party is coming to Ditchley

Guests enjoy a previous Preakness Party.

NORTHUMBERLAND—The Rappahannock Community College (RCC) Educational Foundation invites the community to the 22nd annual Preakness Party from 4-7 p.m. May 16 at Ditchley, 1571 Ditchley Road, Kilmarnock.

“The Preakness Party is a highlight of the year—fun, festive and deeply impactful,” said Dr. Shannon Kennedy, RCC president. “This year’s celebration not only supports scholarships but also invites our community to play a role in shaping the future of our students.”

RCC students often balance work, family responsibilities, food insecurity and unexpected challenges while pursuing their education. Through support from RCC Educational Foundation, Inc. (EFI), including proceeds from the Preakness Party, students receive critical resources that help them stay on track and complete their goals.

Guests will enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres from 1710 Tavern, Act XII Wine and Provisions, Ditchley Cider Works, Excellent Eats, Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club and RCC Culinary Arts. Beverages will include wines from General’s Ridge Vineyard, Good Luck Cellars and Ingleside Vineyards, along with cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic options.

The event will include live and silent auctions featuring experiences and one-of-a-kind items, as well as the popular “Most Audacious Hat” and “Best Dressed Man” contests. The event will conclude with a broadcast of the Preakness Stakes on big screens under the tent.

Tickets are $100 per guest. Purchase tickets at 333-6707 or www.rappahannock.edu/preaknessparty.

Rivah Visitor's Guide Staff
Rivah Visitor's Guide Staffhttps://www.rivahguide.com
The Rivah Visitor’s Guide provides information about places to go and things to do throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region, from the York River to the Potomac River.

Related Reading

Lace up for the 2026 Deltaville 5K

MIDDLESEX––The tradition continues! The annual Deltaville 5K is returning on Saturday, July 4, promising its signature mix of community spirit, flat-and-fast...

Celebrate America’s 250th with boat parade and concert

LANCASTER—It’s time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in true river style with the Rappahannock River Yacht Club (RRYC) Patriotic Boat Parade...

RFM announces Independence Day ‘weekend’ events

NORTHUMBERLAND—Reedville Independence Day activities and America 250 celebrations are on tap July 3, 4 and 5, organized by the Reedville Fishermen’s...
DrKeeney
Malise2026
MPMCPiers

The Fishing Line

Let’s Go Fishing! Hookin’ and Cookin’

July on the Chesapeake Bay can be hot, but for an angler, the bay breeze and great fishing is pure heaven. The bay and...

It Happened Here

It Happened Here: 1904 letter from Palmer to plasterer

The following letter was written by Charles Henry Palmer, builder and architect of Urbanna Baptist Church and other structures in Urbanna. It was addressed...

The Backdraft offers good food and generous portions

I’m embarrassed to say I grew up in Northumberland County and had never been to The Backdraft in neighboring Westmoreland County until a few...
Kilmarnock
clear sky
97.4 ° F
98.9 °
87.7 °
59%
7.6mph
6%
Thu
97 °
Fri
99 °
Sat
98 °
Sun
93 °
Mon
89 °

Local Tides