CANTON, GA – History Cherokee celebrated the 23rd Annual Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser over the weekend, raising more than $65,000 to support the organization’s mission. Held at The Mill on Etowah, the event drew a from across Cherokee County for an afternoon of fun, fashion, and community pride.
Guests arrived in their finest Derby Day attire, showcasing an array of beautifully designed hats that added color and creativity to the celebration. The popular hat contest once again proved to be a highlight of the day, with judging by Cherokee County Commissioner Will Cagle, Alana Jacobs Ware, and Ashley Rowe Harwell. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of activities, including a silent auction, raffle, pony pull, and photo booths that captured the excitement of the event.
“We are grateful to everyone who turned out in such overwhelming support of preserving our county’s history,” said Chuck Douglas, interim executive director for History Cherokee. “We are proud to continue this tradition for our community while supporting and celebrating our shared history.”
Proceeds from the event will help fund History Cherokee’s work in 2026, including operating the Cherokee County History Center, developing new programming for all ages, and continuing advocacy efforts for historic preservation. The funds will also support ongoing initiatives to make the organization’s extensive archival collection of more than 100,000 items increasingly accessible to the public through expanded research resources and new exhibits.
With another successful Derby Day in the books, History Cherokee looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to engage the community in meaningful and memorable ways.
About History Cherokee
History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Barn. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.
