Rockford natives release limited edition Kentucky Derby bobbles ahead of 150th running
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter
ROCKFORD — A pair of Rockford natives who run the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee are helping commemorate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The museum, which was founded by Guilford High School graduates Phil Sklar and Brad Novak, has unveiled officially licensed bobbles of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby 150th anniversary logo.
“I fondly recall watching the Kentucky Derby on TV with my sister the first Saturday in May each year while growing up in Rockford, so it’s exciting to be teaming up with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby to produce officially licensed bobbleheads celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby,” Sklar said in an email.
More news: Parent company of Illinois Bank & Trust in Rockford acquired in $2B deal
The Kentucky Derby, dubbed “the greatest two minutes in sports,” starts just before 6 p.m. on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Coverage and gatherings for the event begin hours before the race.
The Churchill Downs Twin Spires Bobble is the first bobble with the iconic Twin Spires, both of which bobble on the figurine. The limited-edition collectible features the grandstand filled with fans behind the track and a sign with the years 1875-2024.
The Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary BobbleLogo features the logo bobbling over a base with a rose pattern.
Both bobbles will be individually numbered and can be purchased jointly for $65. The Twin Spires separately is $40 and the logo is $30.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby to offer sports fans across the world the opportunity to commemorate the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby with two special edition bobbles,” Sklar said. “We think fans will love these limited-edition collectibles celebrating the historic Churchill Downs Twin Spires and the 150th Kentucky Derby.”
How to buy
To purchase the anniversary bobbles, you can pre-order at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum online store HERE.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
