Louisville, KY (WDRB News)-- Millions upon millions of dollars are spent this weekend in Louisville.
Outside Churchill Downs along Central Avenue , there is a micro-economy underway on Oaks and Derby Day.
So you don't have to be be inside Churchill Downs to spend your money. American commerce is alive and well outside the track.
Kristen Hagan and her family who live near the track set up a both every year selling items that racing fans might want and need especially on a day when rain is a possibility.
"We are selling ponchos today, there is a fifty percent chance for rain," she says, "we also sell portable chairs so the ladies don't have to sit on the grass, and flip flops so when their high heels might cause their feet to hurt later they will be good to go."
Right next door there is more of a corporate operation with All Pro Championship having a booth manned by Rachel Sandrella.
"We've got all of the Derby T-shirts, glasses, hats and other stuff," she says.
She says she doesn't mind working on Oaks and Derby Day. "I like watching all of the people walking by with all of their outfits," she says, "their hats and everything and just talking with them, I'll be more excited when more people come."
Something new along Central Avenue this year is a place where people can have their pictures taken for a coffee book Ron Berg, a professional photographer, is hoping to put together.
The best dressed will end up in his book. "I have always been enthralled with derby fashion," he says, "and I have just researched and never yet seen a coffee table book on derby fashion and hats so I thought what a better opportunity this year than to try it."
And when the day at the track comes to an end and you are too tired to walk all the way back to the parking lot a mile away, if you have any money left you can get a lift in a pedicab.
"To the gates at the track its ten or fifteen dollars, back to the parking lot it will cost forty bucks," says Richard from Washington D.C.
All of the attractions along Central Avenue hoping to be big winners too on Oaks and Derby Day.
