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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Picture-perfect weather with sunshine and a slight breeze greeted race fans for Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs on Friday. 

Without the need for coats and rain gear, crowds were able to deck out in signature pink in support of the day. 

Some visited from Philadelphia, Colorado, California and Tennessee.

"The horse came here and we were able to pet one of the horses, it was very special," Orsolya Kamya said.

Churchill Downs is breaking new ground with a live performance by Rachel Platten of her "Fight Song" during the Kentucky Oaks' 15th Survivor's Parade at 3 p.m. Friday, May 5. To see a list of the 149 survivors taking part in the walk before the Oaks race, click here. 

The song has become an anthem for those battling cancer. Platten also performed the National Anthem at 5 p.m. before the Oaks race. Post time was 5:51 p.m. 

Kentucky native Carly Pearce will perform the anthem on Saturday before the "Run for the Roses." Pearce is a singer-songwriter from Taylor Mill, Kentucky. The country music artist is the reigning ACM Female Artist of the year.

Even young kids were excited for Oaks. 

"It's really fun, I like it a lot," Cruz Lee said.

IMAGES | The wild fashion and characters of Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs

Pearce won her first Grammy in February for "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" with Ashley McBryde, becoming the first female pairing to win the award. She will perform the "The Star-Spangled Banner" live just after 5 p.m. on Derby Day to an estimated worldwide television audience of 16 million.

A Super Bowl MVP and a Paralympian gold medalist will give the "Riders Up" for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby this year. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will command "Riders Up" for the Derby.  Seven-time Paralympian gold medalist and Louisville native Oksana Masters will command "Riders Up" before the Kentucky Oaks.

Connections for the filly that wins the Kentucky Oaks gets that coveted Garland of Lilies, but they don't get to take home the sterling silver Oaks trophy. The trophy is strictly ceremonial, and is returned to the Kentucky Derby Museum after it is presented each year to the connections of the winning filly.

IMAGES | Pretty in pink! Kentucky Oaks crowds flock to Churchill Downs

The dress code for Friday is all about pink. Here's a look at some of the people putting on their finest at the track. 

As part of a sentimental tradition, the winning owner(s) may choose to give a julep cup each to the winning trainer, winning jockey and the breeder of the horse — although that's not required.  

Many people in the crowd enjoyed an Oaks Lily, which is the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks.

Created in 2006 by Tim Laird for Churchill Downs, the Lily has evolved into the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks, and a rival of the Mint Julep.

The Lily features vodka, sweet and sour mix, Triple Sec and cranberry juice, and served in a take-home commemorative Kentucky Oaks glass. 

The pink hue resembles the Stargazer Lily, which is the flower used to make the coveted Garland of Lilies that is draped over the winning filly in the Kentucky Oaks. 

"This is the best time to be in Louisville," Justin Hampton said.

IMAGES | Kentucky Oaks Day brings out the pink for team WDRB

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