LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Clouds and showers didn't keep the crowds away from the Thurby party at Churchill Downs on Thursday, and even more people will head to the track for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby the next two days.
Thurby used to be the local's day at the track, but that has certainly changed as the crowds have grown.
"It's getting bigger and better," Chandler Allgood said at the track Thursday. "You can't sneak away to Thurby Thursday and think you're going to get away with less crowd. Next thing you know, it's going to be Wednesday, Tuesday. It’s getting bigger and bigger every year."
His friend, Rick Wright, agreed.
"I didn't expect this many people," Wright said. "We talked about it in the past, but I'm always tied up this time of year. But I just came down here and am overwhelmed with this amount of people. I couldn't imagine being here for Oaks and Derby."
Some of the fans got to see new and improved areas of the track, including the new Starting Gate Courtyard, which really impressed a racing fan from Michigan who would only identify himself as Chopper County Cowboy.
"It's beautiful," he said. "Louisville is incredible. The city is awesome. I can't wait to explore more this weekend. Today is a beautiful day."
Thurby focused on a Kentucky theme this year. People at the track were able to see "Cool Kentucky" exhibits from the Frazier History Museum, including a mirror ball activation, the "Yodeling cowgirl" Phoebe White and more.
There were also tributes to the legendary Louisville music store, ear-X-tacy and its founder, John Timmons. The track also honored adventurer Tori Murden McClure.
"Thursday is definitely getting a lot more crowded than it used to be when we started coming 10 years ago, but we're here, having a great time and this place is awesome," Michael and Jill Gettlefinger said.
For some, they say the nice weather outweighed the high drink and food prices.
Gearing up for Kentucky Oaks Day
Thurby kicks off Kentucky Derby weekend and makes way for Friday's Kentucky Oaks, which is the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic "Lilies for the Fillies" garland. The event is filled with traditions including the "Pink Out" and Survivors Parade to highlight breast cancer awareness.
Post time for the Kentucky Oaks is Friday at 5:51 p.m. Watch for highlights before the race including the parade, the national anthem performed by The Voice winner Gina Miles and the Riders Up! call by champion gymnast Olivia Dunne.
If you're thinking about heading to Churchill Downs for Oaks Day, pack your rain poncho. No umbrellas are allowed for security reasons. Parking is also tight, so plan ahead.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Grandstand and paddock tickets are pricey but all-inclusive for food and drink. You can always opt for the party in the infield, which has tickets starting at $80 plus tax and fees. And the track is now cashless, so bring your credit or debit card, if you want to sip on one of the $22 mint juleps.
It's also $14 for a White Claw or a premium beer and $13 for a domestic beer. But the prices haven't stopped people from having a good time.
"For me this is the first time that I'm here this weekend and it's not something we're going to do every year, so I guess it's worth it," Courtney Bertram said.
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