Thurby celebrates Kentucky heritage, fashion at Churchill Downs

In partnership with the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, the Thursday before Derby celebrated state and city heritage. Actors Theatre of Louisville partnered with Churchill Downs for "Cool Kentucky," showcasing some of the state’s most famous people and inventions. From Colonel Sanders and Muhammad Ali to the Louisville Slugger bat and a mirror ball, everyone at the track got to enjoy the horse racing and get a glimpse of Kentucky’s past.

"It’s a beautiful day to be out, dressed as a giant disco ball," said Anna Jenny, with Actors Theatre.

Many locals said Thurby is one of their favorite days of the week and has become an annual tradition.

"We love to have a good time, bring our friends and family, hopefully win some races and just cheer the ponies on," said attendee Amber Mahoney.

For some, like David Crawford, Thurby isn’t just for locals, but for everyone.

"It’s just an enjoyable event for the people who live in Kentucky and outside of Kentucky," Crawford said. "I’ve been out here every year for going on 30 years and enjoy it a lot."

Thurby also checked the fashion box. From custom hats and fascinators to dresses and suits, fashion is a key part of Derby Week. That's fitting, since the Derby 152 Woodford Reserve bottle is centered around fashion. 

Anna Murphy is this year’s featured artist for the bourbon bottle. She moved to Kentucky at 12 and graduated from the University of Louisville. Murphy said it was her first time at Churchill Downs this week, where she’s been working on a mural of her bottle design.

"I definitely wanted to celebrate the fashion of the Derby, so I wanted some Derby hats and outfits on the bottle," Murphy said. "This is the first time they’ve actually let fashion be the focus on the Derby bottle. It’s normally just the horse and the track, so it’s really exciting I could do that."

Murphy said her parents met because of the Derby in the 1980s, making Thurby a full-circle moment for her.

No matter how far away Louisvillians move, many still return for Derby Week.

"Just fun, something different," he said. "Stand out a little bit at Churchill. It’s a perfect day for something like this — plenty of drinking, plenty of betting and enjoying friends and family."

The fashion and fun will only get bigger over the next couple of days with the Kentucky Oaks and Derby just around the corner.

For a guide to all Derby Week information, click here. Here's a schedule for the weekend at Churchill Downs:

• Kentucky Oaks
  • Gates open at 11 a.m.
  • First race at 12:30 p.m.
• Kentucky Derby
  • Gates open at 9 a.m.
  • First race at 11 a.m.