Excitement builds in Louisville as city celebrates lead-up to Kentucky Derby 150

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- From parades and galas to Thurby and beyond, Derby week is officially here and it's jam-packed with festivities bringing thousands of people right here to Louisville.

It'll be a montage of exciting scenes at Churchill Downs this week.

"Derby --- there's nothing like it," Jerry Sims, who is a realtor in Louisville, said.

Sims loves this time of the year because of the horses racing down the track.

IMAGES | Racing under the lights for Opening Night at Churchill Downs

He can always expect to see cigars and mint juleps in people's hands and all eyes on the big screen, just across from the prominent Winner's Circle.

"I don't know if I'll be here for the next 50 Yeah, or 200, but I'm going to live like we are," Sims said.

This week's celebration kicks off with 502'sDay at Churchill Downs with live racing, food, and betting, just for $5 dollars.

"It's just a fun time for the city and there's tons of things going on. There's something for everyone," Emma Sibcy, a Louisvillian, said.

Champions Day is Wednesday, where we celebrate the history of thoroughbred racing.

"It's like don't take a day for granted. Celebrate today and live at the fullest. You can live and Derby is comes once a year it's like birthday but it's like every year is different," Mimi Sims, who has been married to Jerry for 24 years, said.

And then, it's Thurby time, a chance to take in the newly renovated Paddock.

"I think Derby can feel like a lot for locals, but it's really fun for out of town people. But Thurby just feels like home," Katie Burke, who is a hair stylist in Louisville, said.

Between all of these events, you can also visit Central Avenue between 7 and 10 a.m. for free, until May 1, to enjoy Dawn at the Downs.

IMAGES | Inside Churchill Downs' $200 million paddock expansion before 150th Kentucky Derby

All of these events, lead up to Kentucky Oaks on Friday, where the fillies will compete for the coveted Garland of Lilies, rain or shine.

"Just have fun. It seems like the weather's gonna be good," Gwen Fenzel, who was visiting her parents in Louisville from Texas, said.

But the fun goes beyond Churchill Downs' walls with the remaining Kentucky Derby Festival events.

You can cheer on the competitors at the Bed Races, or raise a glass at Winefest.

"You have to live like you're dying every day," Mimi Sims said.

When the middle of the week gets here, head down to the Ohio River on Wednesday for the Great Steamboat Race.

"Don't miss the moment," Jerry Sims said.

As most Churchill Down employees would say: Louisville can't wait to host you ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

The Chow Wagon at Fest-A-Ville is also the perfect way to get into the Derby City spirit. It will remain open to families with a Pegasus Pin until May 3rd.

KDF has already hosted this year's Thunder Over Louisville and Pegasus Parade events.

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