LOUISVILLE (WFIE) -
It was a record crowd Saturday that attended the Derby in person at Churchill Downs.
For many people, this isn't just a horse race. They say it's the entire atmosphere that helps make the day so special.
"There's nothing like this experience. This is unique. You know, the whole world is watching us today," said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear.
It's Kentucky's favorite yearly celebration. Cheering fans and streets decorated by the confetti of wager tickets.
"This is a great economic driver for us. We're going to have hundreds of thousands of people spending a whole lot of money today," said Beshear.
Now on Derby day, you might find yourself getting lost in a sea of hats, but for many derby-goers, they say the fashion is what makes the whole experience so fun.
Some ladies looked to other countries for theirs.
"I had mine shipped in from England. So, I'm really attuned to their style and I love it," said derby-goer Kim Andriole.
"It's from a milliner from, they do the royal family's hats," said another derby-goer Kristen King.
"Ilda Divico out of London. We just moved back from there," said Kim Andriole.
Others created their own decorative masterpieces.
"I usually order the shell of the hat and then I make them. I made all four of these hats," said Laura Murer.
For some friends, each year their hats have a different theme.
"We ended up doing a little Cinco De Mayo action and we thought it would be a good day to come out and do that at the derby," said Brad Nall.
The trumpet sounds and thousands watch as Derby Week comes to a close. A week few, if any, will ever forget.
When asked what their favorite part about the whole atmosphere was, Andriole said, "Just being with friends and family."
"The atmosphere, the hats, the fillies, it's awesome," said King.
Many people tell 14 News that this isn't their first time at the Derby, and certainly won't be their last.
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