LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time ever, the Kentucky Derby will run in two weeks without fans in attendance. This announcement is just the latest blow for a local milliner who works all year to style people for the big day.

As the Run for the Roses approaches, this would usually be crunch time for Jenny Pfanenstiel, owner and master milliner at Forme Millinery. At the start of the year, Pfanenstiel had no reason to believe things would be any different this year.

“Typically I start getting really busy around January,” Pfanenstiel said.

At that time, she would have never guessed the Derby would take place in September instead of May. It's just another thing that's different this year because of the pandemic.

“As soon as COVID-19 announcements and wearing masks started coming into play, it was kind of a halt on everything. Even our shop was closed due to our governor’s request,” she said.

Despite the challenges of the ever-changing world, Pfanenstiel continued to adjust. When the future of the Kentucky Derby was in flux, she decided to pivot, instead using her skills to fill more pressing requests. 

“Because I’ve been sewing since I was five years old, I completely switched gears and started making masks for every day use,” Pfanenstiel said.

Then, she transitioned from making masks for everyday use to high-fashion masks, specifically designed to match Kentucky Derby dresses, hats and fascinators. Until Friday afternoon, Churchill Downs had planned to allow 23,000 guests. That's why, earlier this week, you could find Pfanenstiel helping expected Derby guests finalize their outfits to work for the unusual times.

Then, Friday afternoon, Churchill Downs said the Derby will run without fans in attendance for the first time in history. It's not the easiest pill to swallow for any business focused around the Derby. With that being said, she will continue to roll with the punches, and hopes others do the same by dressing in their favorite Derby attire even if it's just to watch the race safely at home.