LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It may just be early October, but Derby doesn't stop in Kentucky. The Derby Festival is now accepting applications for its 2022 Royal Court.

Seeing Derby Festival Princesses out in the community is a quintessential sign of the Derby season, and the organization is seeking more distinguished young women to become a part of Bluegrass royalty.

Those interested can take their shot at the crown now through Oct. 17. Details on the application process can be found online.

The Royal Court selection process is a self-nominating procedure, and over 100 applications are received each year from young women representing different colleges and universities from around Kentuckiana.

Applicants must live in either Kentucky or southern Indiana (Clark, Harrison and Floyd counties) and at least 18 years old on or by Dec. 31, 2021.

Other required criteria for the Royal Court include:

• Be female identifying 
• Be unmarried
• Be at least a full-time second year undergraduate student attending a University, College, or accredited professional school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Provide proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination series or a negative COVID-19 test result prior to any in-person functions

Derby Festival Princesses earn a $2,000 scholarship from The Fillies, Inc., and Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. Media relations and networking opportunities are also central to the Royal Court. And of course, you'll be an esteemed attendee at events like the Pegasus Parade, Thunder Over Louisville, KDF Day at the Downs and more.

More information on the Derby Festival Royal Court can be found here.