On Thursday, crowds began pouring in at 11 a.m. with bright colors and large headwear. Thurby is the day Kentuckians celebrate as their day at the track.

Many of those attending made or designed their own hats.

“Every year, I custom make it,” said Alisa Leos of Shepherdsville, who designs her hats at Dee’s. 

Leos had one of the largest hats spotted at the track Thursday. 

“I just go in with idea of the colors I want and the size, and they just create it. The bigger the hat, the closer to God, I guess,” Leos laughed.

Others said they handmade theirs from scratch.

“I just went and got all different materials and put it all together,” said Chrysta Wiley of Louisville, “Dee’s, Hobby Lobby, JOANN’s, all over the place.”

The fashion show has just begun, however. A lot of pink will be seen on Oaks, and the biggest and best hats are often saved for the Derby itself.