A festive attendee poses during the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7, in Louisville.
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A fan watches as trainers prepare a horse for an early race.
Charlie Riedel/AP
You get the idea.
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Wearing an fabulous, obnoxious hat is thought to bring good luck (at least, to you and whatever horse you have the most money on).
David J. Phillip/AP
Fans watch from a balcony.
Charlie Riedel/AP
A festive fan poses in a hat resembling an explosion of pastel ruffles.
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"Wearing a hat is much like getting into costume, you might be pleasantly surprised to see what type of character you become," says the Kentucky Derby website.
David J. Phillip/AP
A fan shows off her feather-and flower adorned hat.
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Drink in hand, the racegoer is prepared for the day.
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A fan wearing a flower-inspired hat makes her way to the seating area.
David J. Phillip/AP
While hats are the thing, mint juleps are the traditional drink served at Churchill Downs during the Derby, and they are delicious.
David J. Phillip/AP
A fan wears a floral themed dress and matching hat.
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If two heads are better than one, how about three? Or is that five?
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Fancy hats aren't just for ladies; many men have tried their hand in the past few years.
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Figure skater Tara Lipinski shows off her striking red hat.
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While these two were at the Derby, many hat makers were at parties around the country, vying for prizes for creativity.
David J. Phillip/AP
Advice from the Kentucky Derby: If your hat is having a pattern party, keep the dress design simple.
