by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — A doubleheader of live harness racing, including two prestigious races for 3-year-olds; a hat revue with the top prize of $500 for the Triple Crown winning hat; and a champagne brunch are all part of the biggest Kentucky Derby party north of Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Doors open Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the first of the live harness racing card at 11 a.m. and a patio bar open just for those early birds. Pacer’s Clubhouse will host a champagne brunch like no other starting at 11 a.m. featuring delectable items such as seared tenderloin medallions with crab cake asparagus dressed with bearnaise; deep fried turkey with red eye gravy and spaghetti squash; vanilla bourbon sweet mashed potatoes; and desserts such as chocolate pecan pie and minted cream pie. Reservations are still being accepted at 570.831.2100. The dinner seating is currently sold out.

Ladies can proudly wear their elaborately decorated Kentucky Derby hats for the Run for the Roses Hat Revue, sponsored by Spa Sapphire, the salon and spa in the casino. All hats must be registered between 3-5:30 p.m. in the lobby and the revue takes place at 5:30 p.m. in front of the winner’s circle with a $500 top prize for the Triple Crown winner. This year’s revue will be judged by former contestant on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, Elise Mosca. The blonde model and actress, originally from Northeast PA, will be alongside driver Simon Allard and Angie Morgan from Spa Sapphire as a special guest judge.

A photo booth in the lobby will be open at 3 p.m. to capture the best moments of the day, with a $1 minimum donation to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Spa Sapphire and Aveda will also be set up to help the ladies look their best with the “perfect lip” touch-up, adjacent to the photo booth, and items such as hats, jewelry, and other accessories will be for sale as well.

Make sure you come with an appetite, because there will be food trucks on the apron starting at 2 p.m., and of course, mint juleps will be available all day in the official Kentucky Derby 142 souvenir glasses. A jumbo tent will be set up for the fans to kick back and enjoy the day.

Following Kentucky Derby 142 on the jumbo screen, fans can stay and enjoy another exciting live card, including the Pennsylvania Classic 3-year-old colts and geldings and the Miss Pennsylvania for 3-year-old fillies.