Wilkes-Barre, PA — Returning for the first time since 2019 will be the Kentucky Derby Celebration at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Live racing at the track begins at 1:30 p.m. and this Kentucky Derby Celebration does not have an admission fee.

While the Downs will be open for racing wagers (18 or older) beginning at 10 a.m., this much anticipated party really gets started at noon when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Also beginning at noon is registration for a hat revue where participants will compete to take home great prizes under the categories “Most Classic,” “Most Creative,” and “Best Dressed Couple.” Top prize includes a $500 Mohegan Sun Pocono gift card along with a $200 racing voucher to be awarded to the Best Dressed Couple. The other two categories will award a $250 gift card and a $100 racing voucher.

WNEP-TV’s Ryan Leckey will be on-hand as the special guest judge for this contest. Leckey is an Emmy-award-winning content creator and one of the most well-known TV personalities in Pennsylvania. Leckey hosts “Leckey Live” every weekday on WNEP-TV, where he has been since 2005. In addition to keeping audiences engaged and updated on social media, Leckey also heads up “Ryan’s Run,” a charity campaign benefitting children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services Integrated Health System.

Outdoor beverage windows at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s Kentucky Derby Celebration will offer Mint Juleps, Coors Light, Blue Moon, White Claw, spirits, various mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. And three of PA’s best food trucks, Eat Up Now, Hot Potatoes and 2 Wayz One Passion, will be stationed outside for the celebration.

At 6:57 p.m., the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. Mohegan Sun Pocono will also be accepting advance wagers for the Kentucky Derby on Friday (May 6).

For more details on this event, click here.