by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — A doubleheader of live harness racing; a hat revue with five categories including 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 (May 5) at 10 a.m. Post time for the first of the doubleheader of live harness racing is 11 a.m. and a patio bar will be open just for those early birds. Pacer’s Clubhouse will host a champagne brunch like no other from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring delectable Southern delicacies and brunch favorites, by reservation only. Call 1-888-WIN-IN-PA. At 5:30 p.m., a top shelf all-you-can-eat dinner buffet will be featured, also by reservation only.

Ladies can proudly wear their elaborately decorated Kentucky Derby hats for the Run for the Roses hat revue sponsored by Spa Sapphire, located in the casino. All hats must be registered from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the lobby, and the revue takes place promptly at 5:30 p.m. in front of the winner’s circle with cash prizes and Spa Sapphire gift cards. Five categories will be judged, including Most Colorful; Most Horsie; Most Elegant; Most Fascinating Fascinator, and the overall grand prize winner, the Triple Crown Winner. The Most Fashionable Couple will also be selected. All prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges.

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.

The trackside concession bars, food truck, and the party tent open at 3 p.m, and of course, mint juleps will be available all day in the official Kentucky Derby 144 souvenir glasses.

Following Kentucky Derby 144 on the jumbo screen, fans can stay and enjoy another exciting live card under the stars. A stellar card is planned, including the finals of the Bobby Weiss Series for the 3- and 4-year-old trotters and pacers, as well as the Van Rose Memorial Pace for 4-year-olds and up.

As always, parking and admission is free at the racetrack.

The Downs will open for advance wagering on Friday (May 4) at 11 a.m.