With the Kentucky Derby quickly approaching, we thought it would be fun lay out some ‘checklist’ items as Louisvillians prepare for the 142nd running. With the festivities set to begin soon, there’s no time to waste as Louisville preps for an annual tradition that sets national attention on the pride and joy of the Bluegrass State.

Perfect Your Mint Julep Recipe?

A staple of any Derby festivity is the mint julep, a classic cocktail that uses Kentucky bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice in a classic silver cup. There’s multiple ways to pull off the recipe. For a quicker version, a large mason jar can be used to shake the mix. The sugar can be combined directly with the mint and grinded together until the two are ‘muddled’ and the mint releases its flavor without being completely pulverized (for a Food Network recipe by Alton Brown, CLICK HERE). However, other traditionalists insist on infusing the mint into simple syrup as it cooks. This results in a stronger mint flavor, and residual pieces of mint can be taken out with a mesh strainer. Either way, crushed ice and good quality Kentucky bourbon are the only ways to top of this classic Derby tradition.

Find the Perfect Bow-tie and Seersucker Combo?

For the most ‘southern’ gentleman, a bow-tie is the only way to complete the classic ‘Derby look.’ Even for those who don’t typically venture away from a standard business tie, it can be relatively quick to learn (see the video above for a simple video explanation of how to tie a bow-tie). For the most outgoing of your bunch, a seersucker suit and suspenders completes the trifecta.

Picking Your Hat?

More so than any other big gathering, hats at the Kentucky Derby are a major undertaking. There’s a reason why the Derby features a Fashion Show leading up to the main event. Since the early days of the Kentucky Derby, a hat was as of much importance as the dress someone chose to wear. When the tradition began, the Derby was also advertised as a fashion event to show off the latest trends and styles. Today, some female spectators go to great lengths to customize their hats. Other women search through countless stores and online retailers to find exactly what they’re looking for. It’s hard to go wrong with a classic sunhat, but many Derby goers are a bit more adventurous with their style, and year after year the hats become more colorful and more elaborate.

Prepping for a Marathon (figuratively and literally!)

While Derby stands at the top of the pyramid of Louisville social events, there’s a parade (literally) of events leading up to the race. Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Marathon and Half Marathon, the Great Balloon Race, the Great Steamboat Race, and the Pegasus Parade are but a few of the biggest events in the Kentucky Derby Festival lineup. For more information and the full list of Derby Festival Events, CLICK HERE.

Picking Your Horse?

Finally, what would Derby be without spending countless hours selecting your favorite horse to win the race. Last year, the world was stunned as American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. Will this year’s winner of Derby beat the odds again? While a Triple Crown winner usually happens once a generation, it’s never too soon to start your research on who will make history this year at the 2016 Kentucky Derby.