LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The rain didn’t stop thousands of people from going to Churchill Downs. The Thursday of Derby Week is Thurby, celebrating the state’s rich heritage of bourbon, music and thoroughbred racing.

Kim Smyser of Louisville got a picture up close with Churchill Charley. This is her first time at Thurby.

“It’s great. The whole atmosphere is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful,” Smyser said.

Jeremy Ward asked Dawn Missi to marry him at the track in front of family. She said yes.

“Oh, it feels great!” Missi said. “I’m in shock!”

Ward and Missi have been close friends for 18 years and have dated for six months.

Ward said he chose Thurby for a reason.

“It’s just a beautiful day. I don’t know when we would ever be this dressed up again and all of our friends and family are here hanging out. It just seemed like the right time,” Ward said.

Regina Duncan of Brandenburg brought her whole family out for their first Thurby in coordinating purple outfits. This is her second time at the event.

The family said there’s something that made them say wow and they were glad they came.

“All the colors,” Duncan said

Thurby attendees came prepared for the rain. Kaphnee Harris of Houston, Texas and her family brought ponchos.

“Oh, I’m a girl scout, so I always come prepared! So that’s it. Keep my feet dry,” Harris said.

Though Harris lives in Houston, she is a Louisville native. This was her first year at Thurby.