Yes. The British are coming to the Derby. The Queen, her husband, who's official title is the Duke of Edinburgh (pronounced "edin-burr"), and their royal entourage are scheduled to arrive in Louisville sometime Saturday.

I'm curious about the hat the Queen will wear to the Derby. In many of the pictures we see of the Queen, she's waring a hat, so, if anyone knows about hats, she does. I wonder if she went through as much pain and anguish finding a hat as I did.

Ladies:

• We can wear our hats indoors and outdoors, until the sun goes down. You may get a few odd stares wearing your hat around the dinner table.
• It may be tempting, but the etiquette experts say you shouldn't ask to borrow or touch someone else's hat. I think it's because women don't want people to see their hair in a mess when they take off the hat and other women should know that. Just my opinion.
• They say you should remove your hat if it's blocking someone's vision, but I say that must be at any other event besides the Derby, right?

Gentlemen:

• When you walk indoors, you're supposed to take off your hat.
• When you stop to talk to another man, you're supposed to take off your hat.
• When you stop to speak with a lady, you're supposed to take off your hat.
• When passing by a lady, you should tip your hat.

Gentlemen, that's a lot of putting on and taking off of your hat. I suppose that's why we don't see a lot of men wearing hats at the Derby these days.

Less then two weeks away from the Derby and I was forced to, literally, throw together an outfit. A friend of mine went shopping with me on a Saturday morning and after a couple of hours, I threw my hands up in the air and said, "I'm finished. I don't see anything I like and it's too nice outside for us to be wasting time shopping inside stores." She grabbed a smoothie, I grabbed a pretzel and we called it a day. I told myself I'd wear a burlap bag for an outfit and a paperbag over my head for a hat and hope no one would notice.

So, how did I finally throw together the outfit? I found something in my closet and I found something else(that was on sale -- yeah!) in a cute little boutique. I think once I stopped trying so hard, it all fell into place. I do believe that means I've learned a valuable Derby fashion lesson: don't stress! Ahhhhh. That's my sigh of relief. But, wait. I still haven't found a hat and there's 9 days left before the Derby! I can see the finish line, but I'm not there yet. I also need an outfit that I'll be wearing the day before the Derby for gala coverage. I do believe I still need a fashion miracle.

So, you want to party with the stars for Derby? If you're checking my blog and there's less than two weeks left before the Run for the Roses, I'm sorry to break the news, but many of the star-studded parties are probably already sold-out. If you're like me, though, you never say never. Of course, you don't have to party with the stars to party like the stars. I've composed a list of some of the parties I've heard or read about and I've also included some other fun Derby events. Each event is listed in date order, beginning with the earlier events and parties. If you hear of any that you don't see listed here, feel free to send me an email about it and I'll add it to the list! cnlawson@hearst.com


Kentucky Derby Museum Gala

Wine, dine and dance to the funky sounds of The Wallers (for a sampling of their music, here's the website: http://www.eastcoastentertainment.com/artist/Wallers.html ) The money raised benefits the Kentucky Derby Museum Endowment Fund. Get there at 7 p.m. for cocktails. Dinner's served at 8:30 and get on those dancing shoes at 10.

Where: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue
When: Saturday, April 28th 7 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Tickets: $400 call (502) 637-4361, ext. 12

The Slice -- A Taste of West Louisville

Great jazz, great food, great wine tasting. A perfect combination one week before the Derby and it's an official Derby Festival Event. "Chefs and caterers from throughout the metro area will donate their culinary expertise to provide samples of appetizing and delicious foods. The jazz and neo soul group PUSH will be the entertainers for the evening." How's that to wet your party appetite?

Where: St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1310 West Broadway
When: Saturday, April 28th 6-9 p.m.
Tickets: $35 call (502) 584-4602

Proceeds will provide funding to purchase food for the homeless, The Father Vernon Robertson Equity in Community Scholarship fund and emergency utility assistance through West Louisville Ministries.

Dawn at the Downs

Start your day with a fabulous breakfast buffet on Millionaires Row and a fantastic view of morning workouts of Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders. You'll also hear analysis by popular jockeys and handicappers.

Where: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Avenue, Millionaires Row When: Monday April 30th - Thursday May 3rd, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Tickets: $26.50 adults, Children 5 - 12 $16, Children under 5 $5, plus tax and tips.

Race for Grace

Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day will be one of the many horse-industry greats joining you for this evening of food and fun. Dinner, silent and live auctions of racing memorabilia and music, too.

Where: Churchill Downs, Triple Crown Room, 700 Central Avenue
When: Monday, April 30th 6 p.m.
Tickets: $125 call (502) 314-4676

Benefits chaplains' salaries and ministry programs for workers at Kentucky's racetracks. Business casual.

Dismas Charities Moonlight & Magnolia Gala

Don't miss Dismas' fun Gala, with food catered by Ladyfiners. There's also a silent auction. This eighth annual event benefits Dismas Charities Children and Family Services.

Where: Dismas Charities, 2500 So. Seventh Street Road
When: Wednesday, May 2nd 7 p.m. - Midnight
Tickets: $150 Black tie optional call (502) 636-2033, ext. 326

Fifth Annual Backside of Dixie

Live entertainment, door prizes, activities for children and it's free! Food and drinks will be sold at the event. Proceeds go to St. Paul Church and school.

Where: St. Paul Catholic Church, 6901 Dixie Highway
When: Wednesday, May 2nd - Friday, May 4th 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tickets: FREE call (502) 935-1223

100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Gala

Get ready to dance the night away at this Derby gala. There will be Jazz music and DJ Reggie Regg will spin some tunes. Also, a scholarship awards program begins at 8 p.m. Proceeds go to programs of 100 Black Men of Louisville and youth mentoring.

Where: Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing B, Ballroom
When: Thursday, May 3rd 7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Tickets: $150 Black Tie call (502) 291-0485

Easter Seals Celebrity Golf Scramble

How's this for incentive: A Hollywood celebrity or sports personality will play with each team. Plenty of hole-in-one prizes to choose from, including two luxury cars!

Where: Oxmoor Country Club
When: Thursday, May 3rd Tee off at 9 a.m.
Tickets: SOLD-OUT, but you could be a spectator for $15 (502) 584-9781

Steppin' Out! An Evening to Remember

A wonderful way to have a wonderful evening to remember! The dance card will have ballroom, salsa and classic rock. There's also a ballroom dance presentation, an auction and hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of Buckhead Mountain Grill. Mmmm. This first annual semi-formal event benefits Youth for Christ's programs that help single moms and at-risk youth. This is an alcohol-free party. Semi-formal.

Where: Medical Arts Building, 1169 Eastern Parkway
When: Thursday, May 3rd 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35 call (502) 291-7000 or (502) 594-5254

Taste of the Oaks Celebrity Party

Come to this party with a hearty appetite and a camera because organizers say you may run into celebrities and sports stars. Many community leaders will be there, as well. Your ticket price includes bourbon, wine and beer tastings, live entertainment and lots and lots of food tastings. Benefits Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center-Easter Seals of Louisville, providing medical rehabilitation for children.

Where: Brown & Williamson Club, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
When: Thursday, May 3rd 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tickets: $50 call (502) 584-9781 Dressy Casual.

The Unstable Barn Party

This is definitely the place to party "like" a star because you're supposed to come dressed "as" your favorite celebrity! Enjoy music and prizes that will be awarded for best costumes. There will be food for sale and admission includes one drink ticket. No one under 21.

Where: The Water Tower, 3005 River Road
When: Thursday, May 3rd 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (502) 896-2146

'Bowl for the Roses' Celebrity Charity Bowling Event

It's time to bowl with the celebrities at this second annual event. 14 teams compete with at least one celebrity bowler per lane. Complimentary drinks, a gift bag and entrance to the official after party at Felt all included in the cost of admission.

Where: Lucky Strike Lanes, 4th Street Live
When: Thursday, May 3rd 7:300p.m. - Midnight
Admission: $3,000 for a team of six. Benefits The Kentucky Derby Jockey Fund.

Mint Jubilee Gala

You will definitely see stars at this star-studded gala event. They get the red carpet treatment when they arrive and the celebrities are told in advance that they are expected to mingle with the guests. In other words, no separate V.I.P. section for the stars. Silent and live auction, which includes live auction of Edgar Prado's Barbaro saddle! Benefits James Brown Cancer Center, Gilda's Club of Louisville and the Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund.

Where: Galt House Hotel & Suites, Grand Ballroom, 140 N. Fourth Street
When: Friday, May 4th 7 p.m.
Tickets: SOLD OUT, but dance only tickets are still available for $200 each. Dance only ticket holders must arrive after 10 p.m.

13th Annual Derby Eve Gala

Fiesta, fiesta, fiesta. You'll definitely need your dancing shoes for this gala that features, yes, a "Fiesta" theme this year! Shake your hips to the beat of Latin rythms and dance, dance, dance. Enjoy cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres and a mouth watering gourmet dinner. A dance and entertainment troupe from New York City will perform for you, as well.

Where: Seelbach Hilton Hotel, Medallion Ballroom, 500 So. Fourth Street
When: Friday, May 4th 8 p.m.
Tickets: $300 or $3,000 for a table of 10. (502) 363-2652

Brownstable Brown Gala

The stars will be out in full force at this incredible event. Just some of the fabulous features: Grey Goose will have an ice bar, models will serve cocktails, each table gets a bottle of champagne and two bottles of wine, the dessert room will feature a chocolate fountain and all the guests will receive a surprise from the New York Mercantile Exchange. Benefits The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Research Laboratories at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

Where: 1700 Spring Drive, home of Patricia Barnstable Brown
When: Friday, May 4th 8 p.m.
Tickets: SOLD-OUT. Table for 10: $20,000 - $40,000

Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft 21st Annual Oaks Brunch

Live piano jazz and brunch. Perfect way to start the day.

Where: The Brown Hotel, 335 W. Broadway
When: Friday, May 4th 9:30 a.m.
Tickets: $125 each or you can buy a corporate table that seats 10.

Our Lady of Consolation Annual Derby Eve Bash

Bring the kids for a fun family night out! Horse races, pony bingo, children's games and food!

Where: Our Lady of Consolation
When: Friday, May 4th 6 p.m. - Midnight
Tickets: FREE (502) 937-2100

The Grand Gala

Talk about a star-studded event. A long-list of Hollywood celebrities and sports legends will grace this amazing gala. Stars get high quality star treatment when they arrive on the red carpet at about 9 p.m. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, a delectable dinner and dynamite entertainment by Peabo Bryson and Charlie Wilson. The hotel's Dulce suite will ooze with chocolates, including chocolate fountains and chocolate martinis. The Oscar De La Hoya and the Mayweather fight will broadcast in the men's area. Black Tie.

Where: Galt House Hotel & Suites, 140 North Fourth Street
When: Saturday, May 5th 8 p.m.
Tickets: SOLD-OUT (502) 491-6778

29th Annual Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast

Southern buffet breakfast, live music and open bar enjoyed in Farmington's gardens.

Where: Farmington Historic Home, 3033 Bardstown Road
When: Saturday, May 5th 9:30am - Noon
Tickets: $100 members; $125 non-members (502) 899-5079

Enjoy watching "The Magic of Thunder" at one of these magical parties:

"Thunder over the Ballet"
Leave your wine at home for this one. Louisville Uncorked is presenting this inaugural event. Grab a drink and walk outside the Ballet to enjoy an unobstructed view of the fireworks near the river. If it rains, no worries. Stay dry under the tent and watch full coverage of the event in HD or while inside the studios. Plenty of indoor bathrooms, too! Best of all, the night of festivities and fun will benefit the Louisville Ballet. Not a kid friendly event.

Food and Drinks: Feast on "heavy" Hors d'oeuvres served all night. Open bar, bourbon tasting, PAMA Mint Juleps from heaven Hill Distilleries and everything's included in the price of the ticket!
Where: Louisville Ballet 315 E. Main Street
When: Party starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $40 per person call Julie at the Ballet 502-583-3150

Actors Theatre "Thunder Rooftop Bash"
This bash includes food from Upper Crust, live entertainment by Big Diggity and Honey Roy and lots of activities for the kids. Tickets also include a garage parking space and private indoor restrooms.

Where: Actors Theatre of Louisville, 3rd and Main Streets
When: Bash starts at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $60 per person; $40 for Actors subscribers; $20 for children 3-14; free for children under age 3

Jazz Factory "Thunder Roof Bash"
Visit the roof of the Glassworks Building for a wonderful view of the air show and fireworks. Enjoy live jazz entertainment (additional cost) at The Jazz Factory before you go to the rooftop for the fireworks show and after it's finished, wait for the traffic to die down and enjoy more jazz at The Jazz Factory. Not a kid friendly event.

Where: The Jazz Factory in the Glassworks Building, 815 W. Market Street
When: Starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $50 per person. $10 for admission to The Jazz Factory. Food and drinks not included. For more information call 502-992-3242

"Thunder at the Center"
Enjoy picnic food, private indoor restroom access and an ideal place to watch Thunder for the entire family!

Where: Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
When: Fun starts at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $30 Call 502-584-7777 for more info

"Thunder Riverboat Dinner Cruise"
Wow. You can't beat this: dinner on the river while watching fireworks fly high in the sky. While you're having fun, you can feel good that it benefits Easter Seals. The price of your ticket includes appetizers, dinner buffet, open bar, music and, of course, a fabulous view of the show while cruising on the Ohio River.

Where: Boards at Cox Park on River Road
When: Boarding starts at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $200 per person

"Thunder Cruise"
How about taking in the beauty of the blast on a cruise?

Where: Boards at Duffy's Landing in Jeffersonville, Indiana
When: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $150 per person Does not include drinks, but does include a buffet dinner. There is a cash bar.

Belle of Louisville "Thunder on the Riverfront"
Another way to enjoy the fireworks along the riverfront. Breathtaking. The party includes a buffet dinner, late-night hors d'oeuvres and dessert. A cash bar. Keep in mind, the boat will not be cruising.

Where: Belle of Louisville, Fourth Street and River Road
When: Boarding starts at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $130 per person Includes dinner, but not drinks.

Louisville Science Center "Thunder Blast"
Catered meal, with 2 drink tickets, children's activities and carnival-style food vendors in the parking lot, too. You'll get all-day access to the Science Center and free admission to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory until 7 p.m. You can upgrade to the VIP all-access pass, which also includes an indoor viewing area with table seating, a gourmet dinner buffet, appetizers, desserts and free soft drinks and a parking space.

Where: Louisville Science Center, 727 W. Main Street
When: Noon
Tickets: $20 - $35

Spirit of Jefferson
Another way to watch the fireworks along the riverfront and party, too. Reserved seating. Hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon, dinner, dessert and cash bar. The boat will not be cruising.

Where: Spirit of Jefferson, 4th Street and River Road
When: Boarding starts at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $165 per person, Cash bar.

"ThunderFun! Barbecue"
Have fun and some barbecue, too! Appetizers at 4 p.m. and a barbecue buffet from Pepperwood BBQ at 6 p.m. in the backyard of the historic Thomas Edison House. Guests can come and go from Waterfront Park. Private bathroom facilities, too! Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Limited reserved parking available from 1:30 - 4:30 pm for $10 bucks a spot.

Where: Thomas Edison House, 729-31 E. Washington Street
When: Fun and barbecue is 1:30 - 10 p.m.
Tickets: $50 per person; $25 for anyone 18 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Thomas Edison House.

Louisville Slugger Field
The Louisville Bats takes on the Norfolk Tides. Live music with JJ Grey & MOFRO. The bands will perform on the overlook deck after the game. For the first time, patrons can upgrade their tickets for an additional $10 and go on the stadium playing field to watch the band, air show and fireworks. Fans will receive wristbands which will allow them to come and go all day.

Where: Louisville Sluggerfield, 401 E. Main Street
When: Gates open at Noon
Tickets: $20 - $35 per person

Buckhead Mountain Grill
Indoor and outdoor deck seating available. Appetizers, dinner buffet, non-alcoholic drinks included in price of ticket and a cash bar.

Where: Buckhead Mountain Grill, 707 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana
When: Doors open at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $160 per person

Kingfish Restaurant
Buffet dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, cash bar.

Where: Kingfish Restaurant, 601 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville.
When: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Buffet starts at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $75 - $150 per person

Rocky's Italian Grill
Where: Rocky's Italian Grill, 715 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville.
When: 2 p.m.
Tickets: $160 per person Buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, cash bar.

I'm going to be honest. I don't enjoy shopping for a Derby outift. Am I crazy? No. I just dislike the pressure to find a gorgeous ensemble! The search can be exhausting and terribly frustrating, too. That's why it's a good thing I received an assignment from my bosses to do a story about Derby hats. I used the opportunity to nudge myself into Derby shopping mode.

I asked a few fashion experts which should come first, the hat or the outfit? The answer: it depends. If you find an outfit that you know will turn heads, buy it and then shop for the hat to wear later. If you find a hat that looks fantastic on you, go for it, and you can purchase the outfit next. I happened to have the outfit first last year and so far this week I thought I found the hat first, but I changed my mind two days later. Yes. It's getting frustrating.

Let the Derby shopping race begin.

Here's what what I've been hearing:

Do buy a hat that fits your personal style. That personal style may be conservative, simple elegance, outrageous, etc. If you don't, you may not feel comfortable enough to have a great attitude and, from what I've been told, "it's all about attitude." That attitude comes from the inner confidence you'll have while wearing your hat and, believe it or not, a hat will look better on you the more comfortable you feel wearing it.

Don't buy a hat that doesn't fit your head. If you do happen to find a gorgeous hat that you must have and it doesn't fit, it's an easier fix if it's too big. The experts tell me you can buy weather stripping that will stick to the rim of the hat and fill the space needed to make the hat fit. If the hat is too small, however, be prepared to have a headache and feel uncomfortable all day long. In other words, ladies, don't get a hat that's too small!

Do wear your hair back while wearing your hat. Your hat and your face should be the center of everyone's attention. Not your hair.

Do wear comfortable shoes or carry a pair of flats in your handbag, if the handbag is big enough. Let's face it. You'll be out having a good time for hours and you know how miserable it can be when your feet are killing you so, while fashion must reign supreme, comfort should be the co-ruler in Derby fashion kingdom.

Do be prepared for any kind of weather! Bring a shawl or a jacket in case it's a cool Derby Day. Be prepared for rain by carrying whatever rain-proof item you can think of that you can pull out and cover yourself with in a pinch to avoid getting soaked. Some of us may have very tiny bags with us that day, so carrying anything, but lipstick, cash and your license may be a tall order to fill, but you know what they say about being safe, rather than being sorry.