PHOTOS BY OLIVIA MOHR AND ROBIN HART

In recognition of the Kentucky Derby, Woodlawn Elementary School kindergarteners gathered on the turf field at Boyle County High School on Friday to host their own Derby, except they ran on foot holding stick horses.

Since the now-first-graders who were kindergarteners last year weren’t able to have a stick horse Derby last year due to COVID-19, they were in the audience for the race as spectators so they could have a way to participate.

Many of the children wore elaborate hats, spring dresses and other Derby-inspired dress.

Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the racers and audience members.