What you should/shouldn't bring to the Kentucky Derby

The race may be billed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," but actually attending the Kentucky Derby is a marathon event.

For 10 hours — if you stay for all races — you'll be battling crowds and the elements. Sometimes drinks spill. Sometimes heels break.

You've got to be prepared, and we're here to help.

What to bring

• A pair of flats or flip flops in your purse, ladies.
• A hat. Wear one no matter what. It's part of the tradition and pageantry.
• Sunscreen if it's sunny, a sweater if it's chilly and a poncho if it looks like rain. Derby officials recommend a lightweight, clear poncho so you can still show off your duds if the weather gets bad. Bonus: use the poncho to protect your purse while watching the race because sometimes the guy on the balcony above you knocks over his Mint Julep. It happens.
• A dry cleaning bag to protect your hat if it rains
• Snacks or a boxed lunch, to avoid long concession lines. If you keep your food in a bag or a container, make sure it's clear and smaller than 18 inches-by-18 inches.
• Your own bottled water or soft drinks in a sealed, clear, unopened bottle.
• A cute clutch or handbag — nothing larger than 12 inches in any dimension.
• Binoculars.
• You can bring diaper bags or strollers, as long as you actually have a child with you.
• Seat cushions smaller than 15 inches by 15 inches that do not contain metal arms or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps.
• If you are headed to the infield, you can bring chairs to Gate 3 only and blankets or tarpaulins to Gates 1 and 3 only.
• Your tickets. It seems like a no-brainer, but tickets can't be replaced or refunded, so it's worth the two seconds it takes to double check.

Don't bring (You will be searched on Derby Day)

• Coolers or thermoses. They're not allowed, but Styrofoam coolers and ice are available for purchase in the infield. 
• Cans or glass bottles
• Pop-up or Patron tents. No poles or stakes of any kind.
• Laptops, camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses (or with a lens 6-inches or longer) or tripods
• Children to the infield outside of turns one and two, unless you're ready to expose your children to all manner of debauchery
• Selfie Sticks
• Grills
• Your own alcohol. Some will disagree, but the official Kentucky Derby folks say it's a no-go.
• Backpacks, luggage and briefcases
• Umbrellas
• Weapons, fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser pointers, pepper spray, or anything else that might threaten or annoy your fellow race-goers
• Drones and other remote controlled aircraft
• Your hoverboard
• Animals (with the exception of service animals)

SOURCES: kentuckyderby.com