These girls enjoyed dress-up fun at the “Madison Living” booth at Madison Derby Days in 2012. (PHOTO/MADISON RECORD)

MADISON – Madison Derby Days 2013 will open on May 4 as herald trumpets sound on the starting line at Churchill Downs.

After debuting in 2012, this year’s festival “is going to be more of an evening street party centered on the Kentucky Derby races,” Madison Derby Days chairwoman Dawn Johnson said.

Madison Derby Days will run from 3 to 9 p.m. along the Village Green on Front Street and on Main Street in downtown Madison.

Live bluegrass music will be a new feature this year. Bands signed to-date are Madison Mountaintop Band, Zoot Suit Riot and Dr. Eddy. At Bandito Burrito on Main Street, Kozmic Mama will be singing ice-hot blues.

Festivalgoers can attend a “designer home tour in one of Madison’s historic districts,” Johnson said. “We’ll have huge coverage of the Kentucky Derby by Dr. Eddy and lots of legal betting on the race. The night will continue into Cinco De Mayo at Bandito Burrito.”

In keeping with the derby’s high styles, a fashion show will feature headliners such as Pink Pelican, Pelican Joe’s, Uptown Girl Boutique, Posh Mommy and Baby Too and U.G. White.

Vendors will set up booths along Front Street. “We’re bringing in more vendors that appeal to men like The Man’s Store and the Cigar Room,” Johnson said.

And what’s a Kentucky Derby party without women’s spectacular millinery? The “Best Hat” contest winner will receive $100 in prize money.

“We’ll feature more food vendors this year as the street party will cover the dinner hours. We want to offer a good variety,” Johnson said. “Of course, mint juleps, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be available.”

The Human Hamster Ball kept the fun rolling at Madison Derby Days in 2012 (PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

Sponsors for Madison Derby Days are Madison Station Historic Preservation Society, Mercedes Benz of Huntsville, Opie Balch Realty, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Noble Passage Interiors and Gifts, Hartlex Antiques, Portobello Home & Gift and Catbird Seat Garden Center. “More are contributing daily,” Johnson said.

For more information, call 256-461-1976 or visit madisonderbydays.com or Facebook/Madison Derby Days.