NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, March 25, 2012) – The arrival of spring means it’s time to dust off your hats and seersuckers. Fillies, Fashion & Fizz Presented by Macy’s®, the decadent afternoon for stylish 21st century Southern belles and dandies, returns to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Louisiana Derby Day, April 1. The upscale day at the races includes champagne, a Spring Fashion Show by Macy’s®, hat and ensemble contests with cash prizes and more.

Here’s a look at the day’s schedule of events:

1:00 p.m. – Miller Lite Beer Garden opens, complimentary champagne (while supplies last)

2:30 p.m. – “Best Derby Hat” competition open to men and women ($50 first prize)

3:00 p.m. – Macy’s® Spring Fashion Show

3:30 p.m. – “Best Derby Ensemble” competition ($50 first prize; separate categories for Men and Women)

4:55 p.m. – 99th Running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby

Finalists for the contests will be hand-selected by Fair Grounds officials on the lookout for the best hats and outfits throughout the day.

Fox 8 meteorologist Dawn Brown will emcee the fashion show and contests. A panel of celebrity judges will include Christina Leavenworth of WWL-TV.

The trackside Miller Lite Beer Garden will serve as the headquarters for all of the Fillies, Fashion & Fizz activities. Specialty food options will include Starlight Racing favorites Crepes a la Carte, Miss Linda the Yakamien Lady and Messina’s Catering.

“We are very excited to bring Macy’s on board as a presenting partner for this year’s Fillies, Fashion & Fizz event,” said Fair Grounds Senior Director of Marketing, Mark Conner. “It’s a perfect partnership for Fair Grounds. On a day devoted to fashion, hats and purses, there is no better apparel partner to have leading the Louisiana Derby Fashion show than Macy’s.”

First post (the first race of the day) on Louisiana Derby Day, April 1, is 12:10 p.m. The featured race, the $1 million Louisiana Derby (Gr. II) for 3-year-olds pointing to the Kentucky Derby, will go off in the late afternoon at 4:55 p.m.

Admission for Fillies, Fashion & Fizz is $10. General admission on Louisiana Derby Day is $5 Grandstand and $10 Clubhouse. General admission is unlimited and can be purchased at the door. For Clubhouse reservations, call (504) 943-2200. Clubhouse admission includes access to the Miller Lite Beer Garden for Fillies, Fashion & Fizz.