Louisville Celebrates 67th Annual Fillies Derby Ball

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Guests celebrating at the 67th Annual Fillies Derby Ball in downtown Louisville.

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News Summary

On March 22, 2025, the 67th Annual Fillies Derby Ball took place in downtown Louisville, where Elizabeth King from Georgetown was named the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen. King, a dual-degree student at the University of Kentucky, is recognized for her leadership and community service initiatives. The event also showcased the Royal Court, composed of outstanding women, each receiving scholarships. The Kentucky Derby Festival continues to honor the contributions of young women in the community, making it a significant highlight in Kentucky’s annual calendar.

Louisville Hosts 67th Annual Fillies Derby Ball

Elizabeth King from Georgetown has been crowned the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen during the 67th annual Fillies Derby Ball held in downtown Louisville on March 22, 2025. King, a senior Presidential Scholar at the University of Kentucky, is pursuing dual degrees in Finance and Flute Performance.

As a recognized leader on her campus, King serves as a Gatton College of Business Ambassador and has held the title of UK Homecoming Queen. In addition to her academic achievements, she is the Principal Flutist for the UK Wind Symphony and was honored with the Preliminary Talent Award at the Miss Kentucky pageant. Her commitment to community service is exemplified by her initiative, “Mind Your Money – Investing in Financial Literacy,” which she founded as Miss Danville in collaboration with Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass. This program aims to enhance financial education in Kentucky’s classrooms.

Royal Court Members Announced

The Royal Court for the Festival comprises exceptional young women selected from nearly 100 applicants, demonstrating poise, intelligence, and community involvement, along with their knowledge of the Derby Festival. Each member of the Royal Court, along with the Queen, will reign throughout 2025, participating in numerous events associated with the Festival.

Each member of the Royal Court receives a scholarship of $2,000, divided into two $1,000 grants: one from Fillies, Inc. and another from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. Other distinguished members of the Royal Court include:

Lilly Deljoo from Louisville, a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville.
Madeline (Maddie) Duff from Prestonsburg, a senior at the University of Kentucky pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and Appalachian studies.
Erica McPheeters from Louisville, a senior John Henry Scholar at Kentucky State University majoring in political science.
Hannah Rager from Bremen, a sophomore at the University of Louisville pursuing a double major in marketing and sports administration with a certificate in sales.

Historical Significance of the Kentucky Derby Festival

The Kentucky Derby Festival has a rich history of celebrating women of excellence in the community, and the Royal Court has previously included notable former Queens such as Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s first woman governor, and other influential community leaders. The recognition serves not only to honor the accomplishments of the selected individuals but also to highlight the commitment of young women in shaping the future of Kentucky.

The excitement surrounding the Derby season is palpable, with the recent crowning of King sparking enthusiasm for the upcoming festivities. She expressed gratitude and excitement as she looks forward to her responsibilities over the next year. The Kentucky Derby Festival will continue to be a platform for showcasing talent, leadership, and community service among the outstanding young women chosen for the Royal Court.

As the Derby Festival approaches, the contributions of the Royal Court and the Queen will undoubtedly enhance the celebration and connect with the traditions that make this event a highly anticipated annual highlight in Kentucky.