The NOPD Mounted Unit has been selected to be the beneficiary of this year’s Derby on Fulton event.

The Derby on Fulton is a celebration of the Kentucky Derby, which has been called the greatest two minutes in sports. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their Derby finery complete with decorative hats.

The event is scheduled for May 6, 2017, from 1-6 p.m. on Fulton Street in the Central Business District. Admission is free and it is open to all ages. In addition to live music, the festivities will include a best hat contest and interactive games including "The Fulton St. Furlong," which features human jockeys piloting stick ponies through a race course.  

"Fulton Street is an ideal destination for an event like this and we're excited to continue to be a part of the event,” said Dan Real, Harrah's New Orleans General Manager.  “Supporting the NOPD Mounted Unit is all the more reason to make this event special.”

The New Orleans Police Department’s Mounted Unit is one of the department’s most iconic divisions.  Visible in the historic French Quarter and at such high profile events as Mardi Gras, Super Bowls and many of the city’s numerous music festivals, the horses are an integral part of the NOPD.

This will be the third year Fulton Street has hosted the Derby on Fulton. A different non-profit agency is selected to be the beneficiary each year.

“We are very excited to see this event continue to grow,” said Kyle Brechtel, owner of Fulton Alley and Walk-Ons. “It has always been our focus to tie this event to a charitable cause, and supporting the NOPD's Mounted Division will ensure that the public continues to see the police horses around the city and to keep our major special events safe.”

Officers from the NOPD Mounted Unit will be at the event along with police horse Gypsy (pictured).

"We are so excited about this year’s partnership with the Derby on Fulton,” said Melanie Talia, CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. “The NOPD Mounted Unit has helped keep our community safe since 1925. For almost 100 years the unit has relied on various funding sources, including private donations, so we’re thrilled that a portion of this year’s proceeds from the Derby on Fulton will benefit the Mounted Unit. The event not only promotes public safety and strengthens the Mounted Unit, but helps NOPD maintain its long tradition and history of Mounted Patrols.  Our four-legged equestrian officers give so much to protect and serve so we thank the Derby on Fulton for giving back!”

NOPJF is a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organization providing support for efforts that enhance police/community relations, crime prevention, and public safety through funding for specialized equipment, training, and cooperative community programs. They serve as a fiscal sponsor for the NOPD, accepting donations and grants on behalf of the department.