by Taylor Divico

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

"And they're off!" Louisville, Kentucky hosts the Kentucky Derby Festival- a two-week long party held prior to Kentucky Derby Saturday. This annual tradition began in 1935 and continues to entertain with just as much fervor, offering a wide array of over seventy events for all to enjoy. The Derby Festival combines much enjoyed entertainment with a growing anticipation for race day at Churchill Downs. It is quite the pep rally, with official events captivating the masses each and every year!

Thunder Over Louisville: The Kentucky Derby Festival kicks off with the Thunder Air Show, a crowd-rousing ceremony featuring daring stunts, skydiving, and aerobatics. The swirl of activity in the sky, along with the hype of military aircraft, tanks, and water vessels is a precursor for what the night promises to bring- the largest fireworks display in the country. After a prideful salute to the National Anthem, just as the sky dims, Louisville roars as the heavens ignite with a fantastic twenty-eight minute display of creative pyrotechnics.

Pegasus Parade: Broadway bustles with floats, marching bands, the Royal Court, and several celebrity appearances as the Pegasus Parade gets underway. It has been a staple event during the festival since 1956, and is full of action from equestrian team participation to high school band battles. The parade features, the Royal Court, which is comprised of five chosen princesses, all of whom are local college students, and one of whom will be crowned Derby Queen at the Fillies Ball. These princesses attend the many events as representatives of the city, even hosting a Children's Tea. The Pegasus Parade is a stimulating experience providing a way for various Kentucky high schools, colleges, residents, and visitors to share in the proud tradition of the derby.

The Great Balloon Race: The Kentucky Exposition Center hosts a favorite Derby Festival event, sending nearly fifty hot-air balloons into the air, with the U.S. Bank Air Balloon at the helm. This lead balloon lands in a field and spreads out a large X, while the rest of the balloons try to come as close as possible to aiming their bag of Kentucky Bluegrass seed at the X. The winner is determined after official measuring.

The Great Balloon Glow: To add to the intrigue of hot air balloons, pilots gather and light their ignitions, while keeping their balloons landed. This is done at night once it is dark. Bystanders can walk around and speak with the pilots or just enjoy the choreographed lighting of the balloons. On-site, there are kids rides and games, along with food and toy vendors. It's a family-fun night!

The Great Steamboat Race: Clark Memorial Bridge marks the start of the race between steamboats, the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen of Cincinnati. The captains will race a fourteen-mile stretch, and will participate in a steamboat whistle contest. Other highlights adding to this waterfront extravaganza include; an evening Mardi Gras party, the race awards assembly, "Tea with the Queen" party for the kids, and the ongoing Chow Wagon featuring tents full of barbecued southern comforts, carnival-style treats, and refreshments.

The Kentucky Derby Festival has multiple events planned daily, with luncheons, bourbon-tasting, cruises, bar crawls, poker tournaments, the soapbox derby, and so much more in the mix. It is truly a time for attendees to relish in the ongoing, highly-esteemed tradition of Louisville, Kentucky. After the party is over...to the races it is for yet another party!

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