LOUISVILLE, Ky. — We are two weeks away from the official kick-off of the Kentucky Derby Festival—Thunder Over Louisville. KDF is always looking to bring more fun to the community and they have this year with several new events.
Before the Pegasus Parade gets rolling down Broadway on Saturday, April 5, the parade’s sponsor, Zoeller Pump Company, is hosting “ParadeFest.” ParadeFest will happen at Zoeller, located at 3649 Cane Run Road in Louisville, from noon until 4 p.m. KDF says this is a family-friendly event and will feature inflatables, a bounce house and obstacle course. Food trucks will be on hand to feed hungry masses and the Derby Festival’s Royal Court will be there as well. Like most KDF events, admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin.
KDF is also adding another new race. The Derby Festival 5K makes its debut Friday, April 25—the night before the miniMarathn and Marathon. The 5K will start at 7 p.m. It will be a looped course beginning and ending at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park. The race will include a lap on the BIg Four Bridge. The 5K is open to anyone 10 years old and up. Participants will get a free medal and shirt. Registration is $45 and is open online.
For those looking for something a bit more refined, KDF is adding a couple of partner events to its official event schedule. On Sunday, April 27, guests can enjoy the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea at the Seelbach HIlton. The event from 1 p.m until 3 p.m, features a traditional tea sandwiches, savory and sweet bites and a “special trifecta” of hot and cold teas. Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day will make an appearance. Guests are encouraged to wear Derby attire. Proceeds from the event will benefit Louisville Recovery Community Connection, which sponsors the tea. Tickets can be bought online or by calling 502-398-5258
You can get your Derby Day started with the Historic Homes Foundation Annual Derby Breakfast on Saturday, May 3. Held at the Pavilion at Farmington, guests will be treated to a gourmet buffet, open bar, live music, tours of Farmington and valet parking. Tickets are $275 per person and proceeds benefit the Historic Homes Foundation. For more information, go to their website.
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Deborah Harbsmeier - Executive Producer, Digital
Deborah Harbsmeier is the executive producer of digital content for Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. The award-winning producer has been in television news for more than 30 years.
