With the tulips in full bloom, Louisville Kentucky prepares to host one of the biggest single-day events in the nation.  Thunder Over Louisville – the Kentucky Derby Festival’s opening ceremony – starts three weeks of family oriented fun and events.  An estimated half million people will line the waterfront to see the opening day air show which is topped off by one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world.

The buzz and excitement that this event creates throughout the city of Louisville continues to mount over the course of the coming weeks.  Many major events occur during Derby week.  The night time Balloon Glow is a favorite of both young and old.  The Great Steamboat Race will draw tens of thousands of people to the Ohio River to cheer on the Belle of Louisville.  The Pegasus Parade brings many families together as the floats make their way down Broadway. 

The Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs is a local favorite.  This is the Louisvillian’s Day at the Downs.  The ladies don their sun dresses and Derby hats for one of the hottest local events of the year.  With racing programs in hand, favorites are chosen at the betting windows, followed by cheers of excitement as the horses come down the stretch.

The excitement peaks on the first Saturday in May with the Kentucky Derby’s Run for the Roses - the fastest two minutes in sports.  Tickets can be tough to come by, as people from around the world flock to Louisville for this event.

Lasting memories are formed this time of year as family and friends come together for the city-wide celebration.  New friendships are formed and old ones are rekindled.  Thousands of Derby parties occur on the first Saturday in May as fans cheer on their favorite horse.  Memories from past years resurface and we reminisce about good times and magical moments never to be forgotten. 

Who can ever forget the legendary performance of Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown of horse racing in 1973.  He was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.  Those who witnessed Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby by two and one half lengths in a record setting 1:59:20 will never forget his stellar performance.  More recently in 2006, Barbaro decisively won the Kentucky Derby, only to shatter his leg two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes.  It was an injury that ultimately led to his death and touched hearts across the world.  His inspiring fight created a public following and made him one of the most loved and remembered American thoroughbreds in history.

This is a great time to visit the Bluegrass State, participate in the great Kentucky Derby Festival events, and create your own lasting memories.