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More Than Just Two Minutes: A Guide to the Kentucky Derby Festival
Frederick News-Post, April 15, 2007
It's been billed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," but every Kentuckian knows that there's more to it than two minutes. The Kentucky Derby, as jump-up-and-down, yell-at-the-top-of-your-lungs exciting as it is, is only the denouement capping off two weeks of celebrations that make every resident of the state proud to be a Kentuckian and every displaced Kentuckian long for home. But you don't have to be bluegrass born and bred to enjoy the festivities. Show up for any or all of the Kentucky Derby Festival events highlighted below and the southern hospitality will have you wondering why it's taken you so long to get there.
Thunder Over Louisville
Saturday, April 21, 3 p.m. -- 10 p.m.
Waterfront Park; Free Admission
The party gets started with a bang, literally, two weeks before Derby day, as the Louisville skyline lights up with a fireworks show that is the largest annual pyrotechnics display in North America. From eight, 400-foot barges in the Ohio River, fireworks stream into the sky for nearly 30 minutes. Streaks of reds, blues, greens and golds erupt into flowers of color, and silver sparkles spiral back down like shooting stars.
There's more to it than fireworks, however, as the day's activities begin at 3 p.m. with the Thunder Air Show. If you want a great seat among the 500,000 people who gather for this kick-off event, you better be out on the Great Lawn with your blankets and lawn chairs by the time the airplanes and skydivers take off. And to fully appreciate the fireworks grand finale, try to secure a seat within view of the 2nd Street Bridge. You're free to bring food and drinks, but it's not necessary as the Chow Wagon and vendor booths provide all the provisions you need.
Chow Wagon
Saturday, April 21; Thursday, April 26--Friday, May 4, 11 a.m. -- 11 p.m.
Waterfront Park; Free Admission with 2007 Pegasus Pin*
From fried catfish and grilled ribeyes to bloomin' onions and elephant ears, the food offerings at the Chow Wagon are extensive. Satellite locations are set up all over town, but the main action takes place at Waterfront Park. That's where you'll find the biggest crowds and where over twenty concerts will take place, providing entertainment while you feast. On Thursday, April 26, the Great Balloon Glimmer, one of many hot air balloon events associated with the Derby, will take place as part of the official Chow Wagon opening. Grab a seat at a picnic table, and let the locals fill you in on how to best enjoy the Festival and the city.
Great Balloon Glow
Friday, April 27, 9 p.m.
Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center; Free Admission, $5 Parking
If you're not sure you'll wake up in time to catch the launch of Saturday morning's Great Balloon Race, then the Great Balloon Glow is for you. Each of the balloons competing in the race will inflate, and, with a musical soundtrack as accompaniment, crews will fire their burners, setting the balloons aglow. Against the night sky, it's a magical sight.
Great Balloon Race
Saturday, April 28, 7 a.m.
Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center; Free Admission, $5 Parking
It used to be that if you wanted to see hot air balloons during the Kentucky Derby Festival, you had to get up early the Saturday before Derby and head to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center hoping that good weather prevailed and the winds stayed down. To see the take off of the Great Balloon Race, you still have to do that. The field of 7 balloons that competed in the 1973 inaugural event grew to 48 balloons last year. Weather permitting, all of the balloons begin to inflate around 7 a.m., then take off in chase of the hare balloon, which will follow air currents to an open area, where the crew of that balloon will place a large target X. As the hound balloons approach the X, each crew gets two opportunities to drop a bag of Kentucky bluegrass as close to the target as possible. Wind conditions make results wildly variable. Winners have been as far away as 566 yards and as close as 11.5 inches.
Great Bed Races
Monday, April 30, 6 p.m.
Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center; Free Admission with 2007 Pegasus Pin*, $5 parking
We can't all be jockeys, but that doesn't mean we all can't enjoy the thrill of the race. On the Monday before Derby, Broadbent Arena turns into the Churchill Downs of bed racing. That's right, beds. Costumed teams of five race their decorated (and wheeled) beds as fast as they can down a 600 foot track, hoping to be crowned this year's winner. Just as with the Derby, the prizes go to the fastest teams. But unlike the Derby, where the jockey's silks, however nice, can't make up for a slow horse, costume and decor can win the teams in this race a prize. Expect absolute hilarity, creative costuming, and a number of crashes.
Run for the Rosé
Tuesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m.
Waterfront Park; Free Admission with 2007 Pegasus Pin*
You better believe that Kentuckians take their racing seriously, but this event is proof that it's also all about having fun. Waiters and waitresses from local restaurants take turns racing through an obstacle course set up at Waterfront Park. The twist is that they race while a carrying a tray on which six full glasses of wine are balanced. Winners are determined based on speed and the amount of wine left in the glasses upon completion of the course. It's the crowd's cheers that push the contestants on, so you'll want to pick a favorite and raise a ruckus. Unfortunately, there's no racing sheet to give you any help, so you'll just have to go on looks.
Great Steamboat Race
Wednesday, May 2, 4:30 p.m. -- 7 p.m.
Ohio River; Free Viewing on the Waterfront, Tickets for the Belle--$125
On daily trips, the Belle of Louisville, one of only six authentic steamboats still in operation, plies the waters of the Ohio River, playing lilting tunes on her historic calliope. But on the Wednesday before Derby, the usually leisurely journey turns into a 14-mile sprint, as Louisville's 92-year-old lady races against New Orleans' Delta Queen for bragging rights and the coveted Golden Antlers. (Okay, the Belle still only travels at about 5 mph, but she gives it everything she's got.) By getting tickets to ride on the Belle, you can join recently appointed Captain Mark Doty in his inaugural race. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry ground, you can cheer on the Belle from the shoreline. The Waterfront Chow Wagon offers good views.
Pegasus Parade
Thursday, May 3, 5 p.m.
Broadway between Campbell and 9th; Bleacher Seats--$9, Chair Seating--$11, Free Viewing in Other Spots
Broadway is where you want to be on the Thursday before Derby, as this usually busy downtown street turns into a parade route. If you want a guaranteed spot, buy a seat, but most locals just go early with a blanket and claim free curbside seats. The first official Derby Festival event, the Pegasus Parade got its start in 1956. It now features floats, bands, costumed characters, gigantic inflatables, clowns, horses, and the always popular Pooper Scoopers. This year’s theme is "Wonders, Wizards, and Wands," with Mickey Mouse, dressed in his sorcerer's costume from the movie Fantasia, performing grand marshall duties. For a preview, you can head to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center on Tuesday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., where you'll be able to get a close-up view of the floats and other parade attractions.
Kentucky Oaks 133
Friday, May 4, Gates open at 8 a.m., First Post is at 11 a.m., Feature Race is at 6 p.m.
Churchill Downs; General Admission--$25
Though not as famous as Derby Day, Derby Eve might be just as popular among Louisvillians. With schools closed and some local businesses declaring a holiday, families head to Churchill Downs for what many think of as locals day at the track. The feature race is the Kentucky Oaks, in which fillies compete for the Garland of Lilies. Like on Derby Day, the infield is open, but the crowds are comparatively subdued, making it the perfect outing for families with children. Bring a blanket and food, and prepare to spend the whole day at the track. With a football or Frisbee in tow, you'll have entertainment for between the races, and you'll be sure to make a few new friends. At some point during the day, venture over to the paddocks to see the horses up close and to get a feel for which horse you should put your money on. If you'll be watching the Derby from somewhere other than the Downs, you can go ahead and place your bets before you leave.
Kentucky Derby 133
Saturday, May 5, Gates open at 8 a.m., First Post is at 11 a.m., Feature Race is at 6 p.m.
Churchill Downs; General Admission--$40
Drawing horseracing enthusiasts, celebrities, crazy college kids, hat-wearing debutantes, and an eclectic mix of others, the Kentucky Derby is the centerpiece of horseracing and of the Festival. The title race, a 1.25 mile trip around the Churchill Downs' track, takes place at 6 p.m. after the iconic Call to the Post, the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, and the Post Parade. For just over two minutes, the crowds will scream, jump up and down, and generally act as if their lives depend on the race's outcome. In the end, one horse will walk away with the Blanket of Roses and the pressure of taking his (or her) title to the Preakness and Belmont in the hopes of becoming the first Triple Crown Winner since 1978's Affirmed.
And as much as it's about the race, it's also about the scene. In the grandstands, it's see and be seen. In the infield, it's party time. There are mint juleps to be tried, bets to be placed, and a general good time to be had by all. Getting tickets for the grandstands is a long shot that involves entering your name in a lottery, unless of course, you can afford seats on Millionaire's Row, where you can brush elbows with Hollywood stars. But the $40 general admission fee will allow you to join the throngs of Derby lovers who turn the grassy infield into one big party--a party that everyone should attend at least once.
What You Need to Know
If you're planning to go to Louisville for any of the Derby events, it's best to plan early. Flights and hotels book up quickly, but there are options for last-minute planners. When you're looking for flights, expand your search to include the Lexington and Cincinnati airports. They're within easy driving distance, and since you'll want a car to get around Louisville, you can just rent a car there and make the trip to the Derby City.
Expect to pay a premium for hotels, especially those located downtown. For Derby weekend, almost all hotels are booked well in advance. Thunder over Louisville weekend is nearly as difficult. However, there are last minute cancellations, so be persistent in your search. Additionally, don't forget to search in Southern Indiana. New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville are all right across the bridge. Finally, check Craigslist.org to find accommodations in private homes.
*A Pegasus Pin costs $3 and can be bought at gas stations and convenience and grocery stores, as well as all Festival events.
If You Go
Visit www.kdf.org for more information on the Kentucky Derby Festival.
Southwest Airlines generally offers the lowest fares between Baltimore and Louisville. Some seats are still available for dates during the Derby Festival with prices ranging from $49 to $133 each way. Be flexible with dates and times to get the best fare.
Weather in Louisville is similar to local weather, which means it can be pretty unpredictable. Hope for sunshine and blue skies, but be prepared for the possibility of clouds and cool temperatures.
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