FULL-SCALE THUNDER TO BLAST OFF APRIL 20
2002-02-01T10:10:29
Five local companies will get a bang for their bucks
Feb. 1, 2002. Louisville, KY. The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce that five local companies have finalized commitments as major corporate sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville. The Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is scheduled for April 20. Caesars Indiana, Ford Motor Company, Radio One and United Parcel Service – the four major sponsors of last year’s show – are returning in 2002, and will be joined this year by Thornton Oil Corporation.
“We are thrilled that the process of securing sponsorship for the region’s largest annual event has been successful,” said Derby Festival President and CEO Michael E. Berry. “We all know that times are tough right now, and it’s just incredible that these five companies have stepped to the plate to keep alive such a great event. These are major commitments by the five sponsors, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Final details of the show will be announced in the coming weeks, but Thunder fans can expect another world-class Air Show preceding the largest annual fireworks show in North America.
Said 2002 Derby Festival Chairman Linda McGinity Jackson: “The commitment by these five companies to sponsor Thunder Over Louisville is a true reflection of their desire to make our city a better place to live. The entire community should be grateful that they have seen fit to invest in such a wonderful show that draws attention to Louisville from all over the world. Our hats are off to these generous benefactors.”
Thunder Over Louisville will be held this year for the 13th time. It features the latest in pyrotechnic technology with products from fireworks manufacturers from around the globe. Last year, an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 people lined both sides of the Ohio River to watch the all-day event. The Thunder Air Show is ranked among the top five air shows in the nation.
This has been a challenging year for Thunder Over Louisville. The events of Sept. 11, the uncertain economy, and questions about whether air shows would be permitted nationally have made fund-raising and event planning difficult. In a preemptive effort to assist in funding Thunder, the Derby Festival introduced the limited sale of Thunder Commemorative Pins in December. An initial order of 25,000 Pins was made, with about 12,000 sold at this time. The Pins are on sale until Feb. 15.
In addition, Thunder Funders, a grass-roots program to secure additional sponsorship dollars from area businesses, is on-going. Thunder Funders allows any individual or business, regardless of size, to support the show and receive special Thunder benefits. Some levels have hospitality packages. Thunder Funders along with Thunder pin sales will comprise the total show budget.
“The good news is the show will go on,” said Berry. “Stay tuned for further details.”
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