THUNDER ROAD LEADS TO DERBY FESTIVAL KICK-OFF

2009-02-26

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce the theme of the 2009 Thunder Over Louisville show on April 18: "Thunder Road" - a tribute to the excitement of taking a road trip and exploring new destinations. The Thunder theme dovetails with the Derby Festival's overall 2009 theme, "Road to Fun!" The Thunder Over Louisville music soundtrack, which will be aired exclusively on WHAS TV and Lite 106.9 WVEZ, will features songs celebrating cars, travel and the adventures of life on the road.

"Most all of us have fond memories of piling into a car with family or friends and setting off on a road trip to visit a favorite city or attraction. It's a very special part of Americana," said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. "We expect everyone will have a great time on April 18 as we head down Thunder Road and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thunder Over Louisville."

Thanks to the generous support of the event's corporate sponsors - E.ON U.S., Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Meijer and UPS, as well as community McDonald's Thunder Funders, the Thunder Over Louisville show will once again feature an exciting array of military and civilian aircraft, as well as elite parachute and demonstration teams. There will also be a variety of on-the-ground activities to keep spectators entertained throughout the day.

"As always, Thunder Over Louisville will deliver seven hours of spectacular free entertainment that can be found nowhere else in the world but right here in Louisville, Kentucky," said Wayne Hettinger, Thunder Over Louisville producer. "We're excited about putting together a soundtrack inspired by all the great road-related songs that have been recorded over the years. It will be another great day of unmatched attractions."

Thunder Road Trivia:  The 1958 cult classic Thunder Road tells the story of running moonshine in the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee in the early 1950s. The famous Bruce Springsteen song, 'Thunder Road,' was inspired after he saw the movie poster in the lobby of a theater.

Thunder Over Louisville - the Derby Festival's Opening Ceremonies - is one of the more than 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2009 Thunder Over Louisville, themed "Thunder Road," is set for Saturday, April 18, and will be the  will be the 20th annual production. The show is sponsored by E.ON U.S., Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Meijer and UPS.