THUNDER ROCKS A CHILLY CROWD
2005-04-24T00:09:36
Chilly temperatures and brisk winds created conditions that could dub this year’s opening ceremonies “thunder on the rocks.” Despite the less than ideal climate, the Thunder faithful braved the elements and enjoyed another spectacular show as the Derby Festival paid tribute to 50 years of Rock-n-
Roll to help kick off its 50th Celebration. Thunder die-hards began staking claims in what became a “tent city” on the Great Lawn as early as Friday evening.
In addition to the low temperatures, weather also made thunder air show officials uncomfortable as the schedule changed three times before the first act arrived. Low ceiling height (cloud cover of 2100 ft.) and wind gusts up to 30 mph grounded the skydivers and cost the show 6 scheduled performances. Because of the cancellations and gaps, the show was compressed and delayed 45 minutes in order to keep continuous entertainment in the air. And did it ever.
Highlights included the thrilling demo teams of the F-15, F-16 and F-18. Performing their “low or flat” shows, they made a lot of noise as they nearly skimmed the top of the 2nd Street Bridge. For the first time in two years, the B-2 Spirit awed the crowd with its sleek Stealth technology. The “Heritage Flight” is always a crowd favorite and showcased the past and present of the US Air Force pairing F-15 and F-16 fighters with their predecessor, a WWII P-51 Mustang. The Red Baron Squadron looped and smoked the skies and the Bill Leff Night Show returned with a sparkling performance right before launch time.
87-year-old Robinson Brown served as the official Thundernator. The Derby Festival’s very first Chairman in 1957 was honored to be a part of the 50th Celebration and said “This is quite an occasion, as I don’t get to leave the house much”. A former pilot, he still told WAVE’s Scott Reynolds & Jackie Hayes that he favored the grandness of the fireworks. He was joined by Dustin Korb, a 6th grader at Holy Family in New Albany, to officially launch the 16th annual fireworks.
While the cold weather hampered the crowd’s viewing of the air show, it may have enhanced their fireworks experience. Zambelli Fireworks crews say the colors were more vibrant this year due to the cold, clean air. Spectators may have also noticed a new color in the show, an orange that is exclusive to the company.
More than 52,000 shells danced to the sounds of five decades of rock from the likes of Elvis, Chubby Checker, KISS, Mellancamp, Elton, The Stones, Van Halen and Nirvana. It rocked the crowd from Ashland Park to the Great Lawn.
Reduced crowds ("guess"timated at 200-300,000) led to minimal arrests, decreased ambulance runs and lost children (10) and a record time of clearing traffic.
Said Dan Owens, 2005 KDF Chairman, “We are just completely in awe of the people that came out in these conditions to help us kick off our 50th Celebration. We could have asked for better weather, but we could not have asked for better fans, a better show or more dedicated volunteers. Here’s to an exciting and much warmer two weeks of Derby Festival!”
Coverage Links:
Courier-Journal air show photo gallery
Courier-Journal fireworks photo gallery
Courier-Journal Thunder Headlines!
