THUNDER WEEK HAPPENINGS
2001-04-16T11:01:49April 16, 2001. Louisville, KY. The Derby Festival is upon us. Week’s end to mark official kick-off for two-week community celebration.
SET UP FOR THE B3 COMPETITON IS UNDERWAY
Ramps for the “B3” competition – bicycle stunt riding, aggressive inline skating and skateboarding are now being built at Waterfront Park Phase II. Competitions will begin on Friday, April 20 and run daily from 10 AM – 6 PM until Sunday, April 22. Admission to the competition is FREE. Click here for a complete daily schedule.
The DERBY FESTIVAL THEY'RE OFF!® LUNCHEON is Friday, April 20 at 11:30 AM. This is the 45th year for the traditional kick-off to the Derby Festival at the Galt House East Grand Ballroom. James Earl Jones is the speaker for this luncheon. Public tickets are available for this traditionally sold-out event by calling the Kentucky Center for the Arts Ticket Office at 584-7777. Sponsored by Guess? Inc. Contributing sponsor Business First.
The FILLIES' DERBY BALL takes place Friday evening featuring the crowning of the Derby Festival Queen. Dinner starts at 7:45 PM and the coronation of the Queen should take place at approximately 10 PM at the Galt House East Grand Ballroom. The Ball is sponsored by Dillard’s Department Stores. The evening is hosted by Smooth Rock 102.
DERBY FESTIVAL PLANES OF THUNDER. 8 AM - 2 PM on Saturday. Kentucky Air National Guard Base. Free admission. Static display of the military planes for Thunder Over Louisville. Parking at UPS off I-65 Fern Valley Road exit with shuttle to event - must wear Pegasus Pin to board shuttle. (No parking at Base).
On Saturday, April 21, the Derby Festival kicks-off its Opening Cermonies: Thunder Over Louisville with “2001: A Festival Odyssey”. THUNDER begins with a Food Fest and Airshow at 3 PM. The fireworks will explode over the Ohio River at 9:30 PM. Thunder is sponsored by Blue Chip Broadcasting, Caesars Indiana, Ford and UPS. Fireworks music broadcast on 99.7 DJX, SMOOTH ROCK 102, Jammin’ Oldies 101, B96 WGZB and Hot 104. Televised on the Official Thunder Station WHAS 11. (NO COOLERS, CANS, OR BOTTLES) KyDzFest! area featuring children’s activities for a fee is along Waterfront Park and River Road.
Thunder spectators wanting some elbow room and a picnic table can enjoy the DERBY FESTIVAL CHOW WAGONS open from Noon to Midnight Thunder Day on the Belvedere and Waterfront Park Festival Plaza.
Admission is a 2001 Pegasus Pin. 12 Noon - 12 Midnight. (NO LAWN CHAIRS, COOLERS, CANS, BOTTLES OR PETS) Belvedere: Featuring Karen Kraft and the Kiks on the Miller Lite Talent Stages. Waterfront Park at Festival Plaza: Featuring The Rumors on the Miller Lite Talent Stages.
Derby Festival Firstar Fun Cards will be accepted at Thunder Chow Wagons for the first time. Visit your Firstar Bank branch to purchase cards in advance.
DERBY FESTIVAL U of L SPRING GAME. Noon. Spring football scrimmage at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. First 2000 spectators receive a free 2001 Pegasus Pin. Sponsored by Kroger. For more information call 852-7254.
DERBY FESTIVAL PAPA JOHN’S CARDINAL STADIUM FEST on Saturday, April 21. 10 AM – 4 PM. Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Featuring live entertainment. Admission – 2001 Pegasus Pin.
DERBY FESTIVAL VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC. Admission is a 2001 Pegasus Pin. Contributing sponsors ASICS, Mikasa and 99.7 DJX. For more information call the Volleyball Connection/Tandem Sport (502) 582-3530. Sand Divisions - At Baxter Jack’s: Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 9 AM - 11 PM
Preparations for the events occur throughout the week. If you are working press, please call the KDF Press Office at 502-584-6383 for a complete itineray of possible live shots and interview or visual opportunites.
