What:

• The Kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival

Where:

• Held on the Ohio Riverfront (Group-friendly viewing areas available at riverfront hotels and select downtown attractions)

When:

• Two Saturdays before the Kentucky Derby (the Derby is always run on the first Saturday in May)

Why:

• Thunder Over Louisville is the nation’s largest annual fireworks show. The breathtaking and mindnumbing 30-minute show includes Thunder’s signature one-mile “waterfall” effect off a bridge over the Ohio River, making the fireworks seem to rain down forever. The air show that proceeds Thunder is ranked as one of the top five air shows in the nation. Each year the event promises to fill the Louisville skyline with action packed aviation. The air show dazzles the crowd with more than 100 planes, aerobatic teams, daring sky diving groups and breathtaking stunts. And the amazing technology of the United States Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines is always a crowd favorite.

Who:

• Group members ready to enjoy the kickoff to the biggest party held each year in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival! Those who enjoy larger-than-life events and who are ready to ooh and aah!

What else:

• Don’t miss a visit to the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Derby Museum while you’re in town. You can even schedule time for special Derby activities like making your own Derby hat or attending one of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 70 events on your “Run Before the Roses” tour.