Author:
KDF Press Office

HumanaVitality is stepping up their involvement with the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual Marathon and miniMarathon.  For 2013, HumanaVitality will become a co-presenting sponsor of the event.

Said HumanaVitality CEO, Joe Woods, “HumanaVitality is proud to be one of the 2013 co-presenting sponsors of the 2013 Derby Festival Road Races.  We see these races as fun athletic events that get our members and the general population moving, making a difference in their health and broader lives.  At HumanaVitality we believe that by making fun things healthy and healthy things fun  we contribute to reversing many of the negative health trends we see in today’s society.  We are happy to be a part of the solution.”

This is the second year that HumanaVitality has been involved with the Festival.  In 2012, they were a contributing sponsor on the race Training Program, as well as the BB&T Running Wild Expo and Pasta Dinner.  HumanaVitality joins Walmart as a presenting sponsor of the event.

“Thanks to both of these community-minded companies for supporting the races, which capped registration at a record 18,000 participants in 2012,” Said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Their sponsorships help us take events like the road races to the next level.”

Registration for the 2013 races, which will be held on Saturday, April 27, is open online at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com. Early registration fees are $55 for the mini and $70 for the Marathon through Oct. 31.

The races will once again feature a start on Main Street in downtown Louisville and a finish near the Waterfront at Preston and Witherspoon streets. Entry for the Marathon Relay is $275 per team; entry for the mini Team Challenge is $375. The Marathon Team Challenge fees are $300 for a team of three, $400 for a team of four and $475 for a team of five. The Running Wild Race Expo will be held Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The 2013 official ASICS Race Gear will feature Technical race shirts in both male- and female-cut designs and in various sizes. This is the first time that the Technical shirts will be offered in gender-cut styles.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival is currently seeking young artists to participate in the 2013 Derby Festival Student Art Contest. All work must be turned in to respective area coordinators by Nov. 14, 2012. Applications and contest criteria are available for downloading at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s website at www.kdf.org.

The contest currently has participants from public, private and parochial school students in Jefferson and Oldham counties, as well as Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana. Other counties are welcome to participate. Please contact the KDF office if your school is interested in participating. Students not currently enrolled in art classes at their school may also create artwork at home, but entries must follow all contest criteria and be submitted by the art teacher or another appropriate staff person at the school.

Entries in the Derby Festival Student Art Contest will be judged by arts professionals from the community. The winners of the contest in six divisions will be presented medallions, certificates and a Derby Festival Student Art Contest Winner’s Pin; first-place winners will receive a 2013 Derby Festival framed poster. The winners will also have their artwork displayed at the Derby Festival Poster Premiere and Student Art Awards Ceremony in January, 2013. All winners will receive complimentary tickets to the Poster Premiere for themselves and two guests. Teachers of award-winning students will also be invited to the ceremony and will receive special recognition.

The Derby Festival has offered this opportunity for area students to showcase their creative skills since 1977. For more information, call Anna Miller at (502) 572-3828, or the Derby Festival Press Office at (502) 572-3822.

Author:
KDF Press Office

With the dog days of summer winding down, it’s time to start thinking about whipping up a batch of homemade chili to welcome the fall season. For those chili lovers who are serious about their personal recipes, the new Derby Chili Challenge offers an opportunity for the public to enter a competition to determine who can make the tastiest chili in town. The Derby Chili Challenge, which is being coordinated by the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Kentucky Beef Council and Kroger, will accept chili recipe submissions from Sept. 4 through Sept. 16 at the Derby Festival’s website – www.kdf.org.

“Chili is a time-tested favorite in American households from coast to coast,” said Chuck Crutcher, Kentucky Beef Council Chair and Hardin County beef farmer. “Ingredients can include beans or no beans, savory ground beef or flavorful chunks of chuck, fiery hot spices or the light touch of cocoa power – the possibilities and flavor combinations are truly endless. I can’t wait to see what delicious beef chili recipe rises to the top.”

Finalists for the Derby Chili Challenge will be announced on Sept. 17.  They will then be invited to a Chili Cook Off on Sept. 19 at the Middletown Kroger store, at 12501 Shelbyville Road, to determine the overall winner. Four judges including KDF President and CEO, Mike Berry; Thunder Over Louisville Producer, Wayne Hettinger; as well as representatives from Kroger and the Kentucky Beef Council will pick the winning chili.

The chili champion will have their original recipe featured in 60 Kroger stores in both Louisville and Lexington during the month of October, which is National Chili Month.  They will also receive a Kroger gift card, Kentucky Beef Council Prize Pack and four VIP tickets to both Thunder Over Louisville and Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront in 2013. The winning chili will also be served as part of the Thunder Over Louisville Command Center crew’s traditional “Gas Up for Thunder” lunch on the day before the Thunder show.

Said David Nett, Kroger Customer Communications Manager, “If you live in Kentucky or Southern Indiana, you know there is nothing bigger than the Kentucky Derby Festival. Everyone enjoys a great bowl of chili, any time of year, so it just makes sense to put the two together. What better way to ask the entire community to get involved and enter their favorite recipe in the Derby Chili Challenge. Everybody has a favorite, so let’s share!”

The Derby Chili Challenge also has a category for members of the media to compete and submit their best chili recipes. The winner of the media division will receive $500 from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation to go to the charity of their choice.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Starting Monday, Aug. 27, the Kentucky Derby Festival will begin accepting applications from young women interested in being part of the Festival’s 2013 Royal Court.  Applications will be available online at the Derby Festival’s website at www.kdf.org. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 10. The Royal Court program is not a beauty pageant. This is a great opportunity for any talented young woman to earn scholarship monies and serve as an official ambassador for one of the world’s leading civic celebrations.

Applicants must be single, female residents of Kentucky or the metropolitan area (Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties of Indiana), poised and outstanding in her community. A candidate must be a full-time student during the current academic year, attending a university, college or accredited professional school with a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. She must be 18 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2012. All applicants must attend a screening on either Saturday, Nov. 10, or Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Goldberg Simpson Law Firm, 9301 Dayflower St. in Louisville. Contact Lorena Peter at (502) 548-0180 or email at callingallprincesses@insightbb.com  with any questions.

The Royal Court selection process is a self-nominating procedure. The program represents the Kentucky Derby Festival and is overseen by members of The Fillies, Inc., a non-profit organization of 250 of the finest community volunteers. In addition to coordinating the program, the women of The Fillies produce the gala Fillies Derby Ball, during which the Derby Queen is selected and her Derby Court established. The court will be selected in January with the Queen chosen by a “spin-of-the-wheel” at the Fillies Derby Ball on April 19, 2013. Each member of the Royal Court will receive two $1,000 scholarships – one from The Fillies, Inc., and one from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. In addition to other sponsor gifts, each woman receives a complimentary wardrobe.

A long-standing Derby tradition, the Derby Festival Queen and Court act as official ambassadors for one of the country’s leading civic celebrations, attending nearly 70 Festival events. Since 1957, past Derby Festival Queens and Courts have been making an impression on their community. They include Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s first woman Governor, and a number of other community leaders.  Many say their Derby Festival experience helped them prepare for their future careers.

Author:
KDF Press Office

For the fifth year in a row, Walmart will be the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon. Walmart has sponsored the races since 2009, allowing the registration cap to reach 18,000 runners, making it the largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky. Registration for the 2013 races, which will be held on Saturday, April 27, opens online on Aug. 1 at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com. Early registration fees are $55 for the mini and $70 for the Marathon through Oct. 31.

“Walmart is committed to supporting activities that promote good health and exercise and the Kentucky Derby Festival races certainly are a great example of that,” said Dwayne Moore, Walmart’s Director of Operations for Kentucky and Southern Indiana. “We are very pleased with the growth of the races and the excitement it brings to the community each year on the last Saturday in April. Walmart takes great pride in being part of one of the top running events in the country.”

As part of Walmart’s sponsorship, the company last year supplied 8,000 pounds of bananas, 10,000 Quaker Oat Bars, 12,000 Sun Chips and 12,000 bagels to runners at the race finish line. In addition, 32 Walmart associates volunteered during the races, helping to distribute nutritional items at the finish.

“In 2012, we increased the race field from 15,000 to 18,000 participants and runners responded enthusiastically. Our local running community has been steadfast in its support of these road races since 1974, when then Mayor Harvey Sloane participated in the very first mini,” said Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry. “Sponsorships like Walmart’s help us to take the event to the next level. We’re seeing more and more interest from runners from outside the state, which is a great showcase for our community and the many special events that make our city so unique.”

The races will once again feature a start on Main Street in downtown Louisville and a finish near the Waterfront at Preston and Witherspoon streets. Entry for the Marathon Relay is $275 per team; entry for the mini Team Challenge is $375. The Marathon Team Challenge fees are $300 for a team of three, $400 for a team of four and $475 for a team of five. The Running Wild Race Expo will be held Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The 2013 official ASICS Race Gear will feature Technical race shirts in both male- and female-cut designs and in various sizes. This is the first time that the Technical shirts will be offered in gender-cut styles.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2012 Opening Ceremonies – Thunder Over Louisville – will be broadcast next month on the American Forces Network to more than one million U.S. Armed Forces personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees and their families stationed overseas. The 120-minute program, which features the entire Thunder fireworks show and highlights of the Thunder Air Show, will be shown on July 4th to personnel stationed overseas in approximately 175 countries and U.S. territories, as well as aboard more than 140 U.S. Navy ships.

WDRB TV exclusively aired the original Air Show and fireworks coverage on April 21 of this year and has produced the 120-minute edited HD version that will be shown on the American Forces Network in conjunction with Independence Day celebrations. WDRB will also air a condensed, 2 and a half hour version of its Thunder Over Louisville coverage on July 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.; a 30-minute segment featuring just the fireworks show will air on WDRB on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

“I cannot think of a better way to help our military personnel around the world celebrate this patriotic holiday than by sharing Thunder Over Louisville,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival, who introduces the broadcast along with Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. “This year’s Thunder was one of the best ever and we hope the troops will enjoy all the excitement that is captured in the program.”

Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2012 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “A Star-Spangled Blast,” was the 23rd annual production. The show was sponsored this year by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer, UPS and community McDonald’s Thunder Funders.

Bill Lamb, President and General Manager of WDRB-TV said, “We are so proud to be able to produce this program for the men and women in our armed services.  We hope it gives them a little taste until they come home and can see Thunder Over Louisville in person.”

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc., Board of Directors elected Chris Whelan as Chair of the 2013 Kentucky Derby Festival at its annual meeting on June 14 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Whelan is Vice President of Communications for LG&E and KU. She follows the successful leadership of Wendy Jacob, a Vice President and Regional Employment Manager for BB&T, who will continue serving as Immediate Past Chair of the Derby Festival.

“Through its nearly 70 events, the Kentucky Derby Festival contributes millions of dollars to this region each year in economic development,” said Whelan. “It is consistently one of the country’s leading festivals and a major contributor to our area’s quality of life. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the 2013 Chair.”

Whelan was first elected to the Derby Festival Board in 2005 and has been a member of the KDF Executive Board since 2007. She has served on the planning committee for several Derby Festival events, including the Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com, U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest, King Southern Bank Derby Festival Foundation Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Republic Bank Pegasus Parade and Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

Michael E. Berry continues as President and CEO of the Derby Festival. David Nett, Customer Communications Manager, The Kroger Company, was elected Chair-Elect and Trish Osborn, Senior Vice President, American Founders Bank, was elected Vice Chair. Wes Rutledge, Vice President of Investments, Hilliard Lyons, was elected Treasurer; Todd Schumacher, Vice President/Market Manager, Cox Radio, was elected Secretary.

Newly elected to the Festival’s Executive Board were: Bill Fisher, DuPont Louisville Works; Stacy Serad, Humana, Inc.; and Marita Willis, PNC Bank.

Joining the 75-member board as newly elected directors were: Stephanie Clements, Direct Connect Merchant Solutions; Becky Fangman, The Fillies, Inc.; Robert Hecht, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company; Mike Mangeot, Office of the Governor; Janet Reilly, U.S. Bank; and Gerome Stephens, University of Louisville.

Author:
KDF Press Office

A record total of $439,170 was raised by the 24 charitable organizations utilizing the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Charity Module for runners participating in the 2012 Derby Festival Marathon and minimarathon presented by Walmart. The number of charities taking part was also a record number, up from 18 in 2011. The charities were assisted by the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, the Derby Festival’s charitable arm. The KDF Foundation established criteria for organizations to be recognized as Official Charity Partners of the races and Foundation board members and volunteers were assigned as liaisons to help coordinate the fund-raising efforts.

“The word is certainly getting out that the Kentucky Derby Festival races are a tremendous avenue to raise both money and awareness for a wide variety of charitable organizations,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “The numbers keep going up every year and we’re poised to pass the $500,000 mark next year. Since the Charity Module was opened in 2005, more than $1.2 million has been raised for various charities – that is very gratifying.”

Coverage Note:  The Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation will make a check presentation to representatives of the charities at a luncheon at the Louisville Boat Club on River Road on June 15. The event is open to the media for interviews and photographs. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m.; a check presentation will take place at approximately 12:45 p.m.

The following organizations were Official Charity Partners of the 2012 KDF road races:

Alzheimer’s Association: (raised $8,000)

American Cancer Society: $40,000

American Lung Association: $290

American Printing House for the Blind: $13,468

Children’s Tumor Foundation: $21,000

Dare to Care: $1,253

Deion Branch Foundation: $26,542

ElderServe: $11,700

Gilda’s Club: $12,500

Harbor House of Louisville: $600

Home of the Innocents: $13,000

James Graham Brown Cancer Center: $875

Kentucky and Southern Indiana Stroke Association: $1,263

Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation: $5,410

Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies: $8,000

Kosair Children’s Hospital: $14,438

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: $170,000

Olmsted Park Conservancy: $14,000

Orphan Care Alliance: $3,910

Ovarian Awareness of Kentucky: $1,974

Spina Bifida Association: $10,470

St. Jude Children’s Hospital: $5,116

St. Leo Spice: $361

Team Reeve: $55,000

The Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, a 501 C 3 not-for-profit charity, receives and manages charitable contributions on behalf of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc., its supporters and the general public. The Foundation perpetuates the Festival’s impact on the community by developing projects that highlight the Festival’s influence on the area’s cultural heritage.  It works to further the Festival’s educational and charitable mission through exhibitions and performances.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival will hold its 11th annual Yard Sale on Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16, at the KDF office at 1001 South Third Street in Old Louisville. The sale will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Items for sale will include cotton event T-shirts ($3 each or 2 for $5), ASICS Technical Marathon/miniMarathon shirts for $5, past Derby Festival posters for $15, Thunder Over Louisville posters for $2, post cards for $2, glasses and close-out pricing on 2012 Official KDF merchandise.

The Derby Festival Pin Wagon will feature 2012 metal event and balloon pins, as well as plastic pins from 1973-2012.  There will also be a Special Pin Room open at the Festival Office with metal event, balloon and corporate pins from 1989 to 2011 available at greatly reduced prices. A special edition Exchange Pin is being offered to collectors in limited quantities for $35.

Three editions of the Christopher Radko holiday ornaments – “A Good Foundation”, “Eight Belles,” and “Fleur-de-Liberty” -will be offered for sale up to 60% off the original retail price. The “Fleur-de-Liberty” ornaments, which are available in limited quantities, were signed by Medal of Honor recipient and 2012 “Thundernator” Sgt. Dakota Meyer.

The event typically attracts large crowds, so patrons are encouraged to come early and pick up some great items at very reasonable prices. Cash and credit cards will be accepted for purchases.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Charlie Daniels Band with special guest The HillBenders will close out the run of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront with the Derby Eve Jam on Friday, May 4.  The concert starts at 8 p.m. Daniels is a singer, guitarist and fiddler who began writing and performing in the 1950s. Daniels’ first hit, the novelty song “Uneasy Rider,” was from his second album, which was released in 1973 and reached no. 9 on the charts. Daniels won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1979 for “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Admission to the show is a 2012 Pegasus Pin. Military personnel with a valid ID will receive free admission to the venue from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contributing Sponsors: Country Legends 103.9 and New Country Q103.1

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront is open Derby Eve 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This ultimate entertainment experience offers national concerts, family fun, food vendors, a children’s inflatable playground, midway rides and more.  Kroger is title sponsor of the Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville, with contributing sponsor Miller Lite.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event – the 57th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade – marched down Broadway this evening under warm but dry weather conditions. The parade, which is one of the Festival’s most cherished and popular events, attracted a crowd estimated at more than 250,000 to downtown streets. Grand Marshal Cyndi Lauper opened the event by singing her hit song “True Colors” as the parade’s opening act and mingled with spectators before rejoining the parade units. University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and his coaching staff served as Honorary Grand Marshals and were greeted with highly enthusiastic support. The theme of this year’s Pegasus Parade was “Family, Fun and Games.”

Other celebrities who participated in this year’s parade included: Lauper’s husband, actor husband David Thornton; actor Josh Dallas, a Louisville native and former New Albany, Ind., resident who is star of the ABC TV show “Once Upon a Time:; actor Jonathan Kite of “Two Broke Girls”; Vicki Gunvalson of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”; poker pros Robert Williamson III and Josh Arieh; and 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler.

Supporters of Norton Healthcare were cheering down the parade route as their float took home the Addison McGhee Sweepstakes Award for best overall float. Kosair Charities/Kosair Shriners won the Board Chair’s Award; CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center won the President’s Award; Second Chance@Life won the Grand Marshal’s Award; Hwang’s Martial Arts won the Queen’s Award and the Kentuckiana Pride Festival won the Chairman’s Award.

The parade is known for its beautiful equestrian units. Grand Champion Equestrian Unit went to the Young Guns 4-H Equestrian Drill Team. The first place award for Best Mounted Equestrian Unit went to Muhlenberg 4-H Horse Club. Best Commercial Driven Equestrian Unit went to Express Clydesdales; Non-Commercial Driven Unit was awarded to Shetland Miniatures. Jasper (Ind.) High School won the Grand Prize in the Basil Caummisar Battle of the Bands competition. Fierce Ent. LLC won the Ray Wimberg Specialty Unit Award, Chick-fil-A of Kentuckiana won the Earl Ruby Inflatable Spirit Award and Muhlenberg 4-H Horse Club won the Pooper Stars Award.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Celebrity Day at the Downs on Thursday, May 3, at Churchill Downs will showcase a variety of entertainers and celebrities, most of whom will take part later that day in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. Celebrity Day at the Downs will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the sixth floor at Churchill Downs, featuring a traditional Kentucky luncheon and a day of racing on Millionaire’s Row.

Among the Kentucky Derby Festival’s guests scheduled to appear in the Pegasus Parade and at the Celebrity Day at the Downs are: Pegasus Parade Grand Marshal Cyndi Lauper and her actor husband David Thornton; actor Josh Dallas, a Louisville native who grew up in New Albany, Ind. and star of the NBC TV show “Once Upon a Time”; actor Jonathan Kite of “Two Broke Girls”; Vicki Gunvalson of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”; poker pros Robert Williamson III and Josh Arieh; and 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler.

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin, also of “Once Upon a Time” and movies such as “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Win a Date With Tad Hamilton!” will join TV co-star Josh Dallas in riding the Belle of Louisville on May 2 during the Great Steamboat Race, as well as at Celebrity Day at the Downs.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin this week,” said Stacey Robinson, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Kentucky Derby Festival. “I know Josh is looking forward to spending time with his family, who will be joining him for some of the Derby festivities.”

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event – the 57th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade – will step off TOMORROW, May 3, at 5 p.m. The parade will march west on Broadway from Campbell to Ninth Street. The parade is one of the festival’s most cherished and popular events, attracting thousands of spectators to downtown streets. Multi-talented performer Cyndi Lauper will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade and will perform her hit song “True Colors” at the start of the event. University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and his coaching staff will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of the Pegasus Parade, accompanied by the 2012 NCAA championship trophy. The theme of this year’s Pegasus Parade is “Family, Fun and Games.”

Among the Kentucky Derby Festival’s guests scheduled to appear in the Pegasus Parade are: actor Josh Dallas, a Louisville native who grew up in New Albany, Ind. and star of the NBC TV show “Once Upon a Time”; actor Jonathan Kite of “Two Broke Girls”; Vicki Gunvalson of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”; poker pros Robert Williamson III and Josh Arieh; and 2012 Miss America Laura Kaeppeler.

Tickets for the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade are SOLD OUT. Patrons who have already purchased tickets may pick them up on Parade Day (May 3) at the will-call office located in the ArtSpace lobby at 323 W. Broadway. The entrance to ArtSpace is located next to the Brown Theater on Broadway between 3rd and 4th streets. This is the only location tickets may be picked up on Parade Day.

Floats from 9 sponsoring organizations will be featured:

CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center

City of St. Matthews

Grand Lodge of Kentucky

Hwang’s Martial Arts

Kentuckiana Pride Festival

Kosair Charities/Kosair Shriners

Norton Healthcare

Second Chance@Life

The Fillies, Inc.

The parade will feature 9 floats, 17 equestrian units, 11 inflatables, 20 marching bands, four push floats and 21 specialty units. Inflatable characters scheduled to participate include: Republic Bank (Peggy Bank), Chick-fil-A of Kentuckiana (Blimp & Cow Herd), Horseshoe Southern Indiana (Horseshoe), Jefferson Community & Technical College (Animal Kingdom), Kentucky Spirit Health Plan (Clown Fish), LG&E (Louie the Lightning Bug), Little John’s Derby Jewelry (Richie Rich), McMahan Fire Department (Fireman), Pandora Productions (Opera Singer) and Zirmed, Inc. (Football).

COVERAGE NOTE:  Live trucks are welcome in the float staging area for morning, noon and afternoon live news cut-ins. Complete broadcast coverage is the official right of NBC affiliate WAVE TV. Parking is available in the grass lot of Concordia Lutheran Church at the corner of Baxter and Broadway. Media with KDF Press credentials can access the VIP staging area for celebrity interviews beginning at 3:30 PM at Louisville Stoneware, 731 Brent Street.

Parade Timing (good place for visuals and feature stories on Thursday, May 3):

•  6 AM:  Floats moved and stacked in Float Assembly along Baxter Avenue
• 10 AM: Character balloons start inflation at Inflatable Assembly (Gray Street)
• 12:30 PM: Marching bands begin arriving by bus at Band Assembly (top of Broadway, above Baxter Avenue)
• 1 PM:  Horses start arriving in Equestrian Assembly at the East Government Center on Baxter (South of Broadway
• 3 PM:  Specialty units begin assembly at Seven Counties parking lot on Broadway
• 3 PM:  Celebrities, Queen & Court, VIPs, etc. begin arriving at VIP Assembly at Louisville Stoneware
• 5 PM:  Step-off at Broadway & Campbell (watch the parade funnel together as all the components enter the route from their separate staging areas)

Author:
KDF Press Office

With a total of 134 points accumulated from a series of nine tasks during the day, the hometown Belle of Louisville tonight was declared the winner of the 50th anniversary Kentucky Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race, beating the Belle of Cincinnati and the American Queen.

Utilizing a task and point system format for determining the winner, the Belle of Louisville scored 29 points by crossing under the Clark Memorial Bridge first to win the final task in the scoring system and secure the victory in the event. The Belle of Cincinnati finished second with 105 points and the American Queen was third with 90 points.

Task No. 1: Jousting inflatable – All three vessel were awarded five points

Task No. 2: Obstacle inflatable course – Belle of Cincinnati 10 points, Belle of Louisville 5 points

Task No. 3: Handy line toss – American Queen 10 points, Belle of Louisville 5 points

Task No. 4: Monkey fist toss – Belle of Cincinnati 10 points, Belle of Louisville 5 points

Task No. 5: Calliope contest – Belle of Louisville 10 points, Belle of Cincinnati 5 points

Task No. 6: Buoy flag retrieval – All three vessels were awarded 25 points

Task No. 7: VIP retrieval – All three vessels were awarded 25 points

Task No. 8: Bourbon barrel retrieval – All three vessels were awarded 25 points

Task No. 9: Boat race finish – Belle of Louisville was awarded 29 points

The Belle of Louisville was awarded a set of silver-plated antlers that is traditionally given to the winning vessel. The Awards Ceremony took place immediately following the race at the Chow Wagon.

Contributing sponsors of the Great Steamboat Race are: Republic Industries International, Inc., Four Roses Bourbons, Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille and Lite 106.9 WVEZ.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event — the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade — is sold out of tickets for chair, bleacher and review stand seating. However, there is still plenty of free spectator viewing along the 17-block parade route on Broadway.

The Pegasus Parade will be held on Thursday, May 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Campbell and Broadway. Patrons who have already purchased Pegasus Parade tickets may pick them up on Parade Day (Thursday, May 3) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the will-call office located in the ArtSpace lobby at 323 W. Broadway. The entrance to ArtSpace is located next to the Brown Theater on Broadway between 3rd and 4th streets. This is the only location tickets may be picked up on Parade Day.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, joins the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati in competing for victory in tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race. (The American Queen is expected to arrive in Louisville tomorrow morning.) The task and scoring system that was implemented three years ago to determine the winner of the Great Steamboat Race will return again this year. Instead of the event winner being determined by the first boat to cross the finish line at the Clark Memorial Bridge, the winner will be the vessel which accumulates the most points from performing a series of nine tasks assigned to each competitor throughout the day and during the race.

Task No. 1: Jousting inflatable (10 points for 1st, 5 points for 2nd and 0 points for 3rd) @ 2:30 p.m. on Fourth Street Wharf

Task No. 2: Obstacle inflatable course (10, 5 and 0 points) on Fourth Street Wharf

Task No. 3: Handy line toss (10, 5 and 0 points) on Fourth Street Wharf

Task No. 4: Monkey fist toss (15, 10 and 5 points) on Fourth Street Wharf

Task No. 5: Calliope contest (10, 5 and 0 points) @ 4 p.m. on board boats

Task No. 6: Buoy flag retrieval (25 points for successful retrieval, 0 points for failure)

Task No. 7: VIP retrieval (25 points for successful retrieval, 0 points for failure)

Task No. 8: Bourbon barrel retrieval (25 points for successful retrieval, 0 points for failure)

Task No. 9: Boat race finish (29 points)

Failure to perform any of the five tasks will result in a “no score,” plus a 35-point penalty. The vessel with the most points as determined by the judges will be declared the winner. The majority decision of the judges will be final. The winner will be presented with a set of 12-point Silver Antlers.

Boarding for the Great Steamboat Race will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with the boats departing the shore at 5:30 for a 6 p.m. start. Each boat will be assigned two judges, in addition to an overall event judge from the Derby Festival. The Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following the race at the Chow Wagon in Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Tickets for the Belle of Louisville (while still available) cost $130; Belle of Cincinnati tickets cost $75 (includes Four Rose Bourbon tasting and appetizers) and $55 (no food or drink included – concessions available on board). Passenger tickets for both boats may be purchased by calling (502) 584-FEST. No tickets are available for the American Queen.

Contributing sponsors of the Great Steamboat Race are: Republic Industries International, Inc., Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille, Four Roses Bourbons and Lite 106.9 WVEZ.

The $1 million prize is still up for grabs after 23 years as none of the 53 competitors aced Hole #8 at Seneca Golf Course in tonight’s Finals of the Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest. Josh Garr of Louisville came the closest to the pin, hitting his tee shot 4 feet, 4 1/2 inches from the cup. Garr, who works in car sales, was competing in the Finals of the event for the first time. He won a $5,000 first prize. John Sandrella finished second in the Finals, winning a Heritage Hills Golf Club package, a Louisville Metro Parks gift certificate and Trail Pass.

“It was very nerve-wracking,” said Garr, who played golf at Pleasure Ridge Park High School. “I played in the Kentucky Open in 1995, so I had a little experience playing under pressure. I figured I would at least get it to the middle of the green. I said a few prayers, and they came true.”

A crowd of about 400 turned out at Seneca to watch the 53 Finalists. Any golfer who earlier made a hole-in-one during the qualifying rounds automatically qualified for the Finals and a shot at the $1 million. Any amateur player was eligible to enter. Everyone from scratch golfers to duffers took a swing at qualifying. The Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One preliminaries were held at the Seneca Golf Course Driving Range. The contest started April 19 and ran through April 29. Each shot was only $1, with special prices available for more than one shot.

Contributing sponsors: Kentuckiana Golf Course Superintendents, Michelob Ultra, WLKY 32 and 84WHAS.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Finals for the Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest will begin at 6 p.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday, May 1) at Seneca Golf Course, Hole #8. Fifty-three finalists will get one shot each at the hole set up 150 yards away for the chance to win $1 million for the first time in the 22-year history of the event. If no Finalist hits a hole in one, the participant hitting the ball closest to the pin will win $5,000. The Finals competition is exciting and free for spectators.

Contributing sponsors of the $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest are Kentuckiana Golf Course Superintendents, Michelob Ultra, WLKY 32 and 84WHAS.

What: Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest Finals

Where: Seneca Golf Course, Hole #8

When: 6 pm., Tuesday, May 1

Prize: $1 million if hole-in-one is made at Finals. If no hole in one is made, the participant hitting

closest to the pin will win $5,000.

Finalists for the $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest (in order of qualifying):

Austin Jones

William Moore

Jason Byers

Harold Ashcroft

Josuha Garr

Kurt Hummel

Erik Edwards

Caroline Ewing

Corrie Nichols

Krissy Martin

Alyssa Flick

Reece Pavelonis

Allen Schmitt

Tim Kauffmann

Fran Fargen

Jim Ice

David Waggoner

Jeff Welton

George Hunter

John Sandrella

Jim Holtgrave

Steve Armes

Jonathan Alford

Bill Decker

Jason Willis

Ed Rausch

Edward Blair

James Segrest

Christopher Quay

Eddie Blair

Mallory Lovell

Mark Hainer

Alexander Mantanona

Paula Barmore

Steven Ward

Paul Britton

Ralph Morgan

Jim Ewing

Billy Broome

Cole Hampton

Michael Presnell

Steve Berry

Sam Rechter

Rob Lekites

Michael Jarboe

Chris Burckle

Kevin McFarland

Patrick Curl

Ryan Ramsey

Jim Geary

Cecil Blye

Dewayne Giles

Milos Grac

Author:
KDF Press Office

Wine lovers will have two days worth of sampling opportunities as the Kentucky Derby Festival WineFest opens tomorrow at 5 p.m. on the Belvedere. The event, which is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, will feature 19 wineries from Kentucky and Indiana. A limited number of tickets remain for both days and are available by calling (502) 584-FEST, online at www.kdf.org or at the event entrance. Tickets cost $35 and include a souvenir etched wine glass, a WineFest pin and unlimited admission to the wine-tasting sessions.

A wine-tasting guide, featuring information on the participating wineries and their products, will be distributed to patrons. The guide will also include a ballot for attendees to vote on their favorite wine in each of several categories. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase from the wineries.

Contributing sponsors of WineFest are Allegra Marketing Services, Lite 106.9 WVEZ and Today’s Woman.

Participating vineyards:

Acres of Land Winery – Richmond, KY

Best Vineyards – Elizabeth, IN

Broad Run Vineyards – Louisville, KY

Chrisman Mill Vineyards – Lexington, KY

Elk Creek Vineyards – Owenton, KY

Equus Run Vineyards, Midway, KY

Generation Hill Winery – Alexandria, KY

Horseshoe Bend Vineyards – Willisburg, KY

Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards – Borden, IN

MillaNova Winery, Mt. Washington, KY

Orchard Creek Winery, Owenton, KY

Prodigy Vineyards, Frankfort, KY

Purple Toad Winery – Paducah, KY

River Bend Winery – Louisville, KY

Rose Hill Winery – Butler, KY (Derby Festival Official Wine Partner)

Smith-Berry Winery, New Castle, KY

StoneBrook Winery – Melbourne, KY

The Little Kentucky River Winery – Bedford, KY

Wight-Meyer Vineyards – Shepherdsville, KY

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament will once again be held on the Belle of Cincinnati steamboat on Tuesday, May 1. Boarding and check-in begin at 4 p.m., with a one-hour cruise and tournament starting at 6 p.m. The $125 buy-in includes $10,000 worth of chips and a commemorative Derby Festival Texas Hold ‘Em metal event pin. An add-on will be available for the first hour of play for $40 for $4,000 worth of chips. First place is $6,000, a custom winner’s bracelet and $500 plus $50 buy-in and one VIP ticket to Denny Crum and Robert Williamson III’s Celebrity Derby Poker Championship. Cash prizes will also be awarded from first to 24th place. Payouts are based on 325 players; payouts will be prorated based on actual number of players. Guests can watch all the action on board for a $15 admission fee. Call (502) 584-FEST to register. License #ORG0001638.

The Media Partner for the Kentucky Derby Festival Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament is 100.5 Gen X Radio.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Republic Bank Derby Festival Parade Preview Party will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, May 1) at the Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing C. The event offers a sneak peek at the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, which will be held on Thursday, May 3, in downtown Louisville.

Each parade float and inflatable will be on display, complete with costumed characters, as well as four equestrian units. Stage performances from local dance groups will also be featured. Admission to the Pegasus Parade Preview Party is a 2012 Pegasus Pin. Children can participate in the Fun Pass Program, collecting stamps from the parade units to receive a free Parade Preview metal pin. Private tours will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 1, and the event will be open to the public from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Author:
KDF Press Office

A crowd of about 3,000 spectators was on hand tonight at the KFC Yum! Center as the Curtain Call Photo Booth team captured its fourth consecutive victory in the Stock Yards Bank Derby Festival Great Bed Races. Racing in the first heat of the evening, Curtain Call recorded a time of 34.59 seconds over the figure-eight course, which was never bettered over the ensuing 22 heats. West IP Communications finished second in 36.25, with the UAW/Ford Louisville Assembly Plant team placing third in 36.97. Forty-five entries took part in the 23rd annual Bed Races, one of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s zaniest events. Many of the team members and their beds were outfitted to reflect the Derby Festival’s 2012 “Bedtime Stories” theme. This year’s event featured just one division, with veteran teams pitted against novice competitors for prizes and bragging rights.

The results of the 23rd annual competition:

2012 Results:

Place Team

Time

1

Curtain Call Photo Booth

34.59

2

West IP Communications

36.25

3

UAW/Ford Louisville Assembly Plant

36.97

Best Decorated Bed: Bigelow Tea (Mama Teacup and Baby Teacups theme)

Most Entertaining: Rubbies Southside Grill & Bar (Snow White and Seven Dwarfs theme)

Peoples Choice: Rubbies Southside Grill & Bar

Most Likely to Break Down: Whole Foods Market

Cone Eater: Apple Valley Gang

Teams pushed decorated beds on wheels around the “track,” competing for the fastest times and decoration and entertainment awards. Prizes went to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as for the “Best Decorated Bed,” “Most Entertaining,” “People’s Choice,” “Most Likely to Break Down” and “Cone Eater categories. The People’s Choice Award returned for the eighth year in a row, with attendees paying to cast their votes; Rubbies Southside Grille & Bar was the winner. A total of $400 was raised in voting, with half the money going to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation and half to Kosair Bravehearts.

Winners will also be invited to appear in the Pegasus Parade on May 3. Sponsored by Stock Yards Bank & Trust. AAA Kentucky, Mattress & More and 107.7 The Eagle were contributing sponsors. The event was broadcast live on WAVE 3 TV. First held in 1990 on the cobblestone streets of downtown Louisville in Theatre Square as “Bedlam in the Streets,” this event has exploded in popularity.  Now in its 23rd year and second year at the KFC Yum! Center, it continues to attract participants from small local businesses to five-man teams from large corporations.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Lifestyle Showcase will be featured this year at the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing C. This year’s event will promote healthy families and healthy lifestyles and provide free health screenings for families and children.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive during the event, which will also feature free dental screenings (up to age 14) from Derby City Pediatric Dentistry, an interactive display by the Kentucky Beef Council, free health screenings (blood pressure and Body Mass Index) by Norton Healthcare, yogurt samples from Menchies and Dr. Russell from Kidzlife Pediatrics speaking about sunscreen protection, hydration and vaccines.

In addition, Down Syndrome of Louisville will be promoting awareness of the condition and Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Market will promote healthy lunches for youngsters. Representatives from Louisville Metro Fire, Police and EMS will be on-site with interactive displays, including a mock home to show youngsters escape routes in case of a residential fire. The Little Clinic will have a nurse practitioner at the event to answer questions from attendees.

Admission to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Lifestyle Showcase is a 2012 Pegasus Pin (the admission also includes the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party). The Kentucky Derby Festival Healthy Lifestyle Showcase is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the fifth consecutive year. WAKY 103.5 is the event’s contributing sponsor.

Author:
KDF Press Office

One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s zaniest events – the Stock Yards Bank Great Bed Races – will be held for the second consecutive year at the KFC Yum! Center.

What: Stock Yards Bank Derby Festival Great Bed Races

When: Monday, April 30 – Dormitory area opens at 11:30 a.m. for tailgating outside the arena. Parade of beds begins at 6:15 PM with racing starting at 7 PM.

Admission:  2012 Pegasus Pin.

The Derby Festival is pleased to welcome the return of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company as sponsor of the 23rd annual Great Bed Races. Stock Yards Bank has been a dedicated and loyal sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for several years, with contributing sponsors AAA, Mattress & More and 107.7 The Eagle. The event will be broadcast live on WAVE 3 TV.

Teams will race decorated beds on wheels around a figure-eight track on the arena floor, competing for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations. The theme of this year’s event is “Bedtime Stories,” with competitors encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes in keeping with the theme. There will be only one competitive division in this year’s event, with both veteran and novice teams racing together.

The dormitory area will be staged on Second Street, under the Second Street Bridge and will open at 11:30 a.m. for participant tailgating and a complete fun-filled day. The participating teams will have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6:15 p.m. The first heat begins at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater” and “Worst New Course Record Time.” Winners will also be invited to appear in the Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 3.

Author:
KDF Press Office

With a finishing time of one hour, two minutes and 40 seconds, Kenyan Linus Chumba today set the record for the Kentucky Derby Festival minimarathon presented by Walmart, bettering the previous best time of 1:03:24 recorded by Duane Gaston in 1982. Julius Koskey of Hebron, Ky., finished just behind in second place with a time of 1:02:43. Alemtsehay Misganaw of New York City won her second consecutive women’s minimarathon, finishing in 1:13:46. Matthew Porterfield of Knoxville, Tenn., edged Chad Johnson of Charlestown, Ind., in a photo finish to win the men’s mini wheelchair division in 53:25. Tina Vogel of Louisville won the women’s mini wheelchair division with a time of 2:18:01.

In the KDF Marathon, Jynocet Basweti of Hebron, Ky., was the winner with a time of 2:23:04. Louisvillian Amy Doolittle-Crider won the women’s marathon for the first time, finishing in 2:58:24. The Just for Kids five-person team won the Relay Competition with a total time of 3:26:56. Chemistry Comets won the Open-Half Marathon team competition with an average time of 1:52:11. Lexmark Lasers won the Corporate Half Marathon team competition with an average time of 1:24:33.

The top finishers in the 2012 Derby Festival miniMarathon:

MEN’S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Matthew Porterfield        0:53:25                         Knoxville, Tenn.

Second             Chad Johnson                0:53:25                         Charlestown, Ind.

Third                 Santiago Sanz               0:58:21                         Snellville, Ga.

WOMEN’S WHEELCHAIR DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Tina Vogel                     2:18:01                         Louisville, Ky.

MEN’S DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Linus Chumba               1:02:40                         NA

Second             Julius Koskei                 1:02:43                         Hebron, Ky.

Third                 Pius Nyantika                1:02:56                        Louisville, Ky.

WOMEN’S DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Alemtsehay Misganaw     1:13:46                       New York, N.Y.

Second             Lilian Mariita                    1:14:01                       Hebron, Ky.

Third                 Lydia Kosgei                   1:15:22                        Richmond, Ky.

The top finishers in the 2012 Derby Festival Marathon were:

MEN’S DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Jynocet Basweti            2:23:04                         Hebron, Ky.

Second             Edward Korir                  2:25:07                         Hebron, Ky.

Third                 Julius Kosgei                 2:27:01                         NA

WOMEN’S DIVISION

PLACE             FINISHER                     TIME                            HOMETOWN

First                  Amy Doolittle-Crider       2:58:24                          Louisville, Ky.

Second             Meghan Davey               3:09:50                           Rotterdam, NY

Third                 Mary Tuttle                    3:11:57                          Winston-Salem, NC

Complete race results can be found by logging onto www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com. The 2012 Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon were sponsored by Walmart. Contributing sponsors of the races are: ASICS, Bluegrass Family Health, Churchill Downs, Courier-Journal Media, Norton Sports Health, Powerade and Subway Restaurants of Kentuckiana. The Official Pace Car for the races was MINI OF LOUISVILLE. Race support was provided by the Louisville Water Company and UPS.

Author:
KDF Press Office

University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and his coaching staff will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of the 57th annual Republic Bank Derby Festival Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 3. The UK team captured the school’s eighth NCAA national basketball championship on April 2 with a 67-59 victory over Kansas University. The coaching staff will be accompanied by the national championship trophy as their unit makes it down the parade route along Broadway.

“We encourage members of the Big Blue Nation to don their blue apparel and come out to the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade to celebrate the University of Kentucky’s first national championship in 14 years,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “This year’s Wildcat team dominated most of the regular season and made a stirring run through the NCAA tournament. This will be a great showcase for Kentucky fans from all over the area to celebrate the team’s tremendous success up close and personal. We expect the streets will be packed from the start of the parade to the finish.”

Author:
KDF Press Office

Kaelyn Gault was selected as the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen tonight at the 54th annual Fillies Derby Ball in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East. Gault is from Carrolton, Ky., and is a senior majoring in Communications at the University of Louisville.

This year’s Derby Festival Princesses anxiously awaited the traditional spin-of-the-wheel, performed by 2012 Fillies President Patsy Allen.  The other members of the court include: Jhalak Dholakia (Gel-ick Doh-ah-key-ah) of Louisville, Ky., a senior majoring in Anthropology, Biology, Spanish and Humanities at the University of Louisville; Arielle Evans (R-E-L) of Louisville, Ky., a senior majoring in Exercise Science at Georgetown College; Irma Kocer (Erma Co-sir) of Versailles, Ky., a senior majoring in Business Marketing at the University of Louisville; Erica Lee of Louisville, Ky., a freshman majoring in Accounting at the University of Louisville; and Taylor Sang of Louisville, Ky., a junior majoring in Broadcast News at Western Kentucky University.

The members of the Royal Court have been representing the Festival at a variety of events since their selection in January, including the Poster Premiere, Spelling Bee, Spring Fashion Show presented by American Founders Bank and Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com. They were selected as Royal Court members out of more than 100 young women who applied to participate in the program last fall.

Criteria for selection included knowledge of the Derby Festival, poise, intelligence, personality and campus/community involvement. Each woman receives two $1,000 scholarships (one from the Fillies, Inc., and one from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation) and an official wardrobe provided by Fashion Bug, Olivia & Co., CAbi, Miss Priss, Work the Metal, Sam Meyers/Tony Bowls, Brooks Brothers, A Mother’s Touch and vineyard vines.

The Princesses act as ambassadors for the Derby Festival and the city as they represent the community at a variety of functions. The Fillies, Inc. was established to support the Kentucky Derby Festival. Their mission is to organize the traditional Derby Ball, coordinate the “Princess Program,” produce the “Children’s Tea” event, and publish the Official Derby Festival Program. Membership is limited to 250 ladies of our community.

Past Derby Festival Queens include Martha Layne Collins – Kentucky’s first woman Governor, Gail Gorski – the first female pilot for United Airlines and a number of other community leaders. Many say their Derby Festival experience helped them prepare for their future careers.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The King Southern Bank Derby Festival Foundation Pro-Am Golf Tournament will start at noon on Monday, April 23, at Chariot Run Golf Club in Southern Indiana. The tournament, which will benefit the First Tee of Louisville, is open to the public and includes lunch, golf with a local professional, cocktail reception, silent auction and participant gifts. The First Tee is an organization dedicated to providing young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education.

“The First Tee of Louisville does valuable work and the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation is proud to partner with them on this tournament,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Our thanks to King Southern Bank for sponsoring what is a great day on the links benefiting a very good cause.”

The Pro-Am Golf Tournament is sponsored by King Southern Bank, with contributing sponsors Horseshoe Southern Indiana, KPGA and 1450 The Sports Buzz.

Since it was first held in 1974, the Pro-Am Golf Tournament has raised nearly $300,000 for a wide variety of charitable organizations. The Derby Festival Pro-Am Golf Tournament started in 1974 as the Philip Morris/Kentucky Derby Festival Pro-Am Golf Tournament and has been a popular and elite tournament in Kentuckiana ever since. Over the years, the event has featured celebrities such as Pee Wee Reese, Pee Wee King, George Blanda and Denny Crum.

The First Tee of Louisville is a local chapter of The First Tee, which has more than 200 chapters in the United States and abroad. The First Tee was founded in 1997 and is a youth development organization based on the platform of golf. It was created by the World Golf Foundation, with the support of the USGA, the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, the LPGA and Augusta National Golf Club. The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants.

Author:
KDF Press Office

You can do a lot more at Thunder Over Louisville this year than simply look to the sky. There will be plenty of activities on the ground to entertain friends and family members as well. From the Thunder FoodFest to the Interactive Display Area to the Kid’s Play Areas on the Great Lawn, there’s refreshments and entertainment galore to be found all over the venue. Some attractions require a 2012 Pegasus Pin admission, but some activities are completely free. Most are open from 11:00 a.m. until the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The 2012 show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

Some of the activities include:

Thunder on the North Great Lawn – 2012 Pegasus Pin admission. Opens at 9 a.m., featuring food, Beer Garden and Thunder Sound. (The rest of Waterfront Park, excepting the North Great Lawn, will open at 7 a.m. on Thunder Day) (NO TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.)

Thunder at the Chow Wagon – 2012 Pegasus Pin admission. Opens at 11 a.m., featuring food and a Beer Garden.  (NO FOOD, DRINK, TENTS, STAKES, TAPE OR PETS.)

West Belvedere Beer Garden and viewing area – 2012 Pegasus Pin admission.

Tumbleweed Boomtown: A venue for Thunder viewing at Tumbleweed Southwest Grill on the Waterfront, 1201 River Road. Outside activities include kids play areas, food, beer garden, Thunder sound system, Gatlinburg Tourism Rock Wall and more! FREE ADMISSION to the public. No COOLERS OR PETS. For information call (502) 618-8323 or www.TumbleweedBoomtown.com.

McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana is featuring the McCafe’ Sampling Vehicle, located on the South Great Lawn. Beginning at 2 p.m., patrons are invited to try free samples of McDonald’s Frappes.

The Ford Drive One Tour: The Ford Drive One mobile marketing initiative will feature the latest Ford vehicles and technology; Meijer Mobile Virtual Playground; Planter’s Peanuts Nut Mobile; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Navy Flight Simulator, Air Force Stealth Tour; AH64 Helicopter and much more.

Kid’s Play Areas: The interactive attractions on the South Great Lawn include a Merry-Go-Round, Moon Bounce Obstacle Course, Rock Wall, Super Slide, Ali-Baba Magic Carpet and more.

The Thunder FoodFest will offer a wide variety of tasty treats from more than 115 food vendors from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Chow Wagon, Great Lawn, West Belvedere, and along Witherspoon Street and East River Road. Beer Gardens, with Pegasus Pin admission, will be open at the Chow Wagon, West Belvedere, North Great Lawn and Boomtown at Tumbleweed.

Pegasus Pin trading fans can add to their collections by visiting the following locations on Thunder Day: 3rd and Main streets (NW corner); Witherspoon in front of the Chow Wagon; Preston and River Road; and Preston and Witherspoon (NW corner).

Official Derby Festival Merchandise, including ThunderWear, will be available at the Waterfront Chow Wagon, South Great Lawn, East Great Lawn, 2nd Street and River Road, 3rd Street and River Road, 4th Street and River Road, Preston and Witherspoon, River Road near Boomtown and in Southern Indiana. Merchant Row along Witherspoon will feature vendors selling everything from sunglasses, straw hats and sound-activated shirts to personalized Piggy Banks and hand-drawn caricatures.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Richard Glidden of Bardstown, Ky., is the winner of the first-ever “Derby Burger Challenge” recipe contest sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council and coordinated by the Kentucky Derby Festival. Glidden’s burger recipe was selected as the overall winner this morning in a cook-off of the four finalists at the Kroger store on Hubbards Lane. The four finalists mixed their recipes and a Kroger chef cooked their burgers before declaring Glidden’s entry the best. It featured ground chuck, thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon, worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, pears, bourbon, water, sugar, butter, brie cheese and honey, all served on a King’s Hawaiian Sweet Burger Bun.

“This burger incorporates everything that the Derby City has to offer – our rich agriculture, our firmly planted French roots, and of course, good Kentucky bourbon,” said Glidden. “Also, it’s an absolute plethora of flavors, combing salty, smoky, sweet and tangy. The creaminess of the brie, mixed with the sweetness of the pears infused with the flavor of the bourbon complements the saltiness of the bacon and the meatiness of the beef as well. This is one of the few burgers that you’ll shove aside all condiments because it IS the entire package.”

Recipes for the “Derby Burger Challenge” were accepted through the Kentucky Derby Festival from March 15 to April 1. The four finalists were announced last week and invited to bring their recipe ingredients this morning to the Kroger store at 291 North Hubbards Lane. The Kroger chef cooked their burgers and a panel of judges determined the overall contest winner based on points accumulated from three factors – taste, appearance and creativity. Kandace Kanzler (Tuscan-Ville Burger) finished runner-up in the contest. Doris Logan (Dondus Burger) finished third and Jeanette Hase-Spalding (Kentucky Beer Burger) finished fourth.

The “Derby Burger Challenge” winning recipe will be recognized in Louisville-area Kroger stores, as well as being served to guests at the KDF Derby Eve Jam Pre-Party on May 4 at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Glidden will receive VIP tickets to the Derby Eve Jam concert, as well as winning a year’s supply of ground beef and a grilling package from Kroger and the Kentucky Beef Council.

“We have terrific backyard barbeque enthusiasts in Kentucky and we also raise and produce great beef here. This contest is an excellent way to combine the two,” said Chuck Crutcher, Chairman of the Kentucky Beef Council and beef farmer from Rineyville, KY.  “Area consumers were encouraged to sharpen their grilling skills and enter a creative burger recipe.”

From April 16 to May 1, all purchasers of fresh ground beef at area Kroger stores will receive a coupon with website information and an entry code to register to win one of 250 two-person VIP packages to the Derby Eve Jam concert.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and minimarathon presented by Walmart is very close to reaching its previously announced cap of 18,000 combined registrants for the races. Registration will close at 5p.m. today for the April 28 event.

There will not be a transfer policy for runners who want to participate in the races but are not registered. However, race organizers will offer 200 “Charity Bibs” for runners who missed the registration deadline. The bibs – which allow entry into either the Marathon or miniMarathon – cost $125, with proceeds going to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, the Derby Festival’s charitable arm. The Charity Bibs will only be available at the BB&T Running Wild Race Expo on April 26 at the Kentucky International Convention Center (first-come, first-served), beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The races, which will begin simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, will start on Main Street in downtown Louisville (near Louisville Slugger Field) and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets, just outside the entrance to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville, a 500,000-square-foot entertainment venue located within Waterfront Park.

The BB&T Running Wild Expo will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The Expo will feature the latest in official ASICS Race Gear, nutritional products and race charity information. Dane Rauschenberg, a world-renowned extreme athlete, author and motivational speaker, will address attendees and do a book-signing at about 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Runners can also sign up for the ASICS Pace Team at the Expo. Participation is free to all participants who sign up on April 26 and 27.

2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Poster Artist Andre’ Foreman will sign copies of his poster on both days at the Expo. Runners are encouraged to donate their used shoes to the Edge Outreach Shoes for Water initiative, which exports the reconditioned footwear to retailers in the developing world. Affordable shoes are a life-saving tool as they protect the new owner’s feet from abrasions, parasites and mites. Proceeds from the export of shoes provide water purification systems for natives of developing countries.

Walmart is presenting sponsor of the Marathon and miniMarathon. Contributing sponsors are: ASICS, Bluegrass Family Health, Churchill Downs, Courier-Journal Media, Norton Sports Health, Powerade and Subway Restaurants of Kentuckiana. Supporting sponsors are the Louisville Water Company and UPS.  The Official Pace Car: MINI OF LOUISVILLE.

Author:
KDF Press Office

A crowd of 6,716 was on hand tonight at Freedom Hall as the White Team defeated the Black Team 130-127 in the 40th annual Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com. Louisville signee Terry Rozier scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and was named White Team MVP. Amile Jefferson, still undecided, scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds and was named Black Team MVP. Indiana recruit Jeremy Hollowell was named the “Fan Favorite” in text-message voting by spectators in attendance at the game. The Papa John’s “Slice Award” for core values went to Robert Carter, a Georgia Tech recruit. Click here to see final game stats.

The game featured four McDonald’s All-Americans, as well as three Indiana University signees. At halftime, it was announced that the team of Jefferson (undecided on college choice) and Tyler Lewis (North Carolina State signee) won Wednesday night’s 2-on-2 finals at New Albany High School during the Horseshoe Foundation Derby Festival Night of the Future Stars.

Said Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry: “We had a great turnout for tonight’s game – even Mayor Greg Fischer came out to cheer on the players. With a high-scoring game that came right down to the wire, it was the perfect way to wrap up a tremendous week for basketball fans in the Commonwealth.”

The Finals for these competitions were held at halftime of tonight’s game.

3 POINT SHOOTING CONTEST

Phillip Forte    19 pts.    Attending: Oklahoma State

SLAM DUNK CONTEST

Marcus Smart    28 pts.    Attending:  Oklahoma State

Event sponsor papajohns.com joins contributing sponsors Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, Norton Sports Health, Reebok, 99.7 WDJX and B96.5 FM in presenting the 40th annual Derby Festival Basketball Classic. The game’s supporting sponsors are Kentucky National Guard and The Rock; the media partner is SLAM Magazine. First held in 1973, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic is the second-oldest continuously held high school all-star game in the nation. Players such as Jamal Mashburn, Moses Malone, Rex Chapman, Pervis Ellison, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Darrell Griffith, Derek Anderson, Anfernee Hardaway and Michael Beasley have starred in the Classic.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The quest to find the best hamburger recipe has been narrowed to four. The finalists of the “Derby Burger Challenge” recipe contest, which is sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council, were announced this week. Recipes were accepted through the Kentucky Derby Festival from March 15 to April 1. The four finalists will bring their recipe ingredients to the Kroger store at 291 North Hubbards Lane on Monday, April 9, where a Kroger chef will cook their burgers and determine the overall contest winner based on points accumulated from three judging factors – taste, appearance and creativity.

The “Derby Burger Challenge” winning recipe will be recognized in Louisville-area Kroger stores, as well as being served to guests at the KDF Derby Eve Jam Pre-Party on May 4 at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. The winner will receive VIP tickets to the Derby Eve Jam concert, as well as winning a year’s supply of ground beef and a grilling package from Kroger and the Kentucky Beef Council.

“We have terrific backyard barbeque enthusiasts in Kentucky and we also raise and produce great beef here. This contest is an excellent way to combine the two,” said Chuck Crutcher, Chairman of the Kentucky Beef Council and beef farmer from Rineyville, KY.  “Area consumers are encouraged to sharpen their grilling skills and enter a creative burger recipe.”

From April 16 to May 1, all purchasers of fresh ground beef at area Kroger stores will receive a coupon with website information and an entry code to register to win one of 250 two-person VIP packages to the Derby Eve Jam concert.

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 375 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Iconic musician, actress and humanitarian Cyndi Lauper will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 57th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 3. During her long career Lauper has received numerous accolades, including Grammy, Emmy, MTV VMA, Billboard and American Music Awards. She will perform a brief set before the start of the Pegasus Parade and will appear earlier that day at the Derby Festival’s Celebrity Day at the Downs at Churchill Downs. She will also attend the Barnstable Brown party on Derby eve.

“The Pegasus Parade is one of our most colorful and beloved events, and we think Cyndi Lauper will bring tremendous energy and excitement as Grand Marshal. Cyndi is known all over the world and we’re delighted to host her for her time in Louisville,” said Stacey Robinson, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

A Grammy and Emmy award winning artist with more than 25 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 30 million, Cyndi Lauper has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move. Most recently, she released her 11th studio album, the Grammy nominated Memphis Blues, which sat atop the Billboard Blues Chart for 14 consecutive weeks and is her 5th top 40 album of her career. 2012 is proving to be another amazing period for this career artist as Lauper is expected to release her autobiography through Simon & Schuster, will launch her own reality show on WE tv in partnership with Mark Burnett Productions, is completing work writing the music for the Broadway show “Kinky Boots,” and continues her philanthropic work through her foundation, the True Colors Fund.

Tickets for the 2012 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade cost $9 for bleacher seating, $11 for chair seating and $26 for review stand seating and are available by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at www.kdf.org.

The Pegasus Parade – the Derby Festival’s founding event – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring. The first parade was organized by just a handful of volunteers in 1956 on a budget of $640. It provides an estimated impact of $22 million to the area’s economy.  The Derby Festival is now an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The 2012 McDonald’s Thunder Funder program, which will help raise funds for the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville Air and Fireworks show, kicks off on Monday, March 26. McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana is the title sponsor of the program for the seventh consecutive year.  From March 26 to April 16, ninety-seven area McDonald’s restaurants will donate a portion of their 32-ounce soft drink sales revenue to help support Thunder. The promotion coincides with McDonald’s $1.00 drink campaign, with 32-ounce drinks served in a commemorative Thunder Over Louisville cup.

The Thunder Preview Party – which is part of the McDonald’s Thunder Funder – will be held on Thursday, April 5, at Central American Airways Flying Service Hanger at Bowman Field. The event gives attendees a sneak peek at the Thunder show.

The hangar will be open to the public from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature planes on display, a McDonald’s playground interactive area and helicopter rides, as well as the sale of 2012 Official Kentucky Derby Festival merchandise. Military and civilians pilots will be on hand to meet the public, along with a Thunder Over Louisville crew, including producer Wayne Hettinger. Food concessions will be available; admission is a 2012 Pegasus Pin or McDonald’s Thunder Funder Cup (available at area McDonald’s Restaurants).

Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring. The 2012 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “A Star Spangled Blast,” is set for Saturday, April 21, and will be the 23rd annual production. The show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce its national concert lineup for Kroger’s Festival on the Waterfront for the 2012 Derby Festival. Admission to all shows is a 2012 Pegasus Pin. On Saturday, April 28, veteran rocker Eddie Money will headline the Sonic Saturday show at 9 p.m. (Admission to Eddie Money is free to any runner with a finisher’s medal from that day’s Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon presented by Walmart.)

Celebration Sunday on April 29 features a trio of Christian rock acts – Jonny Diaz at 5 p.m.; Chris Sligh at 6 p.m.; and Building 429 at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, May 1, the RhythmFest show features George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at 9 p.m. On Wednesday, May 2, Walk The Moon will appear with special guest Ha Ha Tonka at 7 p.m. Tune It Up Thursday on May 3 will feature AWOLNATION in concert at 9 p.m. The Derby Eve Jam on Friday, May 4, will close out the week’s musical entertainment with a performance by the Charlie Daniels Band with guest The HillBenders at 8 p.m.

2012 Kentucky Derby Festival national concert schedule at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront:

Saturday, April 28

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL SONIC SATURDAY CONCERT FEATURING EDDIE MONEY.  9 PM.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.   Contributing Sponsor:  107.7 The Eagle.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Sunday, April 29

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL CELEBRATION SUNDAY WITH 88.5 WJIE.  1 PM – 11 PM Family activities. 5 PM Jonny Diaz. 6 PM Chris Sligh.  7 PM  Building 429.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Christian contemporary concert.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.  Sponsor:  88.5 WJIE.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Tuesday, May 1

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL RHYTHMFEST CONCERT FEATURING GEORGE CLINTON AND PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC.  9 PM. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.  Sponsors:  Kroger and Miller Lite.  Contributing Sponsors:  B96.5 FM and MAGIC 101.3.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Wednesday, May 2

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY EVENING CONCERT FEATURING WALK THE MOON WITH SPECIAL GUEST HA HA TONKA.  7 PM.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin. Contributing Sponsor:  91.9 WFPK.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Thursday, May 3

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL TUNE IT UP THURSDAY CONCERT FEATURING AWOLNATION.  9 PM.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.  Contributing Sponsor:  93.1 The Fox.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Friday, May 4

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL DERBY EVE JAM FEATURING THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND WITH GUEST THE HILLBENDERS.  8 PM. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.  Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.  Contributing sponsors:  Country Legends 103.9 and New Country Q103.1.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront opens Thursday, April 26, and runs through Friday, May 4, in Waterfront Park. The venue is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. This ultimate entertainment experience offers national concerts, family fun, food vendors, a children’s inflatable playground, midway rides and more Admission is a 2012 Pegasus Pin. Kroger is title sponsor of the event, with contributing sponsor Miller Lite.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kroger Co. has extended its multi-year sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, a nine-day ultimate entertainment venue, which includes Chow Wagon. Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, a 500,000-square-foot entertainment in Waterfront Park, is host to a wide variety of family-oriented activities, including national musical acts, food and beverage concessions, a children’s playground, a hot-air balloon event and much more. The Chow Wagon is a longtime local favorite that dates back to 1972.

“Kroger is very proud of our ongoing sponsorship of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront,” said David Nett, Kroger’s Customer Service Manager. “Since its inception, we have had five consecutive years of consistent growth, both in the number of attendees and in the quality of the concerts and entertainment.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is a tremendous celebration for the Kentuckiana community to come together and enjoy world-class entertainment with family and friends.”

Said Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry: “Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront has grown beyond what we could have ever hoped for when it made its debut in 2007. Our goal was to offer a centralized venue that was easily accessible for the entire community and we have certainly achieved that. We’re very thankful to Kroger for this tremendous sponsorship and we look forward to adding new attractions every year. Kroger continues to find ways to help the Derby Festival spread its wings.”

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront opens Thursday, April 26, and runs through Friday, May 4, in Waterfront Park. The venue is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is a 2012 Pegasus Pin. Kroger is title sponsor of the event, with contributing sponsor Miller Lite.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Members of the American Wine Society will be in Louisville tomorrow to judge the best vino from wineries around Kentucky and Indiana.  The judging will begin at 9 AM on Wednesday, March 21, at the Brown Hotel (3rd Floor).

This is the 6th year for the Kentucky Derby Festival Wine Competition, which is part of the Festival’s annual WineFest event.  This year 145 wine varietals from 18 Kentucky and Indiana wineries will participate in the competition. They will be judged in one of several different categories:  White or Red Native American, Hybrid or Vinifera, Non-Grape or Dessert wine.

The judging panel is composed of 12 experts from the American Wine Society who will use their experience to score the wines based on appearance, bouquet, taste/texture, aftertaste and overall impression.  Since the wines are judged on a points scale it is possible to have multiple gold, silver and bronze winners in a given category.

The winning wine makers will see the fruits of their labor as they promote their wine as the best in the region and tote the prestige that comes with winning the award.

Participating vineyards to be judged:

Rose Hill Farm Winery- Butler, KY

MillaNova Winery- Mt. Washington, KY

Riverbend Winery- Louisville, KY

Chrisman Mill Vineyards, Inc- Lexington, KY

Prodigy Vineyards & Winerry, LLC- Frankfort, KY

StoneBrook Winery- Melbourne, KY

Wight-Meyer Vineyards- Sheperdsville, KY

Elk Creek Vineyards- Owenton, KY

Orchard Creek Winery- Owenton, KY

Forest Edge Winery- Shepherdsville, KY

Best Vineyards- Elizabeth, IN

Equus Run Vineyards- Midway, KY

Generation Hill Winery- Alexandria, KY

Huber’s Orchard, Winery,& Vineyards- Borden, IN

Purple Toad Winery- Paducah, KY

Talon Winery- Lexington, KY

Broad Run Vineyards- Louisville, KY

Acres of Land Winery- Richmond, KY

Some of the winners may be found at the eighth annual Kentucky Derby Festival WineFest set for Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, on the East Belvedere at Waterfront Park.  The WineFest will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days.  This year’s WineFest will feature 18 wineries from Kentucky and Indiana.   Tickets are $35 and available online at www.kdf.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST. Contributing sponsors are Allegra-East, Todays Woman and Lite 106.9 WVEZ.

Author:
KDF Press Office

What’s in a name? For 86-year-old Mary Fischer of Louisville it’s bragging rights and VIP treatment for the 57th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3. Ms. Fischer submitting the winning entry -“Peggy Bank”- in a contest sponsored by Republic Bank to rename the large inflatable balloon that annually leads the parade units down Broadway. Previously known as “Absolutely Pegasus,” the balloon is shaped in the form of Pegasus, the legendary winged horse of Greek mythology and longtime symbol of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

“We received a lot of clever entries for the renaming contest, but the judges thought ‘Peggy Bank’ was a perfect fit,” said Steve Trager, President and CEO of Republic Bank. “Mary Fischer can be proud that her contest submission was the winner and the name she bestowed on the Pegasus balloon will be used for the foreseeable future. We hope this year’s Republic Bank Pegasus Parade will be especially memorable for Mary and her family.”

Said Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry: “Republic Bank has been title sponsor of the Pegasus Parade – the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event – since 2002. The parade continues to showcase exciting floats, inflatables, equestrian units, marching bands and specialty units to a live TV audience and more than 200,000 spectators. Thanks to the support of Republic Bank, this year’s Pegasus Parade promises to be one of the best ever.”

Mary Fischer will be introduced at the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party on May 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center and will ride in a convertible in this year’s parade. She will also receive tickets in the review stands for the event. Tickets for the Parade are currently on sale online at www.kdf.org or by calling the Kentucky Derby Festival at (502).584-FEST. Ticket prices are $9 for bleacher seats; $11 chair seating and $26 review stand seats.

The new name for the Pegasus balloon was announced tonight at the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Position Draw at The Green Building, 732 East Market St. The 2012 float and inflatable sponsors drew for positions in the parade at event. As was previously announced, the theme of the 2012 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade is “Family, Fun and Games.” The parade theme will be used by sponsoring companies to help direct the building of floats and costuming of the inflatable handlers and crew. The floats compete for various awards based on originality, eye appeal, theme representation, animation, attention to detail and enthusiasm. Marching bands use the theme to help with musical selection and it is the basis of costume and concept design for the other marching units.

The following companies drew for their float position in the parade at tonight’s event, as well as the sponsors of the eight participating inflatable character balloons:

CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center

City of St. Matthews

Grand Lodge of Kentucky

Hwang’s Martial Arts

Kentuckiana Pride Festival

Kosair Charities/Kosair Shriners

Norton Healthcare

Second Chance@Life

The Fillies, Inc.

The parade will feature inflatable balloons sponsored by the following companies: AAA, Chick-fil-A of Kentuckiana, Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Jefferson Community & Technical College, Little John’s Derby Jewelry, LG&E, Republic Bank and ZirMed, Inc.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce that Miller Lite has renewed its sponsorships of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront and Chow Wagon entertainment venues. Miller Lite will continue as contributing sponsor of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront and again joins Kroger as sponsor of the Chow Wagon. Both venues, located on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, will open on Thursday, April 26, and will run through Friday, May 4.”

“The Kentucky Derby Festival has been a great partner, which is why we’re so excited to continue Miller Lite’s sponsorship,” said Steve Flatt, MillerCoors general manager of sales for Kentucky and Indiana. “Thousands of people enjoy their time at Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront and Chow Wagon during this nine-day window and there’s no better way to celebrate good times with friends than with a great-tasting Miller Lite.”

Said Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry: “Miller Lite has been an important sponsor of Derby Festival events for many years and we’re very glad they’re returning to sponsor the Festival’s waterfront entertainment venues. Fest-a-Ville has been an incredibly successful nine-day attraction since its inception and the Chow Wagon brings back fond memories for most everyone in town. We’re very grateful to Miller Lite for helping to keep our patrons happy and entertained.”

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon will be open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fest-a-Ville, the ultimate entertainment experience located in Waterfront Park, features national music acts, family fun, food, a kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more. The Chow Wagon offers outdoor food and beverage concessions and live music on the Miller Lite Music Stage. Admission to both venues is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Who has the most mouth-watering hamburger recipe? That’s what the Kentucky Beef Council and the Kentucky Derby Festival want to find out. Starting March 15, hamburger recipes will be accepted for submission in the new “Derby Burger Challenge,” sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council. Recipes can be submitted online at www.kdf.org from March 15 to April 1.

“Derby Burger Challenge” finalists will be announced on April 4 and the winner will be selected and announced on April 9. The winning burger recipe will be recognized in Louisville-area Kroger stores, as well as being served to guests at the KDF Derby Eve Jam Pre-Party on May 4 at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. The winner will receive VIP tickets to the Derby Eve Jam concert, as well as winning a year’s supply of ground beef and a grilling package from Kroger and the Kentucky Beef Council.

“We have terrific backyard barbeque enthusiasts in Kentucky and we also raise and produce great beef here. This contest is an excellent way to combine the two,” said Chuck Crutcher, Chairman of the Kentucky Beef Council and beef farmer from Rineyville, KY.  “Area consumers are encouraged to sharpen their grilling skills and enter a creative burger recipe.

From April 16 to May 1, all purchasers of fresh ground beef at area Kroger stores will receive a coupon with website information and an entry code to register to win one of 250 two-person VIP packages to the Derby Eve Jam concert.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Emily Keaton of Pike County won her third consecutive Ford Motor Company Kentucky Derby Festival Spelling Bee today by correctly spelling “oppugn” – to fight against or call into question – at the PNC Club at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Clayton Fields of Mercer County finished runner-up in the competition among students from Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Keaton, 12, is a seventh-grade student at Christ Central School in Pikeville, Ky. In addition to winning the KDF Spelling Bee the past three years, she finished third in the 2009 KDF Spelling Bee. Sixty-five students from Kentucky and Southern Indiana participated in today’s Spelling Bee, going through 170 words and nine rounds before determining a champion.

“I’m very happy but it was a really, really tough competition,” said Keaton. “I got a little nervous, but having been here before helped me stay calm at the end. I knew the last word I had to spell, so that was a good feeling.”

Keaton received a $10,000 U.S. savings bond for winning, as well as a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, Amazon.com gift card and a trophy. She will also have the opportunity to ride on the Winner’s Float in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3. The Derby Festival Spelling Bee is sponsored by Ford Motor Company with contributing sponsors the University of Louisville and 84WHAS.

Tyler Bastin of Lincoln County finished fifth, winning a $1,000 savings bond. Hanako Boucher of Shelby County finished fourth and received a $1,500 savings bond. Priyanka Sheth of Warren County finished third, winning a $3,000 savings bond. Fields received a $5,000 savings bond for finishing runner-up in the 19th annual competition.

Author:
KDF Press Office

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, who is also a correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America, will be the keynote speaker for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 56th annual They’re Off! Luncheon on Friday, April 20. Andrews will address approximately 1,800 Derby Festival supporters and patrons in attendance for this community tradition, which begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East Hotel, site of the festive event since 1974.

Andrews joined ESPN in 2004 as a reporter for the network’s National Hockey League coverage. She has also served as a reporter for College Football Saturday, Saturday Primetime College Basketball, Big Ten college basketball and Major League Baseball. In 2010, she became the newest member of ESPN’s College Gameday team. That same year, Andrews was a celebrity contestant for the 10th season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, where she made it to the finals, placing third with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. She is a 2000 graduate of the University of Florida, where she was a member of the Gator basketball dance team from 1997-2000.

“With college basketball being such a passion throughout the state, Erin Andrews is a household name among even the most casual hoops fans,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “She has covered many sporting events throughout the state for ESPN, so we expect her to feel right at home in helping to kick off the 57th annual Kentucky Derby Festival. We’re very pleased to have her join a long line of distinguished They’re Off! Luncheon speakers. She’ll be back in the Derby City two weeks after the luncheon as a guest of the annual party to benefit the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center in Lexington.”

First held in 1957, the second year of the Derby Festival, the They’re Off! Luncheon serves as the time-honored kick-off to each year’s Festival. Erving joins Dick Vitale, Terry Bradshaw, Bill Walton, Greg Gumbel, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Larry King, Bob Costas, Robin Roberts, Cawood Ledford, Phil Simms and Howard Cosell in a long list of luminaries who have entertained They’re Off! Luncheon audiences for the past 56 years. This year’s luncheon will also feature the presentation of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Volunteer of the Year Award and the AT&T Silver Horseshoe Award for service to the community.

Tickets for the event cost $76 each or $608 for a table of eight and are available on a very limited basis. For tickets or more information, call (502) 584-FEST. Contributing sponsors for the event are AT&T and Business First.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce the rosters for the Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com to be played Friday, April 6, at Freedom Hall. The roster includes five McDonald’s All-Americans, as well as University of Louisville signee and point guard Terry Rozier and three Indiana University recruits. Nearly all of the players scheduled to participate are ranked among the Top 40 nationally by recruiting services Rivals.com and Scout.com. The players will also participate in the Horseshoe Foundation Night of Future Stars on Thursday, April 5, at New Albany High School.  Click here to see complete rosters.

“This is one of the strongest lineups in the recent history of the Derby Festival Basketball Classic,” said Mike Gandolfo and Keith Conrad, the event’s co-recruiting chairs. “We expect it will be a highly entertaining and competitive game. Many of the top programs in the country are represented on the roster and we know the players will have great success at the next level.”

The Derby Festival Basketball Classic is presented by papajohns.com. The Contributing Sponsors are Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, Norton Sports Health, Reebok, 99.7 WDJX and B96.5 FM. Supporting partners are Kentucky National Guard, The Rock and SLAM Magazine.

Admission to the Horseshoe Foundation Night of Future Stars is free with a ticket to the Basketball Classic. Some of the event’s most exciting moments have occurred during the Slam Dunk, 2-on-2 and 3-Point Shooting competitions. There will also be a one-hour autograph-signing session following the event, with a two-item limit for signing.

ON SALE NOW, Basketball Classic tickets are $11 and $16 (includes $1 facility fee) and are available at TicketMaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com), by phone (800-745-3000) or the Freedom Hall box office (502-367-5144).

First held in 1973, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com is the oldest continuously-held high school all-star game in the nation.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Feb. 29, 2012. Louisville, KY.   – It’s that time of year! Tickets for selected Kentucky Derby Festival events go on sale Thursday, March 1. Tickets for the following events will be available by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at www.kdf.org.

Tickets to these events will be on sale Thursday, March 1:

Spring Fashion Show on March 29

Derby Festival Basketball Classic* presented by papajohns.com on April 6

They’re Off! Luncheon on April 20

BB&T Running Wild Expo Pasta Dinner on April 27

WineFest on May 1 and 2 – Downtown Belvedere

Great Steamboat Race on the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati on May 2

Celebrity Day at the Downs on May 3

Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3

“Tickets for Kentucky Derby Festival events are highly valued and make great presents,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We have a great slate of events on the Derby Festival’s 2012 schedule, so we encourage our patrons to purchase tickets early and for best availability.”

To purchase tickets call the Derby Festival Hotline at (502) 584-FEST between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or order online at www.kdf.org 24 hours/7 days a week.

“Tickets for the Derby Festival Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com can ONLY be purchased at TicketMaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 or the Freedom Hall box office at (502) 367-5144. TicketMaster convenience fee will be added to all outlet, internet and phone orders.

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two- week period and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Punctuated by the “call to the post” from Churchill Downs bugler Steve Buttleman, Mayor Greg Fischer today challenged the community to “get in the race” and help Louisville set a world’s record for public service during the Give A Day volunteer week April 15-22. The week of service helps launch this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival and coincides with National Volunteer Week.

Surrounded by volunteers from organizations and companies ranging from Jefferson County Public Schools to the YMCA and UPS, Fischer said there will be something for everyone to do during the annual Give A Day week.

“Whether you give an hour or a day, donate a canned good, give blood, volunteer at a local non-profit agency or simply do a good deed for a neighbor, you can make a difference and help set a record for caring,” Fischer said. “We want people challenging each other: ‘What are you doing for Give A Day week? How will you make Louisville an even more compassionate city?'”

Fischer said the goal for the week is at least 55,000 volunteers and “acts of kindness.”

Anyone wanting to get involved should go to the website: www.mygiveaday.com, There individuals or groups can volunteer for a growing list of projects and needs submitted by local non-profit agencies, churches and other groups. Organizations needing volunteer help can also use the website to register their projects.

“Through our Volunteer Connection we are excited to help organize volunteers and projects for Give A Day and we urge people to go to the website,” said Joe Tolan, president and CEO of Metro United Way. “At Metro United Way, we create connections, get commitments, and help focus energies around our common goals.”

People may also use the website to report their own community service. “If your church or civic group is doing a project that week, let us know about it so it can count toward the world’s record,” Fischer said. “Any act of kindness counts, whether it’s mowing grass for an elderly neighbor or reading to a student.”

Among those who will be hard at work during Give A Day week will be thousands of local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts who will be helping at churches, retirement homes and parks. “One of our core values in Scouting is the importance of citizenship and we’re excited to participate in the Give A Day initiative,” said Barry Oxley, scout executive/CEO of the Lincoln Heritage Council. “With over 29,000 youth and volunteers involved in Scouting, we have an opportunity to make a real impact on the community.”

Other volunteer work will come from troops of Girl Scouts, churches and neighborhood associations. Brightside will be recruiting volunteers for neighborhood cleanups. Employee teams from companies like Yum Brands, Humana, Brown-Forman, Chase Bank and Orr Safety will be working throughout Louisville. Student-athletes from the University of Louisville and Bellarmine will be tackling service projects at schools and non-profit agencies and military veterans will be helping at the VA hospital.

Public service opportunities available to everyone include giving blood at more than a dozen of American Red Cross sites, dropping off cans of food for Dare to Care at local Kroger stores and donating shoes to EDGE Outreach at locations throughout the city. The shoes will be sent to needy children and adults around the world.

Fischer said having Give A Day week as the lead-up to the world-famous Kentucky Derby Festival will help put Louisville’s caring deeds in the spotlight.

“We know very well the importance of volunteers and we’re very excited to have ‘Give A Day’ as part of the official Festival schedule,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Fischer urged people to look for creative ways to be compassionate and help others, including donating their professional talents. Specific activities planned for the week include:

–   The Louisville Digital Media Association will mount a “Geeks Giving” campaign to raise funds for Ipads to be used by persons with autism through the local Apple Patch group

–  The freshman class at the UofL School of Dentistry will work with students at St. Nicholas Academy to raise awareness about the importance of good dental health

–    Volunteers will help Louisville-based Supplies Over Seas (S.O.S.) sort and package medical supplies and equipment to send to needy countries.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Feb. 22, 2012. Louisville, KY.  One of the first signs of spring – the unveiling of Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pins – is just around the corner. The 2012 Pegasus Pins will go on sale on March 1 at more than 1,000 retail outlets around the area and will offer purchasers an opportunity to register for a $500 cash prize to be given away weekly during the Pegasus Pin Madness promotion in March. To be eligible for the four drawings during March, purchasers must register their pins online at www.pegasuspins.com.  The pins, which sell for $5 at retail outlets and entrances to Derby Festival events, come in five colors – red, green, orange, teal and purple. They feature a flying Pegasus image over a fleur-de-lis background. Family Fun Packs of five pins will also be available at retail locations for $18.

“We’re unveiling this year’s Pegasus Pins earlier than ever and we’re hoping people will purchase them to show their support of the Kentucky Derby Festival and to have a ticket for free entry into more than half of the Festival’s events,’ said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “The pins offer tremendous value, including access to 30-plus Festival events and concerts, as well as a chance to win one of the weekly $500 cash drawings in March.”

Inside each pin envelope is a membership card with a “scratch-off” bar that hides a unique 12-digit alpha-numeric code. Consumers will use this code to register online at www.pegasuspins.com.  After registering, they’ll receive two coupons that are sent via email confirmation. The $500 cash prize drawings will be held on Friday, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 and will be broadcast live on WAVE 3 TV’s 7 p.m. news broadcast and repeated the following day (Saturday) during the WAVE 3 Sunrise broadcast.

In addition to a pin and coupons online, each Pegasus Pin Sponsor has the chance to win prizes if they find a Gold Instant Win Pin in their envelope. The odds of finding a gold pin this year are 1 in 32, with 10,000 of these pins in circulation. Gold Pin Winners can register their gold pins to win one of eight Grand Prizes, including a 2012 Honda CRV sponsored by Kentuckiana Honda Dealers, at the conclusion of the Derby Festival in May.

Since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

For more information, contact:

Derby Festival Press Office at (502) 572-3822

Author:
KDF Press Office

Europe’s most successful live entertainment show
APASSIONATA

“The Beginning”
— featuring more than 40 horses —

North American Tour Premiere

Opens April 27, 2012 in Louisville, Ky.

COMING TO Louisville for a limited engagement

(Louisville, KY) APASSIONATA – Europe’s most successful live entertainment show, featuring more than 40 horses, is coming to Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. for four performances April 27th-29th.  Tickets go on sale Friday, February 24, 2011 at 10 a.m.

APASSIONATA is proud to be a sponsor of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival as part of the US launch.  Mike Berry, President & CEO, Kentucky Derby Festival, said, “The Kentucky Derby Festival is thrilled that the highly acclaimed APASSIONATA tour will make its U.S. debut in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s official event schedule.  Kentucky is widely known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ so it’s only fitting that this magical equine event be showcased in the Bluegrass State.  APASSIONATA promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.”

Now in its ninth year in Europe, APASSIONATA has played to an audience of more than five million people in over 15 countries and now comes to North America with a new show, titled “The Beginning.” This theatrical sensation, with original music scored specifically to work with the horses, enchants families and horse lovers alike with the finest equestrianship, including magnificent dressage and exhilarating stunt riding.  The natural elegance, nobility, speed and agility of these animals is captivating.  Different breeds –from Bretons to Friesians — have been brought together from Europe and North America to create this evocative yet thrilling event.

Starting in 2003, APASSIONATA became an immediate sensation. In 2010, it won the prestigious PRG Live Entertainment’s “Best Show” award, among the highest honors in live entertainment on the European continent. The show’s success in Europe has been so remarkable and consistent that its producer-creator Peter Massine and his American producing partner Tanya Grubich, were motivated to bring the experience and excitement of APASSIONATA “The Beginning” to North America, which boasts the largest equine interest in the world.

Massine said “As APASSIONATA has grown to performing for over 545,000 people during its annual 30-city tours of the capitals of Europe, we were eager to introduce the show to the United States and Canada. Our main aim is to provide entertainment for the whole family. Whether you are young or old, everyone enjoys the two hours they spend with our horses.”

Massine and Grubich brought together an award winning, critically acclaimed, Broadway creative team led by director Scott Faris to bring all the elements together for the North American production. Faris has staged a dozen productions of the Broadway musical “Chicago,” “Bette Midler –The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace and “Walking With Dinosaurs — The Arena  Spectacular” which played a record-breaking forty month North American arena tour.  He was a veteran of the “Siegfried and Roy” team at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

When Massine originally created APASSIONATA, he sought out legendary horsemen and women of Europe, many of whom had spent their lives working with these animals or have continued the lineage of families that have worked with horses for generations, crossing many breeds of horses, and the wide range of how horse and man interact with each other. The emotional partnership displayed on stage between these horses and their equipes is a large part of the success of APASSIONATA.

Internationally acclaimed teams of equestrians joining APASSIONATA “The Beginning” include Sylvie Willms of the renowned Willms Family, who has devoted itself to the training and art of riding of thoroughbred horses for more than 300 years in both Belgium and France. Sylvie has been with APASSIONATA since 2003 and wows audiences with her superb freestyle Liberty Dressage and Friesian Quadrille.

Also coming to North America is team Valenca, trained by Luis Valenca. The reputation of this legendary grand master of the Portuguese School of the Art of Riding precedes him worldwide. Valenca and his daughters have devoted their lives entirely to the training of Lusitanos and their horses have mastered to perfection various riding styles including Iberian Quadrille and Garrocha, which will be reflected in their riders’ brilliant skills.

One of France’s most talented equestrians, Laurent Jahan, will bring both his impressive exhibition of donkey comedy and his Pony Fantastique with the massive Breton, a stunning breed of draft horse. Jahan patiently spent more than three years training his donkeys, who have become fan favorites in APASSIONATA.

After five million tickets, fifteen countries and nearly a decade of anticipation, North American audiences will finally get to see the breathtaking display of the beauty and the bond between horse and rider that can only be found in APASSIONATA.

Please visit www.apassionata.com for the video and full tour schedule.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Feb. 13, 2012. Louisville, KY.  Four longtime sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville — the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – are returning in 2012 to help support the largest single-day event in the Southeast. Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS are presenting sponsors of the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air show to be held on Saturday, April 21, along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown. In addition to the four presenting sponsors, McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana also returns as title sponsor of the McDonald’s Thunder Funder program.

“The continued generosity and loyalty of our Thunder Over Louisville presenting sponsors is very gratifying and a real gift to the community,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Thunder Over Louisville is a massive undertaking and the support we receive from the show’s sponsors allows us to produce the kind of spectacular show the public has come to expect year after year. We’re very grateful to have a corporate community that values the importance of events like Thunder that entertains people of all ages and brings a significant economic impact to the area.”

This is the 22nd consecutive year that UPS has been a presenting sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville. Horseshoe Southern Indiana has been a Thunder presenting sponsor for 13 consecutive years; LG&E and Meijer have both been Thunder sponsors for the past six years in a row.

This is the seventh consecutive year that McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana has returned as title sponsor of the Thunder Funder Program, which will help raise funds for the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville show. Ninety-seven area McDonald’s restaurants will donate a portion of their 32-ounce soft drink sales revenue to help support Thunder. The promotion coincides with their $1.00 drink campaign and will run from March 26 through April 16. The 32-ounce drinks come in a commemorative Thunder cup.

In addition, the 2012 McDonald’s Thunder Funder Preview Party will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at Bowman Field. The event gives attendees a sneak peek at the Thunder show and will feature a McDonald’s playground area, elements of the Thunder Air Show and a pilot “meet and greet.” Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin or McDonald’s Thunder Funder cup.

New this year, Ford’s Thunder on the Ground attraction will showcase a wide variety of activities taking place during the day in and around Waterfront Park on April 21. “Ford has been a very generous sponsor of the Derby Festival for many years and we’re very glad to have them involved with Thunder again as the first title sponsor of Thunder on the Ground,” said Berry.

Thunder Over Louisville’s 2012 Official Broadcast Partners are WDRB TV and Cox Radio’s Lite 106.9 WVEZ.

Thunder Over Louisville -the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2012 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “A Star-Spangled Blast,” is set for Saturday, April 21, and will be the  will be the 23rd annual production. The show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Feb. 13, 2012. Louisville, KY.   –For the seventh consecutive year, McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana will be title sponsor of the Thunder Funder Program, which helps raise funds for the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville show on April 21, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies. From March 26 to April 16, ninety-seven area McDonald’s restaurants will donate a portion of their 32-ounce soft drink sales revenue to help support Thunder. The promotion coincides with McDonald’s $1.00 drink campaign, with 32-ounce drinks served in a commemorative Thunder Over Louisville cup.

“The McDonald’s Thunder Funder program is essential to the success of Thunder Over Louisville,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We’re very thankful to McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana for once again sponsoring this very important component for funding Thunder and helping to keep the day’s events free to the entire community.”

The 2012 McDonald’s Thunder Funder Preview Party will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at Bowman Field. The event gives attendees a sneak peek at the Thunder show and will feature a McDonald’s playground area, elements of the Thunder Air Show and a pilot “meet and greet.” Admission is free with a 2012 Pegasus Pin or McDonald’s Thunder Funder cup.

“McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana is proud to once again support such an important event as Thunder Over Louisville,” said Ira Salls, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “McDonald’s has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting community events going back many years and we’re very happy to continue our title sponsorship of the Thunder Funder program”

Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring. The 2012 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “A Star Spangled Blast,” is set for Saturday, April 21, and will be the 23rd annual production. The show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

Feb. 13, 2012. Louisville, KY. The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – Thunder Over Louisville – will celebrate the event’s “Star-Spangled Blast” theme with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer serving as “Thundernator.” In addition, the Thunder Air Show will feature a large contingent of U.S. Marine Aviation aircraft in recognition of the military group’s 100th anniversary in 2012. The Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and Air Show will take place on Saturday, April 21, along the waterfront in downtown Louisville.

Sgt Dakota Meyer, a United States Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor in Sept, 2011, will provide the Thunder countdown and “zero” ignition to activate the Thunder launch system sequence in the Command Center at the Galt House Hotel. Sgt Meyer’s appearance at Thunder Over Louisville is tied to his partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to raise $1 million by the Foundation’s 50th anniversary on May 28, 2012.

“As a native Kentuckian, I am humbled to be working with the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation as they honor the service, our military members and their families. This scholarship initiative allows our entire community to support military families. The donations we raise will provide much needed scholarships for children of Marines,” said Sgt Meyer.

Thunder Over Louisville is one of three air shows that will help celebrate the Marine Aviation centennial in 2012. The Thunder Air Show will feature a wide variety of aircraft dating back to World War Two-era planes, including several from private collections. The Air Show will be choreographed to a soundtrack that includes patriotic songs that became popular during the war years in United States history.

“We are extremely honored to have Sgt Dakota Meyer as the 2012 Thundernator and to take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “Thunder Over Louisville show will feature a patriotic theme and we couldn’t imagine a more fitting person to kick off the fireworks finale. We’re encouraging Thunder fans to wear red, white and blue to the waterfront to show their support. We’re also very excited to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Marine Aviation with the unique aircraft that will be showcased in the Thunder Air Show.”

Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2012 Thunder Over Louisville, themed ‘A Star-Spangled Blast,” is set for Saturday, April 21, and will be the  will be the 23rd annual production. The show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

Author:
KDF Press Office

February 9, 2012. Louisville, KY.  Tickets for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2012 Spring Fashion Show presented by American Founders Bank go on sale tomorrow.  The show will be held on Thursday, March 29, in the Showroom of Horseshoe Southern Indiana and starts with cocktails and boutique shopping at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and runway show at 8 p.m. The Festival also has a special deal just in time for Valentine’s Day – guests can get $10 off the purchase of two tickets online at www.kdf.org (when purchased from 2/10 -2/14).

Christina Fellingham, Editor-in-chief of Her Scene and Director of Women’s Audience at The Courier-Journal, is helping style the show this year.  The event is themed “Lights, Cameras, Fashion!” and guests can expect a night of fun and high fashion.

This year’s fashion show will feature outfits and accessories by: Dillard’s, Olivia & Co., Crush, GUESS, Fashion Bug, Rodeo Drive, Apricot Lane, Dress & Dwell and more. Some of the Festival’s Official Products will also be featured, including hats by Dillard’s, handbags and accessories by Divas, designer eyewear from The Eye Care Institute, and hair and makeup by Lyndia Willis Salon. Official 2012 Derby Festival merchandise will be on sale at the event.

Tickets for the show can be purchased beginning tomorrow, Friday, February 10, by calling (502) 584-FEST or purchase online at www.kdf.org. Reserved seating tickets are $590 for a table of 10 and $59 individually. Tickets for the “Lounge” area (general admission seating in 2nd floor lounge area) are $35.

First produced in 1990, the Kentucky Derby Festival Fashion Show was originally conceived as a venue for unveiling the new Board of Director’s uniform, the teal Pegasus jacket.  It was so successful, the Board of Directors decided to make it a permanent addition to the Festival schedule. Thanks to the support of many retailers, the Spring Fashion Show has become THE fashion show for the season.

American Founders Bank returns as presenting sponsor for the annual fashion show.  Horseshoe Southern Indiana and 102.3 The Max return as contributing sponsors, joining newcomer, Apassionata.

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two- week period and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million.  This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

More than 30 Kentuckiana students from grades K-12 were honored tonight at The Henry Clay for their artistic achievement in the Kentucky Derby Festival Student Art Contest. For the sixth year in a row, the event was held in conjunction with the Festival’s annual Poster Premiere. The students’ winning artworks were also displayed at the poster unveiling event, held prior to the Student Art Contest Awards.

A panel of local artists selected the winners.  Of the hundreds of entries, the most popular themes among the winning artwork this year were the U.S. Bank Great Balloon Race, Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, and Thunder Over Louisville.  Seven students from Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary under the direction of Sarah Maxwell Miller had winning entries.  There were 10 winners from the Catholic school system.

The first-place winners in all divisions receive a 2012 framed Festival Poster by Andre’ Foreman, as well as a chance to appear with the “Festival Winners” in the 2012 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade.  All winners receive a medallion, certificate, and a Kentucky Derby Festival Student Art Contest winner’s pin.

The winning artwork will be on display February 1 – April 27 at Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center and at the Republic Bank Parade Preview Party at the Kentucky Exposition Center on May 1. The Festival has offered this opportunity for area students to showcase their creative skills since 1977.

Division A:  Kindergarten & 1st Grade 

1st Place:  Maggie Tomaszewski – St. Agnes School    Teacher:  Laura Dant

Divison B: 2nd & 3rd Grades    

1st Place:  Charles Tandy – Whitney Young Elementary    Teacher:  Kristine Larson

Division C:  4th & 5th Grades    

1st Place:  Dylan Boston – Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary    Teacher: Sarah Maxwell-Miller

Division D:  6th – 8th Grades 

1st Place:   Zac Belefield – Barret Traditional Middle    Teacher: Margi Garcia

Division E:  9th – 12th Grades  

1st Place:  Amber Pyle – Pleasure Ridge Park     Teacher: Cheryl Wilhoit

Division F:  Computer Division   

1st Place:  Jake Locker – DuPont Manual High School    Teacher: Suzanne Sidebottom

Author:
KDF Press Office

Several hundred guests were on hand as the Kentucky Derby Festival unveiled its 2012 Official Poster and Merchandise tonight at the 32nd annual Poster Premiere at the Henry Clay building in downtown Louisville. The 2012 Official Poster was created by local artist Andre’ Foreman, a self-taught visual artist and sculptor with studio space at the Mellwood Arts Center.

This year’s official merchandise line includes over 100 pieces, produced by All-Pro Championships. This year’s Official Poster was released in a three-part series: the Limited edition, which features a stylized Pegasus image on a white background and is signed and numbered, retails for $75; the Pegasus edition, which features a Pegasus image with an orange border, sells for $30; and the Festival edition, which features a collage of traditional Derby Festival events, sells for $30. The posters are available at Bluegrass Frames and online at www.kdf.org. Official Derby Festival merchandise is available at Kroger, Walmart and Meijer stores, Taste of Kentucky locations and online at www.kdf.org.

For the sixth year in a row, the Poster Premiere was held in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby Festival Student Art Contest Awards Ceremony. Students with winning entries in the Student Art Contest were invited to attend the Premiere and see their work on display at the event. The Student Art Contest Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Country Legends 103.9, with supporting partner the Kentucky School of Art.

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Poster Premiere featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for the first 1,000 guests. There was a silent auction of framed 2012 Official Posters, as well as a silent auction of several items and gift packages from Cellar Door Chocolates, River Bend Winery, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and Horseshoe Southern Indiana; plus ticket packages for Thunder Over Louisville, Republic Bank Pegasus Parade and other Festival events.

Contributing sponsors of the Poster Premiere are Cellar Door Chocolates, Greater Louisville Inc., New Country Q103.1, The Silver Spoon and United Graphics Printing Group.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival will unveil its 2012 Official Poster and Merchandise on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at The Henry Clay in Downtown Louisville.  The 32nd annual Poster Premiere is open to the public and will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The work of Louisville native, Andre’ Foreman, was chosen for this year’s poster image. Foreman is a full-time artist with studio space at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center. He is a self-taught visual artist and sculptor, with an emphasis in oil and watercolor painting. He has had recent exhibitions, including – “Ode to Woman: The Poetics of Movement” – just last month at Mellwood.  Foreman will be at the Poster Premiere event to sign copies of his poster. This year’s official merchandise line includes over 100 pieces, produced by All-Pro Championships.  Both the poster and merchandise will be available for purchase at the event.

In addition to the poster and merchandise, original artwork by local students will be on display.  For the sixth year in a row, the Poster Premiere will be held in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby Festival Student Art Contest Awards Ceremony. Students with winning entries in the Student Art Contest are invited to attend the Premiere – and see their work on display.

Tickets are still available for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Poster Premiere, which features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for the first 1,000 guests. There will also be a silent auction of framed 2012 Official Posters, as well as a silent auction of several items and gift packages from Cellar Door Chocolates, River Bend Winery, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and Horseshoe Southern Indiana; plus ticket packages for Thunder Over Louisville, Republic Bank Pegasus Parade and other Festival events.  Tickets for the Premiere are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and can be purchased by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at www.kdf.org.

Contributing sponsors of the Poster Premiere are Cellar Door Chocolates, Greater Louisville Inc., New Country Q103.1, The Silver Spoon and United Graphics Printing Group.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The estimated economic impact of the Kentucky Derby Festival is $127.9 million, according to a study conducted last year by several members of the University of Louisville’s MBA Program. A similar study conducted in 2001 by Dey Systems, Inc., estimated the economic impact of the Derby Festival at $93.6 million. Data for the latest Economic Impact Study was gathered over a three-week period between April 15, 2011, and May 5, 2011.

With an annual operating budget of $5.7 million in 2011, the study reported that for every $1 spent by the Kentucky Derby Festival, more than $22 was generated for the Greater Louisville economy, up from $17 in the 2001 study. The largest economic impact for a single KDF event was Thunder Over Louisville, which produced an estimated $56.6 impact for the local economy, followed by the Pegasus Parade at $22.4 million.

Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry said the 2011 Economic Impact Study was gratifying.

“The study offers solid evidence that the Kentucky Derby Festival continues to have a substantial and growing effect on a number of different sectors of the area’s economy,” said Berry. “We’re very pleased with the findings, especially since the data was compiled using two conservative economic multipliers provided by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis for the Greater Louisville Area. It just makes us want to roll up our sleeves and work even harder.”

A 1996 study estimated the Derby Festival’s economic impact at $53 million; a 1990 study estimated the impact at $34.2 million; a 1984 study estimated the impact at $17.5 million.

“The bottom line of all the studies is that the Kentucky Derby Festival is a good investment,” said Berry. “The latest study estimated the amount of money that flowed into the local economy as a result of Derby Festival activities, both directly and indirectly. Direct impact is defined by those monies spent specifically in participation with the events that we produced; indirect impact is found by calculating monies that were spent as a result of the decision to participate in events and their residual effects.”

“We saw an increase in impact of more than 36 percent from the 2001 study, with growth of more than three percent when compounded annually. Those are encouraging numbers, especially in this challenging economy.”

The economic impact model for the 2011 Economic Impact Study reflects the four previous studies, assigning expenditures triggered by Kentucky Derby Festival events as the primary economic factor. The 2011 study considered the following expenditure categories:

Expenses incurred by the Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc.

• Direct revenues from sponsors, not including any donations or fees
• Participant expenditures in the local economy
• Spectator expenditures, including mileage, food, souvenirs and incidental expenses
• Year-round out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Festival volunteers and board members
• Any other reported expenses directly generated by Derby Festival events.

Those expenditures, along with the reported revenues stemming from Kentucky Derby Festival events, provide the estimated direct revenue triggered by the Derby Festival. This revenue, multiplied by a gross output multiplier of 1.7709 and a gross employment of 1.5368, equals the Festival’s total estimated economic impact (Economic multipliers based on a 2008 study of Greater Louisville and Metro Louisville by the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis. Both multipliers were the most conservative used in the five economic impact studies commissioned by the Derby Festival).

The Derby Festival’s $127.9 million economic impact estimate for 2011 was arrived at based on the total direct expenditures triggered by 14 sample KDF events, plus categories not accounted for by those events. “Since the initial study in 1984, the Festival’s impact on the local economy has increased by an astounding 700%,” said Berry. “Some of the increase can be attributed to inflation, but it also reflects the Derby Festival producing events that the public enjoys, while finding the best ways to maximize our budget. Although the Derby Festival receives no direct tax dollars in production of our annual celebration, we benefit from in-kind support of Metro government and various public agencies. Certainly the results of this study help to show the Kentucky Derby Festival is giving back to the community in a substantial way.”

The following sample Derby Festival events were studied for categorized expenditure impact in order to analyze direct expenditures in detail:

• $1 Million Hole in One Golf Contest –economic impact: $306,588
• Basketball Classic — economic impact: $990,897
• Chow Wagon/Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront–economic impact: $16,472,795
• Great Balloon Glow — economic impact: $5,079,449
• Great Bed Races –economic impact: $465,448
• Great Steamboat Race — economic impact: $703,535
• Marathon/miniMarathon — economic impact: $4,923,936
• Pegasus Parade — economic impact: $22,462,902
• Ramble for the Roses — economic impact: $424,468
• Run for the Rose’ — economic impact: $192,351
• They’re Off! Luncheon — economic impact: $160,579
• Thunder Over Louisville — economic impact: $56.663,177
• WineFest — economic impact: $136,194

“The information reported in the 2011 Economic Impact Study is very valuable to us,” said Berry. “It supports our belief that the Kentucky Derby Festival is one of the most visible and viable commodities our community has to offer. We’re constantly reviewing and evaluating our events and operations, and we have hard data to confirm that we’re doing something right. After the flooding and rainy weather that forced us to move or reschedule several major events in 2011, we’re hoping that 2012 will bring us sunny and dry conditions and a record-setting Derby Festival.”

Author:
KDF Press Office

The Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic, presented by papajohns.com, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 22, at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville, will return to Freedom Hall due to a recently adopted bylaw by the NCAA.  The newly adopted bylaw prohibits non-scholastic events from being played on a collegiate campus or main practice/playing facility. NCAA Bylaw 13.11.1.8, which was proposed in 2009 and adopted in April, 2011, states that a Division I school isn’t allowed to host, sponsor or conduct a non-scholastic basketball practice or competition. Because the University of Louisville mens’ basketball team plays and practices at the KFC Yum! Center, the Derby Festival Basketball Classic cannot be held at that facility.

“While we had a great experience last year at the YUM! Center, we are fortunate in this community to have a facility such as Freedom Hall to host our game,” said Mike Berry, President & CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival.  “Freedom Hall had been the primary location of the Basketball Classic for more than 35 years, and we are enthusiastic about returning to this facility, which has a rich history in Louisville.” Berry said the new date of the game will be Friday, April 6, 2012, with Night of the Future Stars to be held on Thursday, April 5.

Tickets for both will be on sale starting Wednesday, January 18, on Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster locations as well as the Kentucky Exposition Center box office.

Contributing sponsors to the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic are Norton Sports Health and Reebok.

The Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic is the oldest high school All-Star basketball game in the country, being first held in 1973. Over the years, the game has featured such future professional standouts as Jamal Mashburn, Moses Malone, Rex Chapman, Pervis Ellison, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Darrell Griffith, Derek Anderson, Anfernee Hardaway, Michael Beasley, Quentin Richardson, Zach Randolph, Jared Jeffries, Deron Williams and Francisco Garcia. The 1987 Basketball Classic set an attendance record for the event, attracting a sell-out crowd of 19,041 spectators to Freedom Hall and raising more than $78,000 for the Louisville Ronald McDonald House.

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

For more information, contact:

Derby Festival Press Office at (502) 572-3822

Author:
KDF Press Office

The six women selected to serve as Princesses in the 2012 Derby Festival’s Royal Court were announced today. They are:

Jhalak Dholakia (Gel-ick Doh-iah-key-ah) of Louisville, KY is a senior majoring in Anthropology, Biology, Spanish and Humanities at the University of Louisville. She is a Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor and a Kentucky Health Racing Services Center volunteer.

Arielle Evans (R-E-L) of Louisville, KY is a senior majoring in Exercise Science at Georgetown College. She is a Worship Leader at Calvary Baptist Church and an Advocate for Adoption Awareness.

Kaelyn Gault of Carrolton,, KY is a senior majoring in Communications at the University of Louisville. She is a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of America and Thursday’s Child Special Needs Adoption Agency.

Irma Kocer (Erma Co-sir) of Versailles, KY is a senior majoring in Business Marketing at the University of Louisville. She is a volunteer for Kentucky Harvest and Habitat for Humanity.

Erica Lee of Louisville, KY is a freshman majoring in Accounting at the University of Louisville. She is an NAACP Youth Council Member and a volunteer at Fifth Street Baptist Church.

Taylor Sang of Louisville, KY is a junior majoring in Broadcast News at Western Kentucky University. She is a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Ronald McDonald House.

Lindsay Baranowski, a student at the University of Kentucky, was chosen as the first alternate. Megan Lilly, a student at Bellarmine University, was chosen as the second alternate. They will become Princesses if one of the other women is unable to serve.

The six young women selected as Princesses will act as ambassadors for the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival, attending nearly 70 events over a two-week period. 30 were selected as finalists out of the more than 100 original applicants for the six Princess positions, and all attended the final judging this weekend. None of them knew in advance who had been selected.

The court will represent the Kentucky Derby Festival and the city of Louisville as official ambassadors for the springtime tradition of the Festival. They will attend nearly every official Derby Festival event beginning with the Poster Premiere on January 25 to their appearance in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3. In addition, they will attend the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and make visits to schools to discuss the importance of volunteerism.

One of the six women will be crowned the Derby Festival Queen by a spin-of-the-wheel at the annual Fillies Derby Ball on April 20 at the Galt House East Grand Ballroom. Each woman will receive a $2000 scholarship ($1000 from the Fillies and $1000 from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation).

The Derby Festival’s Royal Court Program is coordinated by The Fillies, Inc., a volunteer group that works closely with the Festival. Fillies President Patsy Allen joined 2012 Derby Festival Chair Wendy Jacob in crowning the newly appointed court.

Candidates for the Princess Program must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and are selected by a panel of three out-of-state judges. Criteria for selection includes knowledge of the Derby Festival, poise, intelligence, personality and campus and community involvement. The first Derby Festival Princess was crowned in 1957, the second year of the Festival. Previous Princesses have included former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins and Gail Gorski, the first female pilot ever hired by United Airlines.

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest and most cherished traditions –the announcement of the Royal Court –will be made Monday, Jan. 9, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kentucky Derby Festival office, 1001 S. Third Street. The five young women selected as members of the Royal Court will act as ambassadors for the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival, attending nearly 70 events over a two-week period.

Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the 2012 Royal Court will represent the Kentucky Derby Festival and the city of Louisville as official ambassadors for the springtime tradition. They will attend nearly every official Kentucky Derby Festival event beginning with the Poster Premiere on January 25, followed by many more events, including an appearance in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3.  In addition, they will attend the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, as well as making visits to schools to discuss the importance of volunteerism.

On April 20, one of the five women will be crowned the Queen at the annual Fillies Derby Ball held at the Galt House East Grand Ballroom. A registered trademark of The Fillies, Inc., the Ball has been the royal kick-off of the Kentucky Derby Festival since before the modern Festival was formed in 1956.The Queen is selected by the traditional spin-of-the wheel. In her first royal act, the Queen will “knight” individuals to the Court of the Pegasus for their contributions to the community. Each woman will receive a $2000 scholarship ($1000 from the Fillies and $1000 from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation).

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Royal Court Program is coordinated by The Fillies, Inc., a volunteer group that works closely with the Festival. Fillies President Patsy Allen will join 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Chair Wendy Jacob in crowning the newly appointed court.

Candidates for the Royal Court Program must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and are selected by a panel of four out-of-state judges. Criteria for selection includes knowledge of the Derby Festival, poise, intelligence, personality and campus and community involvement. The first Kentucky Derby Festival Princess was crowned in 1957, the second year of the Festival. Previous Princesses have included former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins and Gail Gorski, the first female pilot ever hired by United Airlines.

The Kentucky Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Author:
KDF Press Office

The introductory meeting for the Jewish Sports Medicine Kentucky Derby Festival Healthy Lifestyle Training Program is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at DuPont Manual High School, 120 W. Lee St. This free 15-week program is intended to benefit runners training for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon presented by Walmart on April 28, 2012. The program will give runners an opportunity to talk with professionals regarding nutrition, training tips, injury prevention and education.

“Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s HealthCare is pleased to be a partner in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Healthy Lifestyle Training Program for the fifth consecutive year,” said David Laird, President and CEO of Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s HealthCare. “Congratulations to everyone taking part in this exciting step to improve their health.”

The Training Program meeting will include distribution of a free training packet and Technical shirt for the first 800 attendees; introduction of the athletic trainers and nutritionists; an overview of the training runs and general preparation; guest speakers and a question-and-answer session.

Runners can register for the Training Program online at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com. A pre-meeting run schedule, which includes weekly Saturday morning runs, can also be found on the race website. The deadline to sign up for the Training Program is Jan. 31. The Training Program is sponsored by Jewish Sports Medicine, with contributing sponsors Humana Vitality, Swag’s Sport Shoes and 102.3 The Max.

The 39th annual 13.1-mile Derby Festival miniMarathon will be held in conjunction with the eleventh annual Derby Festival Marathon, starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, in downtown Louisville. The race route will once again include a lap around the infield at historic Churchill Downs.

Registration for the races is open now at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com.

Since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two- week period.  This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

For more information, contact:

Derby Festival Press Office at (502) 572-3822