NEW ROUTE WILL TRAVEL THROUGH LOCAL PARKS
March 26, 2024. Louisville, KY. – Local parks will be highlighted as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 4th annual Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade on Saturday, April 6. The traveling display with nearly 20 units helps kick off the Festival’s month-long April celebration. This year’s “mini” parade route features loops through local parks including Chickasaw Park, Shawnee Park, Waterfront Park, and Iroquois Park. It will last from Noon until around 4 p.m.
“We’re shifting gears for this year’s Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade into local parks so we can be accessible to fans without tying up traffic,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “This mini parade is a special event that provides the Kentucky Derby Festival an opportunity to go out into the community during our favorite time of year. We’re also still planning our annual parade on Broadway on Sunday, April 28.”
This year’s Touring Parade will travel through some new areas in the South and Southwest areas of Jefferson County, as well as Downtown. It’s set for Saturday, April 6, from Noon to 4 p.m. (rain or shine). Below are some of the parks and areas where the parade will travel.
- Noon: Leaves Zoeller Pump Company
- Between Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Chickasaw Park, Shawnee Park, Broadway, Waterfront Park, Main and Market
- Between 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Shelby Park, Southern Parkway, Iroquois Park
- Between 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Touring Parade Stops in Iroquois Park
- Between 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Auburndale and Pleasure Ridge Park
The timing of the parade and final route will be pending traffic and logistics as it moves through the community. It will be traveling at about 15 mph to give residents a chance to see it. A map of the Touring Parade route is posted online at KDF.org/touringparade.
“In our 85th year here in Louisville, the Zoeller Company is proud to be located in Southwest Louisville. This year we are especially excited for the Touring Parade to be in Iroquois Park and PRP, and all the areas in between,” said Dwight C. Newton, Zoeller Company Chief People Officer. “Louisville is our home and being able to participate with the Kentucky Derby Festival is an honor. We love this city and all of our team members, customers, suppliers, and shareholders. This partnership is just one way we can give a little back.”
The Festival invites residents to stop at the parks as the parade travels through the community. Fans can share photos of the Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade on social media using the hashtag #KyDerbyFestival as part of this year’s festivities.
The touring parade on April 6 will feature:
6 Inflatable balloon characters: Zoeller Pump Company (Goldie Pegasus), UofL Health (Cardinal Bird), Waystar, Da’Ville Dog, Festival Frog, Electric Elephant
Festival VIPs: 2024 Derby Festival Board Chair, Erin Rasinen and the 2024 Royal Court
Specialty Units: Kosair Shriner’s Calliope, TARC Design-A-Bus showcasing local student artwork, on route music provided by Zoeller Pump Company, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department
Zoeller Pump Company is also the title sponsor of the traditional Pegasus Parade which returns on Sunday, April 28, to help kick off Derby Week. It steps off at 3 p.m. on Broadway in Downtown Louisville. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Derby 150” and will feature nearly 100 units, including inflatables, floats, marching bands and equestrians.
The Pegasus Parade is the founding event of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The first parade marched in 1956 to create a way for the community to celebrate before the historic horse race. It was organized by just a handful of volunteers on a budget of $640. Since then, the Festival has become a whirlwind of many events.
Zoeller Pump Company is the Title Sponsor of the Touring Parade, joining Contributing Sponsor Kentucky Venues. Official Health Care Provider: UofL Health. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel.
