FANS CAN ORDER ONLINE NOW AND RECEIVE SPECIAL DISCOUNT
February 7, 2025. Louisville, KY. – A sure sign that spring and the Kentucky Derby Festival are right around the corner was unveiled this morning as the Festival’s 2025 Official Poster rolled off the presses at Welch Printing in Louisville. Spring looks were also in the spotlight as the collection of this year’s Official Kentucky Derby Festival Merchandise Line featuring the poster image debuted. The poster, called “A Season of Love,” was designed by Louisville artist Kim Perry.
“The inspiration for this year’s poster stemmed from the vibrant energy and sense of community that the Derby Festival embodies. I aimed to capture that joy, tradition and excitement that define the event,” Perry said. “I also wanted the poster to serve as a love letter to Louisville… celebrating its rich culture and the incredible sense of togetherness that the Derby Festival brings to life.”
The spirit of the Derby Festival is spotlighted in this year’s poster through imagery showcasing favorite Festival traditions, including fireworks and balloons. In a nod to the city, the design also highlights the Louisville skyline. Perry’s use of oil paints and a palette knife are part of her technique, allowing her to create texture and depth in her artwork. This skill is creatively displayed in the balloons, which also feature other elements of the Festival, including the Pegasus, the Festival’s signature symbol.
“Kim’s use of bold colors against a night sky provide a unique contrast in this year’s design,” said Jennifer Morgan, Kentucky Derby Festival Director of Merchandising. “The new merchandise line offers several options from sweatshirts to t-shirts in trendy colors that complement the poster image and will be the perfect addition to this year’s spring wardrobe.”
The Derby Festival’s Official Merchandise Line features more than 100 products, including colorful t-shirts, caps and mugs. All items are produced by the Derby Festival’s Official Merchandise Partner, 12/13 Apparel by Synergism. Posters and merchandise are available for purchase online at KDF.org. Merchandise will be available at select Kroger stores and A Taste of Kentucky beginning in March.
ORDER DETAILS: Festival fans can order the 2025 Official Poster and Merchandise online beginning today (Friday, Feb. 7) and receive a 20 percent discount (excluding all Pins) through Friday, Feb. 14. The Official Poster retails for $30. Limited Edition of 500 signed and numbered posters is $60. Post Card Size: $5. A selection of shirts and giftware items are also available, with prices ranging from $5 to $45.
Welch Printing is a longtime print partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. While the Louisville based company has worked with the Festival on other print projects, 2025 marks the fourth year that Welch has printed the official poster image. It’s the 45th poster in the Festival’s iconic poster series, which launched in 1981 and has showcased a stylistic and geographical mix of artists over the years.
