April 22, 2015 Louisville, KY. The 60th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, themed “Best of Louisville,” will honor some familiar faces from the River City. Famous Louisvillians whose names you’ll recognize and some whose faces you’ve seen hanging on murals around the city will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of this year’s parade.
“Over the years, the parade has featured a who’s who list of celebrities and hometown favorites,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO. “This year’s parade is living up to its theme – the ‘Best of Louisville’ – and we’re honored to be able to showcase the stars of our community in our founding event.”
David DeSanctis, Louisville native and actor, will be an Honorary Grand Marshal this year. DeSanctis, who was born with Down Syndrome, stars in the independent film “Where Hope Grows,” which opens in theaters on May 15.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more hospitable community than Louisville to make the film,” said “Where Hope Grows” Producer, Milan Chakraborty. “We also would never have found America’s next big movie star, David DeSanctis.”
DeSanctis will be joined by some other familiar Louisvillians who are part of the Hometown Heroes initiative including: NFL Hall of Fame Running Back, Paul Hornung; Musician Patrick Henry Hughes; Renowned hand surgeon, Dr. Joseph Kutz; Transatlantic Solo Rower, Tori Murden McClure; PGA Golf Champion, Bobby Nichols; Former NFL Offensive Lineman, Will Wolford; Olympic Swimmer, Mary T. Meagher; and Dr. Dunkenstein, Darrell Griffith.
The Greater Louisville Pride Foundation Hometown Heroes Program honors a diverse group of Louisvillians who have inspired others, while representing the community to the rest of the world. Their banners are works of public art and can be found on buildings throughout the Louisville Metro area.
Said Mike Sheehy with the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation, “We are very excited to play a part in this year’s Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. How appropriate to feature a collection of the Hometown Heroes Honorees in person as Honorary Grand Marshals.”
Minnesota Viking and former University of Louisville football star, Teddy Bridgewater, is returning to his college hometown to be the Grand Marshal of the parade.
The annual spectacle marches west on Broadway from Campbell to Ninth Street and will feature approximately 100 units. Tickets for the Parade are on sale now online at www.kdf.org or by calling the Derby Festival Hotline at (502) 584-FEST. Ticket prices are $10 for bleacher seats, $12 chair seating and $30 review stand seats.
