2/28/17 – FIRST DERBY FESTIVAL EVENT OF 2017 THIS WEEK

February 28, 2017, Louisville, KY. The Kentucky Derby Festival is counting down to spring. Their first official event of 2017 – Festival Unveiled – is this Thursday, March 2, at a new location, the Tim Faulkner Gallery.  The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses Bourbon are the Presenting Sponsors of this pre-Festival party.

“Festival Unveiled” will showcase several elements of the upcoming Festival.  In addition to the 2017 Official Poster and Merchandise line, guests will also receive the 2017 Official Program with complete details of the upcoming Festival. While enjoying the evening, guests have an opportunity to bid on a silent auction of framed posters. The 2017 Poster Artist – Ron Jasin – will also be on hand to sign copies of his image.

In conjunction with the event, Four Roses Bourbon will hold the 14th Annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest.  The competition challenges Louisville-area mixologists to showcase their skills in front of a panel of local celebrity and beverage industry judges evaluating each Julep based on taste, presentation and creativity.  Event attendees will also have a chance to sample the eight Rose Julep finalist recipes and vote for the “People’s Choice” Rose Julep.

Kentucky cuisine with a twist will be provided by Ladyfingers Catering, including a Chef Carved Bourbon Barrel Wood Smoked BBQ Pork Loin, Asian Kentucky Fusion Bourbon Chicken, Spinach Phungue, Kentucky Corn Pudding and Weisenberger Jalapeno Cheese Grits.  Kentucky Proud products will also be featured with homemade Butter Buns and Rolls. Desserts include Kern’s Kitchen Derby-Pie® and Golden Pecan Pie, along with wine from Old 502 Winery.

For more information call the Derby Festival Office at (502) 584-FEST.  All guests receive a complimentary goodie bag.  Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses Bourbon are Presenting Sponsors of the event.  Ladyfingers Catering is a Contributing Sponsor. Media Sponsors are LEO Weekly and 106.9 PLAY.

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.