March 2, 2017. Louisville, KY. – Spring was in the air tonight as a sold out crowd enjoyed the Kentucky Derby Festival’s first official event of the New Year – “Festival Unveiled” Presented by Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses Bourbon. The event, held at the Tim Faulkner Gallery, showcased many elements of the 2017 Derby Festival, including the Official Poster, complete merchandise line and more.
2017 Poster Artist, Ron Jasin, was on hand at the event to sign copies of his image. The 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster features a colorful montage of Louisville landmarks and Derby Festival events. The image is available in three different versions: the Official version sells for $30, the Signed and Numbered Limited Edition sells for $50 and the Hand Printed Special Edition is $75. They are available online at KDF.org and can also be found in local frame shops.
Jasin is a Louisville resident and self-taught artist. Well-known in the music scene for his album art work and gig posters, Jasin has worked with artists and organizations including My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists, Calexico, WFPK and Neil Young. Jasin and his wife own Madpixel, an art and design studio. Jasin is also the Creative Director at Copper & Kings American Brandy Company in Butchertown.
The Festival’s official merchandise line includes over 100 pieces from t-shirts to caps and mugs and was produced by their new apparel partner, 12/13 Apparel by Synergism. Official Derby Festival merchandise is available online at KDF.org, as well as Kroger and Taste of Kentucky locations.
In addition to rolling out the Official Poster and Merchandise for the first time, guests at the pre-Festival party received the 2017 Official Program with complete details of the upcoming Festival. Derby Festival followers can also search for the Kentucky Derby Festival app in their Smartphone’s’ App store or Google Play.
As a special treat, Four Roses Bourbon held the 14th Annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest in conjunction with Festival Unveiled. Mark Corley of Silver Dollar won the Judges’ Award with his “Wild Wilda Mint Julep” and Colleen McCarthy-Clarke of Martini’s Italian Bistro won the People’s Choice Award with her “The Petal Pusher” recipe.
Festival Unveiled featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for guests. There was also a silent auction of framed 2017 Official and Limited Edition Posters and postcards. 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.
