January 18, 2018 Louisville, KY.  – A sign of warmer temperatures!  Tickets for the first official Kentucky Derby Festival event of 2018 go on sale Friday! The event – Festival Unveiled – is set for Thursday, March 1st at 5 p.m. at the Mellwood Arts Center. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.

“Festival Unveiled” will showcase several elements of the upcoming Festival. In addition to the 2018 Official Poster and Merchandise line, guests will also receive the 2018 Official Program with complete details of the upcoming Festival. Tickets are $30 and are available online at www.kdf.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST. Last year’s event sold out!

While enjoying the evening, guests have an opportunity to bid on a silent auction of framed posters. The 2018 Poster Artists – Jeaneen Barnhart and Doreen Barnhart DeHart – will also be on hand to sign copies of their image. The event begins at 5 p.m., featuring cocktails and dinner, sweets from Kern’s Kitchen® and Cellar Door Chocolates and wine from Old 502 Winery.

Four Roses Bourbon, will also hold the 15th Annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest in conjunction with Festival Unveiled.  The Rose Julep Contest 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.

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.