APPLICATIONS OPEN OCT. 16 FOR PARTICIPANTS
October 14, 2026. Louisville, KY. – You could be part of a tradition that kicks off Derby Week in Louisville! Applications for the 2027 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade open this Friday, Oct. 16. This year’s parade theme is “Springtime in the Bluegrass.” The parade features nearly 100 units each year, including performers, community groups, equestrian teams, marching bands, large inflatables, and more. Applications can be submitted online at KDF.org/PegasusParade through Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027.
“Spring is our favorite time of year in Kentucky, and the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade is one of the traditions that makes it so special,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “The parade brings our community together and gives participants an opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity. We’re excited to see how they bring this year’s theme to life on Broadway.”
The Derby Festival’s annual parade is set for Sunday, April 25, 2027, at 3 p.m. on Broadway in Louisville. The theme celebrates the beauty, traditions and excitement of spring in Kentucky, from blooming flowers and sunny skies to rolling green hills and outdoor adventures. It’s a colorful celebration of nature, new beginnings, Kentucky culture, and the festive spirit of the Derby Festival.
A different theme is chosen each year to help guide decorations and music used by parade participants. Floats use the theme for costume and concept design. Marching bands use the theme to guide their musical selections. Every parade unit is required to incorporate the theme into its presentation in at least two of the following ways: colors, costumes, visuals or props, performance elements or sound and music.
Louisville-based Zoeller Pump Company returns as the parade’s Title Sponsor for the seventh consecutive year.
“At Zoeller we have celebrated more than 88 springs in the Bluegrass as a company. The Derby Festival, all the volunteers, staff and activities, are a vital part of what makes Louisville special, especially in the springtime,” said Dwight Newton, Chief People Officer of Zoeller Pump Company. “We hope everyone enjoys all the events as much as we do.”
Groups interested in being part of the parade are encouraged to apply by Jan. 12, 2027. All applicants must meet the Pegasus Parade Participation Guidelines to be considered. Submitting an application does not guarantee participation. All applications will be reviewed, and selected units will be notified in February.
2027 marks the 72nd year of the parade, the founding event of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The first parade was produced in 1956 to give the community a way to celebrate before the Derby horse race. Organized by a handful of volunteers on a budget of $640, it has since grown into one of the Festival’s largest events.
Zoeller Pump Company is the Title Sponsor, joined by Contributing Sponsors Churchill Downs and Kentucky Venues, The Galt House as the Official Hotel, and Media Partner, WAVE.
