Marching Band Application

A Marching Band unit is a coordinated group of instrumental musicians—often including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and sometimes a color guard—who perform music as they march. They typically wear matching uniforms, follow a set marching style, and keep in step with the drumline. Marching bands add energy, rhythm, and excitement to a parade, often playing upbeat songs, school fight songs, or patriotic music. Vehicles are typically not permitted as part of marching band units.

Your application will be reviewed in its entirety, and your acceptance will be based on the information included. If you have been in the Parade in previous years, please ensure you fill out the application with complete information, including details and pictures.

We recommend filling out this application once you have developed your unit plan, including participant count, vehicles, decorations, and costumes. The information included in your application will be used for production and planning purposes. Any changes must be communicated to the Kentucky Derby Festival Event Manager via email for approval.

2027 Marching Band Application

Must apply by January 5, 2027

Organization/Company/School Name*
Parade Guidelines & Policies
Pegasus Parade Guidelines*
Click this link to read the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade Participant Guidelines.
I acknowledge that I have read and agree to follow the Pegasus Parade Participant Guidelines and failure to do so may lead to my unit’s dismissal from the Parade.
Waiver of Release*
I acknowledge that each participant involved with the unit must complete a waiver that will be sent upon acceptance. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Participants under 18 must have a Guardian fill out the waiver.
Certificate of Insurance*
This insurance can be purchased through the Kentucky Derby Festival for $100.
I understand that if our group is selected to participate, our group will be required to submit a certificate of insurance naming Kentucky Derby Festival & City of Louisville as additional insured. I acknowledge that our unit assumes responsibility for all of participants.
Terms and Conditions*
Click this link to read the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade Terms and Conditions.
I acknowledge that I have read and agree to follow the Pegasus Parade Terms and Conditions.
Contact Information
Name of Unit*
This will be used to identify your unit in all written and broadcast media.
Please provide a 3-5 sentence description of your unit that will be read by the announcers during the broadcast, along with any ‘fun facts’.*
{Example: Coming down the route is the Kentucky Derby Festival! With the annual Derby Festival produced annually since 1956, the focus and passion of their team bring festivities to the Greater Louisville area for the month prior to the Run for the Roses. Today, their float showcases their official mascot, Gus the Pegasus and elements of different events during the festival, such as Hole-in-One, WineFest, Great Steamboat Race and miniMarathon. They’d like to wish everyone a Happy Festival! Fun Facts: They have 70 board members and you can see some of them here today, dressed in their pink and teal jackets.}
Primary Contact Name*
First Last
Primary Contact Email*
Primary Contact Phone*
Unit Organization Address*
City State
Unit and Participant Information
Age Range of Participants*
All participants MUST be 8 years of age or older. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Number of Musicians*
Participants who will be playing an instrument on the Parade Route.
Number of Walkers*
Participants who will be walking down the Parade Route.
Number of Performers*
Participants who will be dancing, stepping, cheering, or other movement performances on the Parade Route.
Total Participants*
This number should be the sum of the Musicians + Performers + Walkers listed above.

How many years has your unit participated in the Pegasus® Parade?*

EX: First year or 5 years.

Please list the names of any Parades in which your group have appeared in during the last two years*

Unit Description
Please provide a detailed description of your unit, including information about costumes, banners/signage, and music. This is the primary description that will be used when you're application is reviewed.*
Click here to see Unit Application Examples.
Line of March*
- I acknowledge that my unit MUST maintain forward motion on the Parade Route, keep pace with the Line of March and maintain a distance of no more than 3 vehicles behind the unit in front of us.
How will your unit embody the 2027 Pegasus® Parade Theme?
2027 Pegasus® Parade Theme to be announced soon.
Any additional comments or information that you think will be helpful to include for the review of your application?
Transportation Infomation
Please list all vehicles that will be bringing your participants to the Pegasus® Parade Assembly Area.*
EX: Two coach buses or two trucks and equipment trailer.
File Upload / Link
PLEASE SUBMIT A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOUR GROUP AND/OR A LINK TO AN ONLINE VIDEO BELOW.
File upload
Please submit a photograph of your unit and/or a link to an online video below.
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB.
Video Link
For questions regarding the parade or the application process, please contact Lauren Lienhart Miller at 502-584-3378 or lmiller@kdf.org.
Applications must be submitted no later than January 5, 2027, and completed in full to be considered for acceptance. Each unit must fund its transportation, accommodations and all other expenses while in Louisville, KY.
Application is not a guarantee of acceptance.
Once approved, any change in a unit’s original application must be approved by the Kentucky Derby Festival. Failure to secure prior approval will result in the removal of the variance or the entire unit from the parade route.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that the use of any theme does not violate the copyright, service mark, trademark or intellectual property of others.