March 22, 2023. Louisville, KY. – One of the Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events will take flight with the help of a new community partner this year. L&N Federal Credit Union makes its debut as the Title Sponsor of the Derby Festival’s two-day Great BalloonFest, held April 28 and 29.

“The Great BalloonFest events are some of the Derby Festival’s longest running and most anticipated traditions every spring,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “Thanks to community-minded partners like L&N Federal Credit Union, we’re able to continue sharing these experiences with three hot-air balloon events on our schedule this year.”

The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest includes a trio of balloon events over two days:

• L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race on Friday, April 28 launches from Bowman Field at 7 a.m. and offers an eye-catching view for those driving on their way to work.
• L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow on Friday, April 28 at 8 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, where it returns for the second year and features breathtaking balloons lighting up the nighttime sky set to a synchronized musical score.
• L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race on Saturday, April 29 launches at 7 a.m. at Bowman Field and spotlights dozens of spectacular balloons taking to the skies during the Festival’s oldest and inaugural ballooning event.

“Kentucky Derby Festival and Great BalloonFest events have long been special to our community! Most events are open to everyone and affordable, (only requiring a Pegasus Pin for admission),” said Jennifer Fries, L&N Federal Credit Union VP Marketing & Business Development. “L&N Federal Credit Union is proud to sponsor an event that helps brings our community together and celebrates the rich history of the beautiful Bluegrass State.”

Admission to the balloon events is free with a 2023 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events. Contributing Sponsors of the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest are Breeze Airways, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Media Sponsors: MIX 106.9 and WLKY.

Since the first Great Balloon Race was held in 1973, the Derby Festival’s balloon events have been considered among the best in the country by pilots from all around the world. BalloonFest attractions are annually among the most popular family-friendly events on the Derby Festival schedule.