CLARK FORKLIFTS TO SUPPORT BRIDGE EFFECTS
April 3, 2026. Louisville, KY. – This year’s Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show is getting a lift, literally, from a Louisville company known for lifting and moving heavy loads. CLARK Material Handling Company is donating forklifts to support fireworks placement along the east side of the CLARK Memorial Bridge for the 2026 show on Saturday, April 18.
The concept has been in development since early 2025, when restrictions were set on the Second Street Bridge over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. The northbound sidewalk was closed in December 2024, which meant traditional fireworks equipment could no longer be positioned as it had been in previous years.
“Thunder Over Louisville is known for its big moments along the bridge, and we want to make sure fans still experience those this year,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “CLARK helped us find a solution that keeps those fireworks effects in place while working within the bridge restrictions.”
Forklifts from CLARK Material Handling will be fitted with specially engineered platforms to hold fireworks safely out over the river, allowing crews to recreate the bridge effects that are part of the show. Prototype platforms were tested last year, followed by additional testing at CLARK’s Louisville facility earlier this spring.
CLARK has long ties to Kentucky and Louisville. The family-owned business invented the modern forklift more than a century ago and will now give a lift to one of Louisville’s signature spring traditions.
“Thunder Over Louisville is one of Kentucky’s most iconic traditions and a celebration of the spirit of this community,” said Chuck Moratz, President and CEO, CLARK Material Handling Company. “With deep roots in Louisville and across the Commonwealth, CLARK is proud to help power the show—and give Thunder a lift—by providing the equipment used to launch the fireworks from the Second Street Bridge. It’s a unique opportunity for our team to play a central role in bringing this unforgettable event to life for our community.”
Thunder week, six lowboy trailers from Suburban Towing will transport 30 forklifts from CLARK’s 165,000 square foot Louisville facility to the 2nd Street Bridge. Each trailer will carry five forklifts, delivering roughly $1 million worth of equipment to the bridge. They will be positioned along the bridge in the traditional fireworks locations. Once in place, Kentucky Derby Festival partners including Millennium Events and C&H Audio Visual Services will install the fireworks platforms, and then Zambelli Fireworks crews will take it from there.
Now in its 37th production, Thunder Over Louisville is one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks shows and top air shows, generating an estimated $114 million in economic impact for the region. This year’s theme is “Thunder in the U.S.A.,” inspired by America’s approaching 250th anniversary.
Caesars Southern Indiana, Ford Motor Company, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS are Presenting Sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville. Military Zone Sponsor: KCS Foundation and Waterproofing. Official Healthcare Provider: UofL Health. Official Bourbon: Four Roses Bourbon. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel. Official Soccer Partner: Lynn Family Stadium. Supporting Sponsor: CLARK Material Handling Company. Official Broadcast Partners: WLKY, Q103.1 and MIX 106.9.
