12/9/2015 – U.S. BANK AND DERBY FESTIVAL TAKE FLIGHT FOR THREE MORE YEARS

December 9, 2015 Louisville, KY. — U.S. Bank has renewed its title sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great BalloonFest for three more years.  The Great BalloonFest includes five hot-air balloon events over a three-day period in April.

“The U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest is a fun way for thousands of people to celebrate what is already a festive season here in Louisville,” said David Wombwell, U.S. Bank’s Louisville market president. “U.S. Bank has sponsored the Kentucky Derby Festival for two decades. We are proud to celebrate our 13th year as title sponsor of this beloved, family-friendly event, and to extend our sponsorship commitment for an additional three years.”

U.S. Bank has been the title sponsor of the BalloonFest since 2003 and will continue as title sponsor through 2019.  The 2016 ballooning events are set for April 28-30.

“The sky is the limit, literally, when you have the continued support of community-minded sponsors like U.S. Bank,” said Mike Berry, KDF President and CEO. “Their long-term commitment helps make the Great BalloonFest one of the most popular family events on our schedule.”

Since the first Great Balloon Race was held in 1973, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s balloon events rank among the best in the country by pilots from all around the world. The U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest attractions are annually among the most popular family-friendly events on the Derby Festival schedule, attracting thousands.

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

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