February 26, 2018. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival is rescheduling its first event of 2018 due to flood waters. The event – Festival Unveiled Presented by Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses – will now be held on Thursday, March 15th at the Mellwood Arts Center. It was originally scheduled for this Thursday, March 1st. Because of the flooding, accessibility to the venue has become a challenge with portions of both Mellwood Avenue and Zorn Avenue closed. The Center’s lower parking lot is also under water.
“We want to give the flood waters plenty of time to recede,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “We’re notifying all ticket holders so they can adjust their plans and join us for a great event in two weeks.”
“Festival Unveiled” is already sold out, with around 800 guests expected to attend. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets, as they will need them on March 15th. Those with questions can contact the Derby Festival directly at (502) 584-FEST.
“Festival Unveiled” will showcase several elements of the upcoming Festival, including the 2018 Official Poster and Merchandise line. Plus, the 2018 Poster Artists – Jeaneen Barnhart and Doreen Barnhart DeHart – will be on hand to sign copies of their image. Four Roses annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest is held in conjunction with Festival Unveiled. There is also an opportunity to bid on a silent auction of framed posters.
The event – now scheduled for March 15th – begins at 5 p.m., featuring cocktails and dinner, sweets from Kern’s Kitchen® and Cellar Door Chocolates and wine from Old 502 Winery.
Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses are Presenting Sponsors of the event. Ladyfingers Catering is a Contributing Sponsor. Media Sponsors are LEO Weekly and 106.9 PLAY.
The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two- week period and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
