April 6, 2016. Louisville, KY. – Through a special second chance promotion sponsored by the Kentucky Lottery, Louisville resident Pat Kemper won the opportunity to be this year’s Festival Fanatic for the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival. As part of her big win, Kemper will serve as the Thundernator for the Derby Festival Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday, April 23. Kemper will provide the Thunder countdown and “zero” ignition to activate the Thunder launch system sequence in the Command Center at the Galt House Hotel. Additionally, Pat receives nine other Festival VIP experiences including a ride down Broadway in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, a hot air balloon ride, seats on Millionaires Row during Celebrity Day at the Downs, and $500 in spending money!
Over 7,000 fans entered the promotion which kicked off on February 15th. Players signed in or registered for a Fun Club Rewards account at www.kylottery.com. Once logged in, they were able to submit an eligible Lucky for Life ticket worth $2 or more for a chance to be named the 2016 Festival Fanatic.
This is a special win for Kemper, who’s never been to Thunder Over Louisville: “I’ve only ever watched Thunder Over Louisville on television, so making this my first trip down this year, as the Thundernator, will be extra special. I’ll never be able to beat it.”
Kemper won a V.I.P. Experience package that includes: an invitation to the Festival’s annual They’re Off! Luncheon on Friday, April 22; a Second Street Bridge and Command Center Tour also on Friday, April 22; Overnight accommodations for a family of 4 at the Galt House Thunder weekend; and a front row seat in the Command Center on Saturday, April 23, to flip the switch.
Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2016 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “No Strings Attached,” is set for Saturday, April 23, and will be the 27th annual production. The show is sponsored by Horseshoe Southern Indiana, KentuckyOne Health, LG&E, Meijer, UPS, and Valero.
