September 30, 2016 Louisville, KY. – Louisville’s own Linkin’ Bridge, finalist on season 11 of America’s Got Talent, will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of the 2017 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade.  The 62nd annual parade is set to march down Broadway on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

“Over the years, the parade has featured a who’s who list of celebrities and hometown favorites. Linkin’ Bridge is both,” said Mike Berry, KDF President and CEO. “We’re honored to have them participate and showcase their talents on Broadway in May.”

Linkin’ Bridge, with Louisville natives Shon ‘China’ Lacy, Montre Davis, Ekoe Alexanda and Big Rome Kimbrough, sung their way into the hearts of millions of fans while performing on America’s Got Talent.  While on the show, they performed “Free Bird,” Always on my Mind,” “Over the Rainbow,” “7 Years,” and “See You Again.”

The Republic Bank Pegasus Parade – the Derby Festival’s oldest founding event – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Kentucky Derby Festival in the spring and provides an estimated economic impact of more than $22 million. The annual spectacle marches west on Broadway from Campbell to Ninth Street and will feature approximately 100 units. The parade is broadcast live on WAVE 3 News.

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.