Zoeller® Pump Company Touring Parade

Local parks will be highlighted as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 4th annual Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade on Saturday, April 6. The traveling display with nearly 20 units helps kick off the Festival’s month-long April celebration. This year’s “mini” parade route features loops through local parks including Chickasaw Park, Shawnee Park, Waterfront Park, and Iroquois Park.

“We’re shifting gears for this year’s Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade into local parks so we can be accessible to fans without tying up traffic,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO.

The Festival invites residents to stop at the parks as the parade travels through the community. Fans can share photos of the Zoeller Pump Company Touring Parade on social media using the hashtag #KyDerbyFestival as part of this year’s festivities.

Touring Parade Timing

This year’s Touring Parade will travel through some new areas in the South and Southwest areas of Jefferson County, as well as Downtown. It’s set for Saturday, April 6, from Noon to 4 p.m. (rain or shine).

Below are some of the parks and areas where the parade will travel.

  • Noon: Leaves Zoeller Pump Company
  • Between Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Chickasaw Park, Shawnee Park, Broadway, Waterfront Park, Main and Market
  • Between 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Shelby Park, Southern Parkway, Iroquois Park
  • Between 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.:Touring Parade Stops in Iroquois Park
  • Between 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Auburndale and Pleasure Ridge Park

The timing of the parade and final route will be pending traffic and logistics as it moves through the community. It will be traveling at about 15 mph to give residents a chance to see it.

The April 6 Touring Parade will feature:

6 Inflatable balloon characters: Zoeller Pump Company (Goldie Pegasus), UofL Health (Cardinal Bird), Waystar, Da’Ville Dog, Festival Frog, Electric Elephant

Festival VIPs: 2024 Derby Festival Board Chair, Erin Rasinen and the 2024 Royal Court

Specialty Units: Kosair Shriner’s Calliope, TARC Design-A-Bus showcasing local student artwork, on route music provided by Zoeller Pump Company, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Rumpke “Pup” Truck

Pegasus Parade Returns on Broadway!

The traditional Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade returns on a Sunday for the second year to help kick off Derby Week. It steps off at 3 p.m. on Broadway on Sunday, April 28. This year’s theme is celebrating “Derby Traditions” and will feature nearly 100 units, including inflatables, floats, marching bands and equestrians.

CLICK HERE for more details on the Pegasus Parade.