The Kentucky Derby is held every year on the first Saturday in May. But what many people do not realize is that the Derby is NOT a one day affair. For Louisville, Kentucky it is a two week celebration. It Starts with Thunder Over Louisville and ends with the Derby.

During the two weeks leading up to the Derby are numerous events held around town for the enjoyment of the Louisvillians. The most common event are:

Thunder Over Louisville .... An air show and fireworks display which is held on a Saturday, two weeks before the Derby. This event has become known around the world and featured on the Discovery Channel.

Fifth Third Bank Hole in One contest .... A golf competition to get a "Hole in One" and win $1 Million Dollars

Great Balloon Race .... Numerous Hot Air Balloons take off on the Saturday before the Derby. The night before the Balloon Race is the Balloon Glow, which is attended by thousands of people to see the Balloons glowing in the dark from their burners being fired up.

Derby Festival Mini Marathon ... Run through the streets of downtown Louisville

The Great Bed Races .... This use to be called "Bedlam in the Streets" .... Local corporations have their own teams which design a bed on wheels. One person has to sit in the bed and steer the contraption while four others push it around the track.

Great Steam Boat Race .... This is a race on the Ohio River between Paddle Wheelers ..The Belle of Louisville and Delta Queen and occasionally a third paddle wheeler. The winner gets the trophy "The Gilded Antlers" for bragging rights. This is held the Wednesday before Derby.

Run for the Rose' ... This is a relay contest for the various restaurants and bars to participate in. The "waiters/waitresses" have a tray with the same amount of liquid in four glasses. They then have to run an obstacle course and then measure how much liquid remains in the glasses. The winner is the one with the most liquid and fastest time.

The Derby Parade .... This is a big parade that goes down Broadway in downtown Louisville. This is the Thursday before Derby.

Oaks Day ... this is the Friday before the Derby and is the day that the locals generally go to Churchill Downs. The actual "Oaks Race' is a race of "fillies" (female horses). Most schools in Louisville are closed on this day in observance of Derby.

Derby Day ..... We should all know what this is.

Also during the week before Derby is the Chow Wagons which is where you can go and drink (and eat). They will have live bands playing every night. Years ago, they use to have multiple "Chow Wagons" spread out around town, but I don't believe they have as many any more.

Going to the Derby is a great experience, but I only went twice in the 36 years I lived in Louisville. It is more fun to go to a Derby Party and have front row seats to the TV where you can see the horses run. Many people who attend the Derby may never see a single horse race because of the crowd.

Sincerely,
Sean Allen
Lic. Mortgage Broker
International Financing Solutions
Skype: sean.allen5
http://www.internationalfinancingsolutions.com/

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