Kentucky Derby is here, and not just equestrian enthusiasts but commoners are also equally excited. Even though the final race will be held on 6th May this year, it will be preceded by 2-week long celebrations in the name of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The festival not only provides entertainment but also offers livelihood for the local community, as they set up fairs and food stalls during the festival.

Thunder Over Louisville is just a week away, and the vibes of the festival have already begun. The event is a celebration of fireworks which reflects its name. And vendors set up their stalls in one of the biggest fairs that see huge crowds during the festival. A Block Party at the west end was recently organized ahead of Kentucky Derby, giving a great push to the local community.

Block Party in the Russell neighborhood is a blessing for the local community

The block party kicked off in the Russell neighborhood in the west end. Kentucky Derby Festival, Churchill Downs, KDF, and Humana have associated to organize the festival for the second year in a row. The block party was a free event that took place at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Centre. The event featured minority-owned businesses.

“It is the first Kentucky Derby Festival sponsored event that is held in the west end that has that official Kentucky Derby Festival logo and we are so excited that they are coming into our community because our community really needs this,” said a vendor, Eric Denise to WDRD, holding her excitement.

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The block party had a lot to offer to visitors. It had live entertainment, vendor fairs, kids’ activities, a community village, minority-owned businesses, and a marketplace. Visitors had delicious cuisines from 20 local food trucks, music, and shopping in one place. Guests also got a complimentary health screening at Norton Healthcare. The party not just boosts revenues for the local community, but also allows it to display its talent.

The inception of the Kentucky Derby Festival 

Spring season is celebrated with commoners and horse racing enthusiasts celebrating the Kentucky Derby festival. The Derby Festival significantly contributes to the cultural, educational, economic, and aesthetic growth of the local community. Held at Louisville annually, the festival was first celebrated in 1935 but later discontinued after the 1937 floods. The festival was again brought into existence in 1956.

The festival includes Thunder Over Louisville, the Great Balloon Race, The Great Steamboat Race, the Pegasus Parade, Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Minimarathon, and Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic. As the celebrations begin for the two minutes in sport, let us gear up for some action on 6th May this year.

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