The first Saturday in May has long been a highly anticipated date for horse racing enthusiasts and Louisville residents and businesses have taken these famous two minutes and turned them into a two-week extravaganza.

What the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) is to horse racing, Louisville’s Kentucky Derby Festival is to community celebrations. The festival is one of the premiere events of its kind in the world, bringing fun, excitement, international recognition, and a spirit that is unmatched anywhere.

The 2008 Festival officially kicked off on April 12 with Thunder Over Louisville, the nation’s largest annual fireworks display. Activities will continue over the following two weeks, growing in fervor as festival participants count down to Derby day. Further information can be found on the Kentucky Derby Festival’s website, www.kdf.org.

Pegasus Pin
The Pegasus Pin captures the heart and soul of the festival and is highly sought after as a collectible. The pins first made their appearance in 1973, when just over 10,000 were sold. The popularity has grown immeasurably since then and the pins are a common sight at the Kentucky Derby Festival, with sales accounting for 20% of the festival budget and nearly 350,000 sold each year. Additionally, they allow for free entry to two-thirds of the festival’s events. At the end of each festival that year’s design is retired, like an athlete’s jersey after their career is over.

Tuesday, April 29
American Founders Bank Derby Festival WineFest
Location: Kroger’s Kentucky Derby Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
Time: 5-9 p.m.; also on Wednesday, April 30
Tickets: $31 each

The American Founders Bank Derby Festival WineFest is the perfect opportunity to learn more about some of the nearly 50 wineries located in Kentucky and Indiana while sampling their delicious wine at a comfortable venue. Tickets include a complimentary wine class and event pin, in addition to the wine tasting. The 2008 WineFest will showcase some of the following wineries: Acers of Land Winery, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Equus Run Vineyards, Huber’s Orchard and  Winery, Indian Creek Winery, and Wildside Vines Vineyard.

Arison Derby Festival Run for the Rosé
Location: Kroger’s Kentucky Derby Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Admission: 2008 Pegasus Pin

The Derby Festival Run for the Rosé will be held the Great Lawn at Kroger’s Kentucky Derby Fest-a-Ville. Local servers compete for prizes and pride as they race around a challenging obstacle course while balancing six full glasses of wine. In 2008, 261 competitors participated, including 105 entrants from area restaurants and bars.

Ramble for the Roses
Location: Start at Iroquois Park Amphitheater
Time: 6 p.m.
Registration fee: $20 adults, $10 children 8 and under

Enjoy a relaxing, non-competitive five-mile walk through the spectacular scenery of Louisville’s South End. This event benefits the educational scholarships of the Holy Rosary Alumnae Association, DeSales High School, and Holy Cross High School. Afterward, enjoy an exciting mini-festival for the whole family, including booths, games, and a cookout.

AT&T Derby Festival Pro Beach Volleyball Exhibition
Location: Baxter Jack’s
Time: 6-11 p.m.
Admission: 2008 Pegasus Pin

Witness volleyball at its best with this showcase of today’s hottest professionals. In 2006, former University of Louisville basketball players Roger Burkman, Felton Spencer, Greg Deuser, and others along with former coach Denny Crum were invited to play with the pros.

Republic Bank Parade Preview
Location: Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing C
Time: Private group tours 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; open to the public 5-9 p.m.
Admission: 2008 Pegasus Pin
Fees: $5 KEC Parking Fee

Parade enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with the parade, sneaking a peak at each of the floats, inflatable character units, equestrian units, and marching bands that will be displayed on May 1. Also, children can get autographs and photos of the Derby Festival Queen and Court.

Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Derby Trainers Dinner
Location: Hyatt Regency
Time: Cocktails 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.
Tickets: $150 each

The KTOB Derby Trainers Dinner is a great chance to rub elbows with noted Thoroughbred trainers and other racing industry insiders. It is held each year on the Tuesday before the Kentucky Derby. Originally an event for industry insiders only, now the dinner is open to the general public, serving as a salute to those who have dedicated significant time and effort to the Thoroughbred industry. Video clips are shown as each Derby trainer approaches the stage for their interview, and an award is presented to the honored guest—the trainer of the previous year’s Kentucky Derby winner.

Wednesday, April 30
Battle of the Bounce
Location: Waterfront Park, Great Lawn
Time: Registration 11 a.m.; races begin at 12 p.m.
Admission: 2008 Pegasus Pin

The Battle of the Bounce is an event in which four-person teams race through a series of inflatable obstacles including bungee cords, bouncing horses, and the human hamster ball. Teams from Louisville and Southern Indiana gather dressed in wild and crazy costumes to compete. In 2007, 30 teams took the challenge with “You Wanna Pizza Me” from Boombozz Pizza coming out victorious with their record breaking time of 52.53 seconds. Retired Racing Hall of Fame Jockey and Honorary Chairman Pat Day will start the races.

Great Steamboat Race
Location: Ohio River
Time: 3:45-4:40 p.m. boarding; 4:45 p.m. departure; 5 p.m. race start
Tickets: Belle of Louisville $126; Belle of Cincinnati $45

One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s most popular events, the race pits the Belle of Cincinnati against the Belle of Louisville, with the Belle of Cincinnati serving as the judges’ ship. In 2007, controversy arose when the Belle of Louisville was named winner, despite the Delta Queen having crossed the finish line first. It was determined the Delta Queen cut off the Belle at the Big 4 Bridge, as well as carrying 500 fewer pounds. Last year’s win widened the Belle of Louisville’s lead in the annual race 22-19.

Thursday, May 1
Republic Bank Pegasus Parade
Location: West on Broadway from Campbell to 9th
Time: 5 p.m.
Tickets: Bleacher tickets $9; chair seating $11; review stand seating $26. Free viewing in all other areas along the route

The parade, first held in 1956, is the Derby Festival’s oldest and founding event.  In 2007, it attracted a crowd of approximately 150,000 to watch Mickey Mouse—as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice—serve as the Grand Marshal along side renowned magician and Louisville native Mac King—the parade’s “Grand Magician.” The parade consists of multiple floats, inflatable characters, equestrian units, and marching bands, and is consistently voted one of Louisville’s favorite events.

Children’s Youth Forum
Location: The Gardens of Louisville
Time: 10 a.m.

Sponsored by 100 Black Men of Louisville, a motivational speaker will stress the importance of education for young people, where more than 2,500 students will participate. “This is a great event that has long-term benefits to the community,” said Derby Festival Board Member Carolle Jones Clay. “The children really sit up and take notice of the speakers, and their message stays with them a long time.”

Celebrity Luncheon
Location: Churchill Downs 
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $91 each (limited availability)

The stars of the Pegasus Parade and other festival events along with Hollywood celebrities are on hand to make for an exciting and glamorous day at the races. Post time for the first race is 12:40 p.m. The luncheon originated in 1981 and was intended to be a thank-you for the many volunteers working on the Pegasus Parade and as a meet and greet with the parade grand marshal. But, as many of the parade volunteers were to busy with parade preparations, it has now evolved into a public event. Tickets include a gourmet buffet lunch.

The 100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Gala
Location: Cascade Ballroom, Kentucky International Convention Center
Time: Doors open 7 p.m.; Scholarship Awards Program 8 p.m.; dinner buffet 9-11 p.m.; entertainment 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Tickets: $150 each

Tickets include a full course meal and Derby Gala collectible souvenir. The 100 Black Men of Louisville organization awards scholarships to selected seventh-grade African-American males. In order to be eligible for selection, these youths must excel in school, stay off drugs, and act as a big brother. Some of the students are chosen to participate in national academic competitions, and 100 Black Men of Louisville pay for their travel expenses. Students from Louisville have taken top honors in these competitors for the past six years.

Friday, May 2
Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Present Derby Eve Jam
Location: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
Time: 9 p.m.
Admission: 2008 Pegasus Pin

After a hiatus of more than ten years, the Derby Eve Jam returns to the Kentucky Derby Festival featuring the B-52’s—the “World’s Greatest Party Band.” It will be held on the Great Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

Saturday, May 3
Louisville Urban League Guild Moonlight Cruise
Location: Belle of Louisville
Time: Boarding 8 p.m.; cruise 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50 each

Experience a big finish on Derby day with the Louisville Urban League Guild’s Moonlight Derby Cruise on the Belle of Louisville featuring live music, dancing, and delectable hors d’oeuvres. It is a smooth, soulful evening for a great cause, benefiting the Guild and the Louisville Urban League.