Did you see and hear the wonder of the Thunder heard in Louisville last night? Thunder Over Louisville, the spectacular airshow and fireworks display that marks the official opening of the Derby Festival, will culminate in the 137^th running of the Kentucky Derby on May7^th. Held a week earlier than usual to avoid conflict with Easter weekend, the event is considered one of the top 100 events in North America, as well one of the top 5 air shows. With the Zambelli Fireworks Internationale group managing the show, the fireworks are always the latest and great in pyrotechnics display.

 The Greatest Fireworks On Earth – Thunder Over Louisville

The cold and chilly weather kept half the normal crowd of Louisville citizens away from watching the live celebration and enjoying the dayful of activities, much to the disappointment of vendors who traditionally bank on Thunder Day for high sales. Authorities urged onlookers to avoid flooded downtown roads and to stay off the river, traditionally a popular viewing point, but many watched from home on TV or from a new vantage point this year – the Spirit Room of Yum! Center. Some planes could not perform due to the wind and rain, but the firework show received rave reviews.

Thunder Day is only of the exciting ways to enjoy the upcoming Derby. Even if you don’t like to put your money on the line at the track, you can participate in the fun. Many organizations use this exciting time as ideal for fundraising with a variety of enjoyable events.

On April 20th, for example, 60 area restaurants, bars, and distilleries will offer samples of their finest cuisine to visitors to Dare to Care Taste of Derby Festival,the bigger fundraiser of the season. All proceeds support local food programs. Last year, the festival provided year-round food assistance for 200,000 Kentuckian residents; the $100,000 raised supported food pantries, warehouse, delivery trucks and programs, such as Kids Cafe, Backpack Buddy and Patrol Against Hunger. The event attracts a sell-out crowd for the samples, contests for the best Bloody Mary , and a silent auction for event tickets.

If you want to get in the Derby spirit and plan ahead for your Derby party, the Churchill Downs and event retailer MainGate have opened a temporary store at 320 W. Jefferson Street near the entrance of Fourth Street Live. You can buy your Derby Day hat there and stock up on mint julep glasses and other bar ware, party supplies, artwork, collectibles, caps, and t-shirts for the event.

Whether you enjoyed the wonder of the Thunder this past weekend, or whether you plan to catch some of the other events ahwd, Derby time make Louisville an exciting places to live. My team and I at Younger Group Real Estate can show you affordable homes within your budget in Butchertown, St. Matthews, The Highlands, and other great Louisville neighborhoods. We know Louisville!