Without Thunder, Fest-a-Ville marks official kickoff of Kentucky Derby season
With Thunder Over Louisville canceled because of the recent flooding, Fest-a-Ville marks the official kickoff to the 151st Kentucky Derby.
With the cut of a ribbon, Fest-a-Ville is back for its 19th year, welcoming eager locals to the waterfront.
As usual, it features rides, games, musical acts and tons of food from the Chow Wagon.
"I've had a funnel cake, a polish sausage," Tara Bethel said.
Chow Wagon vendors noted a slow start to the first day.
"Friday, Saturday, Sunday gonna be the busiest days so I'm just taking it easy right now," Dwayne Whyte, owner of Jamaican Yard Vibes, said.
Jamaican Yard Vibes from Owensboro is new to this event, while regular staples are back, looking to make up for the Thunder Over Louisville loss in sales.
"Couldn't work Thunder, so that set him back a little bit financially," Janice Baird with Ginger's Lemonade said.
Just over a week ago, the area was underwater.
"We are cleaner than ever, and we had a historic speed and cleaning up from a historic flood," Mayor Craig Greenberg said.
Still, part of the Great Lawn closest to the Ohio River is off-limits this year, and remnants of debris are scattered throughout the festival.
"They can only do so much in so little time. It was really bad," Baird said.
But the show must go on, with events like the Louisville Turner Circus, a motorcycle night, Ohio Valley wrestling events, and the Namaste on the Waterfront Yoga Event.
Don't forget to bring your Pegasus Pin. That is your ticket to both Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon.
If you don't have one yet, they sell them at the entrance.