The History of the Kentucky Derby Festival

It's happened every year,since 1875 on the first Saturday in May, the run for the roses. The first of three races that make up what is known as the triple crown. The Kentucky Derby in Louisville,KY, the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, MD, And the Belmont Stakes in Elmont,NY.

The Kentucky Derby in Louisville at Churchill Downs is the race, but there is so much more that has become a part of tradition over the years. The Kentucky Derby Festival has so much to offer. For two weeks leading up to the derby, Louisville celebrates with a plethora of events that are so diverse that anyone can attend several of these events and have a great time. There are many of these events listed at "HTTP://www.kdf.org/events"

The Pegasus pin, available throughout the city will get you into a lot of events free, including the Chow Wagon. The Chow Wagon started in 1972, when Philip Morris brought its "Marlboro Chuck Wagon" mobile kitchen to downtown Louisville for a Derby breakfast. The Chow Wagons have become one of the most recognized and popular Derby Festival activities.

the Chow Wagon attracts thousands to celebrate the Kentucky Derby Festival with traditional foods and nightly entertainment.

There are several other events that are a part of the tradition including the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat race, Hot air balloon race, mini marathon, and wine fest, just to name a few. This is truly a celebration that you could never forget.

Don't forget the traditional drink, the Mint Julep, made with sugar, water, mint, crushed ice, and Kentucky bourbon. There is a new mint julep glass made for the Derby each year since 1944 that are highly collectible.

Each year, over 500,00 people turn out for the Derby Festival's Opening Ceremony, and what a ceremony it is. An all day event, With an air show, Sky diving show, and of course the nearly half hour long Fireworks show including the mile long waterfalls making the fireworks seem to rain down.