Aircraft are in the air for the 2016 Thunder Over Louisville airshow and fireworks display. This kicks off the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival. Our 2016 adventure is well into preparation. As we sit here live-streaming Thunder from WDRB, we are finalizing the events we plan to do this year.
We will head towards Louisville on Friday 4/29. Skyline Chili is on the menu for that night then we will head out to the Great Balloon Glow, though changing things up to go see Easton Corbin’s concert is a possibility.
Saturday morning will arrive well before the sun comes up as we head out for the Great Balloon Race at Bowman Field. We love to be there for the inflating of the balloons and the takeoff. Then it’s hop in the car and give chase to try and find a landing spot for one or some of the balloons. Interacting with the crews adds to the fun of this event.
Later in the day it’s off to Churchill Downs for the season opening Downs after Dark for an evening of horse racing. Sunday is family day. You can’t return home and not have family time.
Monday has what could be one of the most unique racing events: The Great Bed Races. The combination parade and sporting event wrapped around people pushing beds around an orange pylon filled figure-8 course.
Tuesday is a light day. An early morning trip to Churchill Downs to watch the Derby and Oaks contenders train at Dawn at the Downs. You can pay for a breakfast buffet on Millionaires Row if you wish or just be up close to these star athletes as they work out. We have plans to visit all three days of Dawn at the Downs.
Wednesday’s grand event is the slowest race you will ever participate in: The Great Steamboat Race. We will be aboard the Belle of Louisville again as she challenges the Belle of Cincinnati in a hijinx filled party crusin’ up and down the Ohio River.
Last year on Thursday we checked out the Pegasus Parade, an impressive parade of bands, floats, inflatables, and so on. However this year we have plans to go to Thurby at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Oaks used to be the “locals Derby”, it has grown to be a national event like the Kentucky Derby. Now Thursday has become the day for the locals. Tag team that with Dawn at the Downs and a full day of fun is waiting.
On Friday, instead of going to the Kentucky Oaks, we are going to drive a little south of Louisville to Elizabethtown, home of “My Old Kentucky Home“. We want to add other iconic Kentucky sites to our adventure. Finally on Saturday, it’s Derby Day. An all day party of horse racing with 175,000 friends and, with a little luck, an amazing photo opportunity.
Our trip will conclude with the drive back home on Sunday. It’s an exciting time for our annual pilgrimage home. If you’re from Kentucky or if you’re interested in horses, or even if you’re just looking for a good adventure, you should consider attending.