Pegasus Parade marches April 29
Now in its 55th year, the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on April 30 will dazzle Louisville with lively music, floats, balloons, dancers and more. It’s one of the largest parades in the United States.
This year’s parade’s theme is “Spring Fever Reliever,” the same theme as the overall Kentucky Derby Festival and one that celebrates the Festival’s annual role in entertaining Louisvillians who are restless for the return of warmer weather and a return to the outdoors.
“This year’s Republic Bank Pegasus Parade promises to be the signature event for remedying the Spring Fever blues that set in over the course of a long, harsh winter,” said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “We have some special things in store for the 2010 Pegasus Parade, and we’re looking forward to pulling out all the stops to make it one of the best parades ever.”
Actress Diane Lane, who was nominated for an Academy Award for the 2002 film Unfaithful, and Penny Chenery, owner of the legendary racehorse Secretariat, will serve as grand marshals for this year’s parade. Retired jockey Ron Turcotte, who rode Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, will also be honored.
The parade, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s founding and oldest event, debuted in 1956. It’s held annually on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, which falls on May 1 this year. Each year the parade is led by the inflatable winged horse character — “Absolutely Pegasus” — symbol of the entire Kentucky Derby Festival.
Boasting 100 units — including at least 13 floats — the procession traverses Broadway, Louisville’s main thoroughfare, beginning at Campbell Street and moving west to Ninth Street.
The Pegasus Parade has long deilghted spectators with its giant inflatable character balloons, including Muppet Kermit the Frog and, of course, "Absolutely Pegasus." The latter will be carefully escorted by employees of Republic Bank & Trust Co., which sponsors the parade. The Pegasus balloon requires more than 6,000 cubic feet of helium!
These larger-than-life inflatables will join some of the country’s best marching bands, clowns, dance troupes, several equestrian units — including the Budweiser Clydesdales team — and a collection of movie and television stars, music idols and other celebrities.
Last year, the parade continued despite 35-mile-per-hour winds.
Review stand seating costs $26. Tickets for bleacher seats cost $9, while chair seating costs $11. Viewing from anywhere else is free. Tickets are available at the Kentucky Derby Festival Office, 1001 S. Third St, or by calling (502) 584–FEST.
Parking can be difficult, so arrive early. There’s metered on-street parking and nearby public parking garages and pay lots.
You can preview the floats at the Republic Bank Derby Festival Parade Preview Party on April 27, two days before the parade, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, in South Wing C. A number of celebrities, inflatable character balloons and equestrian units will also be present. You'll need a 2010 Pegasus Pin, available for $4 to $5, to get in.
Posted by Ivonne Rovira
