 |
 |
 |
 |
Picking Derby Winners for Your Family & we’re not talking about
horses!
By Leslea M. Harmon
Got little ones? Fear not; you’ve got more options than ever
to enjoy Derby celebrations this year: from soap box races
to old stand-bys like the parade, plenty of family-friendly events are coming up.
SOAP BOX DERBY
The newest family event to hit the area is the Louisville Soap Box Derby. Louisville’s
already home to some veteran champs: second generation drivers and world rally
vets. Now our community has started a youth program of its own. No longer just for
boys, “at least half the participants are girls, and my wife was instrumental to planning
this event. It’s a whole family event, and once you participate, it becomes a part of
you,” says event spokesperson Chris Eaton.
Everyone ages 8-17 can get in on the fun, and parents are strongly encouraged to
participate in building the cars. Don’t despair if your children are too young to race;
they can still enjoy seeing the cars “pit” in the Blue Lot next to Slugger Field at the
Soap Box Derby Rally on April 27 and then enjoy the race along Preston Street. You
might be inspired to enter future Soap Box Derbys! Check louisvillesoapboxderby.com
for a complete schedule, rules, and frequently asked questions.
POW WOW
Does your child like to dance? The Kentucky American Indian Resource and
Community Center will be hosting its second annual Pow Wow on the river, east of the
Great Lawn, on April 25-27. There will be “social dance” opportunities when spectators
are welcome to join in, plentiful eye candy in the form of elaborate costumes, and arts
and crafts. If your kid has ever banged a drum or danced to a song on the TV or
radio, the Pow Wow would be a great place to set his or her inner dancer free.
Organizer Cindy Isbell advises first-time visitors to the Pow Wow to attend the Grand
Entry (Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.), when dancers from
more than 40 Native American tribes compete for cash prizes for best in class. A
master of ceremonies announces all events, so everyone can keep up with what’s
happening at the Pow Wow. Though an Elders Tent is provided for the comfort of the
aged, Isbell encourages families to consider bringing a pop-up tent or umbrellas, just
in case the weather turns fickle. Admission is $5/adult,
$3/students and senior citizens. Children six and under and active military enter free.
BALLOON STUFF
Is there anything more magical than a sky full of balloons lifting gracefully from the
earth to the sky? For decades the Great Balloon Race has been a fixture on the
Derby Festival calendar. Now families have four more chances to enjoy the awesome
colors and fanciful shapes of hot air balloons. US Bank is sponsoring The Great
Balloon Tour, The Balloon Glimmer, the Rush Hour Race, The Glow, and the Great
Balloon Race.
Thursday, April 24, at the Green Tree Mall in Clarksville, Ind. The Great Balloon Tour
showcases a dozen tethered balloons, assorted activities and music tents. Mascots
and prize giveaways add to what will surely be the most happening thing on Lewis and
Clark Parkway that night. The Tour runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. On the Kentucky side of
the river, the Balloon Glimmer will fire up the Waterfront at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, April 25 at 7 a.m., the Rush Hour Race will take off from the Kentucky
Exposition Center. That evening at 9 p.m., the Glow will light up the night, with balloons
lit up to showcase an overwhelming display of color and fire that truly must be seen to
be believed. It’s a great chance to meet the balloon crews, as well. On Saturday
morning at about 7 a.m., the full Great Balloon Race will take off. Admission for each is
$5 for fairgrounds parking, plus your Derby festival pin. All balloon events are pending
fair weather.
PEGASUS PARADE
This year’s Pegasus Parade features an International Theme and welcomes Kermit
the Frog, a full-sized tethered balloon. The Chinese Dragon is sure to have your kids
talking all the way home.
Log onto the Kentucky Derby Festival’s website at kdf.org to find the parade route,
parking options, photos of past parades, and even entry information, if you’re inclined
to be a part of the action. Bleacher tickets are $9 and chair seating is $11. Also,
PEGASUS PARADE FLOAT PREVIEW — If your little ones are too antsy to stand still
as an entire parade marches by, bring them to the Pegasus Parade Float Preview at
the Kentucky Exposition Center. You and your little ones can enjoy the floats as well
as giant inflatable character units, horses, and bands at your own pace. The Preview,
co-sponsored by Today’s Family magazine, is from 5-9 p.m. on April 29. Admission is
your Festival pin, plus $5 for parking.
THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE
If Wednesday, April 30 is a beautiful day, call off work early and take the family for a
riverfront picnic while the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen duke it out. Last year’
s controversial award of the Golden Antlers to our Belle make this year’s race a
grudge match. The fun of the Great Steamboat Race has always been the opportunity
to socialize with family and friends, watch the water, and spend time together. We don’t
see steamboats race every day, and your kids probably will think it’s neat. It’s even
neater to have a great excuse to head out to a family picnic.
With so many interesting events added to the Derby calendar this year, there’s always
something going on. Don’t forget Thunder Over Louisville, the Bed Races, and
thoroughbred racing at Churchill Downs. Visit www.kdf.org for the official calendar of
events and additional contact information.
Leslea M. Harmon is a freelance writer. She may be reached at Leslea.harmon@gmail.
com, or online at lmharmon.com.
horses!
By Leslea M. Harmon
Got little ones? Fear not; you’ve got more options than ever
to enjoy Derby celebrations this year: from soap box races
to old stand-bys like the parade, plenty of family-friendly events are coming up.
SOAP BOX DERBY
The newest family event to hit the area is the Louisville Soap Box Derby. Louisville’s
already home to some veteran champs: second generation drivers and world rally
vets. Now our community has started a youth program of its own. No longer just for
boys, “at least half the participants are girls, and my wife was instrumental to planning
this event. It’s a whole family event, and once you participate, it becomes a part of
you,” says event spokesperson Chris Eaton.
Everyone ages 8-17 can get in on the fun, and parents are strongly encouraged to
participate in building the cars. Don’t despair if your children are too young to race;
they can still enjoy seeing the cars “pit” in the Blue Lot next to Slugger Field at the
Soap Box Derby Rally on April 27 and then enjoy the race along Preston Street. You
might be inspired to enter future Soap Box Derbys! Check louisvillesoapboxderby.com
for a complete schedule, rules, and frequently asked questions.
POW WOW
Does your child like to dance? The Kentucky American Indian Resource and
Community Center will be hosting its second annual Pow Wow on the river, east of the
Great Lawn, on April 25-27. There will be “social dance” opportunities when spectators
are welcome to join in, plentiful eye candy in the form of elaborate costumes, and arts
and crafts. If your kid has ever banged a drum or danced to a song on the TV or
radio, the Pow Wow would be a great place to set his or her inner dancer free.
Organizer Cindy Isbell advises first-time visitors to the Pow Wow to attend the Grand
Entry (Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.), when dancers from
more than 40 Native American tribes compete for cash prizes for best in class. A
master of ceremonies announces all events, so everyone can keep up with what’s
happening at the Pow Wow. Though an Elders Tent is provided for the comfort of the
aged, Isbell encourages families to consider bringing a pop-up tent or umbrellas, just
in case the weather turns fickle. Admission is $5/adult,
$3/students and senior citizens. Children six and under and active military enter free.
BALLOON STUFF
Is there anything more magical than a sky full of balloons lifting gracefully from the
earth to the sky? For decades the Great Balloon Race has been a fixture on the
Derby Festival calendar. Now families have four more chances to enjoy the awesome
colors and fanciful shapes of hot air balloons. US Bank is sponsoring The Great
Balloon Tour, The Balloon Glimmer, the Rush Hour Race, The Glow, and the Great
Balloon Race.
Thursday, April 24, at the Green Tree Mall in Clarksville, Ind. The Great Balloon Tour
showcases a dozen tethered balloons, assorted activities and music tents. Mascots
and prize giveaways add to what will surely be the most happening thing on Lewis and
Clark Parkway that night. The Tour runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. On the Kentucky side of
the river, the Balloon Glimmer will fire up the Waterfront at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, April 25 at 7 a.m., the Rush Hour Race will take off from the Kentucky
Exposition Center. That evening at 9 p.m., the Glow will light up the night, with balloons
lit up to showcase an overwhelming display of color and fire that truly must be seen to
be believed. It’s a great chance to meet the balloon crews, as well. On Saturday
morning at about 7 a.m., the full Great Balloon Race will take off. Admission for each is
$5 for fairgrounds parking, plus your Derby festival pin. All balloon events are pending
fair weather.
PEGASUS PARADE
This year’s Pegasus Parade features an International Theme and welcomes Kermit
the Frog, a full-sized tethered balloon. The Chinese Dragon is sure to have your kids
talking all the way home.
Log onto the Kentucky Derby Festival’s website at kdf.org to find the parade route,
parking options, photos of past parades, and even entry information, if you’re inclined
to be a part of the action. Bleacher tickets are $9 and chair seating is $11. Also,
PEGASUS PARADE FLOAT PREVIEW — If your little ones are too antsy to stand still
as an entire parade marches by, bring them to the Pegasus Parade Float Preview at
the Kentucky Exposition Center. You and your little ones can enjoy the floats as well
as giant inflatable character units, horses, and bands at your own pace. The Preview,
co-sponsored by Today’s Family magazine, is from 5-9 p.m. on April 29. Admission is
your Festival pin, plus $5 for parking.
THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE
If Wednesday, April 30 is a beautiful day, call off work early and take the family for a
riverfront picnic while the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen duke it out. Last year’
s controversial award of the Golden Antlers to our Belle make this year’s race a
grudge match. The fun of the Great Steamboat Race has always been the opportunity
to socialize with family and friends, watch the water, and spend time together. We don’t
see steamboats race every day, and your kids probably will think it’s neat. It’s even
neater to have a great excuse to head out to a family picnic.
With so many interesting events added to the Derby calendar this year, there’s always
something going on. Don’t forget Thunder Over Louisville, the Bed Races, and
thoroughbred racing at Churchill Downs. Visit www.kdf.org for the official calendar of
events and additional contact information.
Leslea M. Harmon is a freelance writer. She may be reached at Leslea.harmon@gmail.
com, or online at lmharmon.com.
