Many Kentuckians look forward to the first Saturday in May each year for all of the festivities and excitement surrounding the Kentucky Derby. Of course last year, in 2020, the Derby did not happen in May and was postponed to early September with a very limited audience. We all know things are still different in 2021, but luckily there are many traditions that will return in some way this year. The Kentucky Derby Festival in 2021 will involve some in-person fun, a few surprises, a traveling parade, and many suggestions on how to bring the fun of the Derby into your own home.
The Kentucky Derby is off to the races again this May and many locals are looking forward to the festivities. While it’s not quite the same, the Kentucky Derby Festival leading up to the race is trying to make the best of the situation with a wide variety of ways to celebrate.
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Bourbon is always a big part of the Derby and this year Four Roses is the star of the show. You can find many “Rose Julep” recipes on the KDF website, as well as a cocktail contest.
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The Tour de Lou bike race and the marathon are both on, just in a virtual manner. If these are events you always look forward to, you are still able to participate in your own way.
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And those who collect the annual pins for the festival can add to their collection for 2021, a year that is sure to be memorable.
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Witnessing hot air balloons flying over the Louisville sky is a yearly sign that the Derby is almost here and you can look for them this year. Continue to check the KDF website and Facebook page for updated information on BalloonFest.
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One of the most favorite events of the entire weeks-long festival is the Pegasus Parade. For 2021, the parade will again take to the streets but this time it will travel over 60 miles on April 10th to dozens of neighborhoods around the city.
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And perhaps the most popular event within the festival is Thunder Over Louisville. As you can imagine, large crowds cannot gather at the river for the typical show, but the show will go on! Thunder will take place at 5 undisclosed locations around the city on April 17th. Be sure to set your eyes on the Louisville sky that evening as many residents will be able to see one of the shows.
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The Kentucky Derby Festival in 2021 may not be exactly as we remember, but we will be able to participate in some of our favorite features and watch “the fastest two minutes in sports” in the spring once again. Do you love all of the festivities around the Derby? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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For more information on the changes and what to expect with the Kentucky Derby Festival in 2021, check its website often and also follow along on Facebook.
And if you want to relive a previous Kentucky Derby, take a look at this video that shows when Secretariat won in 1973.
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Address: Louisville, KY, USA
