The kentu..... i mean Derby festival

The whole Derby Festival thing could be so perfectly managed that its mere presence cures cancer, feeds the poor, gives houses to the homeless, purifies toxic mine runoff, and generates enough alternative energy to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil but not even all of that could excuse the whole 'Super Festival Fan' mascot thing.

Maybe someone got the marketing plans for the Derby Festival and Kentucky Speedway's NASCAR weekend mixed up...

[Robin Garr]

Change the name, I don't care, I love what this organization does for our community every spring! Makes me very proud to be a resident here!

That was an excellent statement, Carolyne. I appreciate it, and you helped me rethink some attitudes. Good on ya.

More than just being entertaining, the Derby Festival generates in excess of $96.3 million annually for the local economy. Events on the Festival schedule also help to raise nearly $300,000 for area charities each year.

Carolyne, your whole post was great. I agree with much of what you said. I think a lot of folks forget about the economic impact the festival has on Louisville. I met a guy a couple of years back who was sent here to study the economic impact by a major city. He was completely blown away. He mentioned that a fest of this size and duration couldn't be reproduced anywhere else (and have the same revenues)due to all the unique aspects that come together here in Louisville.
That said,I do think this years theme is pretty goofy. I also complain every year about the music selections for the fireworks.

[Robin Garr]

... a fest of this size and duration couldn't be reproduced anywhere else (and have the same revenues) due to all the unique aspects that come together here in Louisville. ...

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, maybe, although I'm not sure what the long-term impact of Katrina has been.

Lullapalooza said it all. Brilliant marketing minds at work over there at the track.

Hey guys! Haven't had a chance to get on in a few days. Hope I didn't step on any toes, I am just so proud of Louisville and KDF (or, I guess DF now!) and the whole Derby party, our city in the limelight thing! LOL! Oh, BTW, I am having my 3rd annual Thunder Party again this year and everyone is invited. Details will be posted sometime in March! Love ya'll!

Awesome post Carolyn! I have several friends who DEDICATE THOUSANDS of hours to ensure excitement and fun during these month long events, and know several wonderful people who have volunteered their time too! Mr. Tom DeMuth is one of those CLASSICS who wore the BLAZERS with PRIDE-I love these people who truly CARE! Thanks for your volunteer work for all those years!! Being away from Louisville for over 20 years and living in LARGER markets-I am proud of our community and miss those who are gone-who GAVE SO MUCH for their Louisville LOVE of SPORTS, COMMUNITY, and COMMITMENT to life and keeping Tradition ALIVE!
Go BABY Go!