Gallopalooza 2009

Galla-pa what? I keep forgetting not everyone is from Louisville and familiar with all the non-race events and activities associated with the Kentucky Derby. If you’ve driven around town in Louisville, you may have noticed that there are brightly painted horses around in front of local businesses. Each horse is unique and each has a story behind it. These horses make up Gallopalooza.
Gallopalooza started in 2004 to inspire civic pride and showcase local artists. Did I mention they also raise over $740,000 dollars for charities? Here’s how the process works: artists submit designs, business sponsor them, the artists create the horses, the horses are judged and the artists win money, then the horses are auctioned off.
The 2009 horses were on display at Churchill Downs (where the derby is held) from April 9-11. Next time you’re in Louisville, look out for the Gallopalooza horses!
Want more info? Check out their website http://www.gallopalooza.com/ or the awsome photo gallery from the event can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gallopalooza/