Ever since I was little, springtime in Louisville has always been my favorite time of year. It’s not because the trees are blooming or because the birds are chirping again. It’s because it’s derby time. Since I live in Bowling Green now, I’ll be making several trips home over the next few weeks so I don’t miss out. Of course I have to make it to Thunder Over Louisville and the Pegasus Parade. I’ve never been to the Derby itself, just the surrounding events, but everyone knows the actual Derby is for out-of-towners.

For the unfortunate few who have never made it to Thunder (including my fiancé and future in-laws), it’s hard to explain the magic if you’ve never experienced it. Imagine the fourth of July with your family times a billion. You and your 500,000 closest friends gather on the waterfront starting as early as you can get there. People are huddled in blankets or sunbath on them, depending on Louisville’s fickle weather. The air show takes up most of the afternoon with over 100 planes, including skydiving and stunts. Then it’s show time. The largest fireworks show in North America has never disappointed me. From the time I rode around on my dad’s shoulders to see above the crowd to last year when I was finally old enough to have a beer at the Chow Wagon, Thunder has always shook me- literally.

If you don’t have any plans for April 18, come kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival with me!

Check out this link if you're new to Thunder and want some more info:

http://www.thunderoverlouisville.org/index.html