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• Location:
  Kentucky Exposition Center


• Event Date:
  04/25/2009


• Time:
  7 AM (Hopefully!)


• Admission:
  2009 Pegasus Pin & $6 KEC Parking fee


• Sponsored By:
  U.S. Bank


• Contributing Sponsors:
  Arison Insurance Services, Inc.


• Media Partner:
  102.3 The Max

The U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race is one of Louisville's beloved family traditions.  In 2009, the Derby Festival will again feature both Friday and Saturday morning races.  The multi-race docket gives spectators young and old more chances to take in the exhilarating view of boundless colors and shapes.

Just 7 balloons flew in the inaugural race from Iroquois Park in 1973. A field of 48 balloons participated in the 2008 balloon events.

Due to rain and unfavorable wind conditions, the Friday morning U.S. Great Balloon Rush Hour Race was canceled.  

The Ford Motor Company, U.A.W. balloon, piloted by Ray Donner, was named Overall winner of the 2008 U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest based on a combination of point s from both Friday and Saturday's races.  Donner wins a complimentary entry for Ford Motor Company U.A.W in the 2009 U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great BalloonFest.