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Media
The Kentucky Derby Festival is proud to present Kentucky's largest annual event and one of the nation's finest celebrations. Each year, more than 1.5 million people enjoy the 70 special events of this annual civic celebration including concerts, races and just plain fun. A Derby Festival Media badge should allow easy access for coverage of most official Derby Festival events.
Below you will find information on press credentials, media guides, broadcast guidelines, special press areas and contact information.
We welcome your coverage of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Let us know how we can make your job easier. Please stay tuned to the Media Center for updates on all Derby Festival events.
Press Contacts:
Aimee Boyd
Vice President of Communications
502-584-3378 ext. 819
aboyd@kdf.org
Mark Shallcross
Communications Manager
502-584-3378 ext. 822
mshallcross@kdf.org
By Mail
Kentucky Derby Festival
1001 South Third Street
Louisville, KY 40203
Master Fact Sheet
Media Guide
To obtain a 2009 Derby Festival Media Guide, email aboyd@kdf.org. They are printed in March. The general 2008 Kentucky Derby Festival media guide is still available for reference. Media guides will also be distributed automatically with press credentials to all local assignment editors.
Download 2008 Media Guide
Media Access Guidelines
All media BE AWARE that some Derby Festival events require special media accommodations or restrictions. In addition, due to existing contractual agreements, there are restrictions on live broadcasts of some Festival events. For complete details, see Media Access Guidelines.
Mobile Media Center
The Mobile Media Center is a primary tool of the Festival's communications program.Loaded with press kits, communications staff and access to local TV, it’s the media hot spot at core Festival events such as Thunder Over Louisville and the Great Balloon Race.
Press Credentials
Requests for press credentials should be made by the News Assignment Editor or other Primary Contact. Press Credential requests can be made online through the "Request Press Credentials" link on this page: http://www.kdf.org/media/default.asp. Credentials will be assigned by April 1. Freelance journalists may be asked to submit a printed copy or tape of their most recent coverage.
Press Credential Distribution
Press credentials will be distributed the first of April. Local Media will receive press credentials through their News Assignment Editor. Regional or national media will receive press credentials directly from the Derby Festival.
Members of the media must wear their press credentials and carry valid photo identification when covering KDF events and for access to the Mobile Media Center.
Press Officer Access
Working media can locate members of the Derby Festival Press Staff at events by looking for the Mobile Media Center or contacting via cell phone (contact numbers will be listed on all credentials).
Updates
Press releases with up-to-date information on all events are posted regularly and daily during season (April) on www.kdf.org in the Media Center. You can visit the site or click here to register your email address to receive automatic email updates.
Winners
Information about the winners of Derby Festival events will be distributed to credentialed media, as soon as results are known. Complete results are also posted on www.kdf.org.
Location
Beginning with Derby Festival Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville, and continuing through the two weeks before the Kentucky Derby, the Derby Festival brings Metro Louisville to life. All of the Festival's 70 events are held within the Metro Louisville area, most of them downtown. For specific venue information visit the Festival Events listing.
Weather
Weather in the Ohio Valley can be unpredictable in the spring. It's always a factor with outdoor events. The Festival's main concern is safety in making decisions concerning cancellation or postponement of an event. News organizations will receive any cancellation notices immediately from the Derby Festival Press Office.
Graphic Standards
KDF logo (jpg)
KDF logo (eps)
KDF Graphic Standards
Download Event Photos
World of Fun logo (PDF)
World of Fun logo (jpg)
Special Note
Derby Festival credentials do not provide access to Churchill Downs. Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc. is a separate entity from the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, Inc. To request Churchill Downs press credentials, contact Media Services Manager, Churchill Downs, (502) 636-4460.
Derby Festival Schedule at a glance (All time EDT)*:
- April 11: Wazoo Sports Basketball Classic presented by papajohns.com
- April 16: Fifth Third Bank $1 Million Dollar Hole In One Contest Opens
- April 17: They're Off! Luncheon
- April 17: The Fillies Derby Ball
- April 18: Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville
- April 23: Kroger's Kentucky Derby Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront Opens
- April 23: Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park Opens
- April 23-25: U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest
- April 25: Marathon/miniMarathon
- April 27: Stock Yards Bank Great Bed Races
- April 28: Run for the Rose and Republic Bank Parade Preview
- April 28-29: American Founders Bank WineFest
- April 29: Great Steamboat Race
- April 30: Republic Bank Pegasus Parade
