GOLFERS SWING FOR $1 MILLION AT HOLE-IN-ONE FINALS ON TUESDAY

April 29, 2019. Louisville, KY. – 56 golfers will take a swing at $1 million in tomorrow’s Finals for the Stock Yards Bank Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest. The Finals begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at Seneca Golf Course, Hole #8.

 

Each Finalist gets one shot at the green, set up 150 yards away (135 yards for women finalists). If no finalist hits a hole in one, the participant hitting the ball closest to the pin will win $5,000. The Finals competition is exciting and free for spectators.

 

In 2019, Jessica Grainger of Louisville became the first female to ever get closest to winning the golf contest. She came closest to the pin, hitting her tee shot 9 feet 2 ¼ inches from the cup. Grainger won the $5,000 first prize.  There has been no million-dollar winner in the event’s 29-year history.

 

The 56 positions in the Finals, include all daily hole-in-one qualifiers and four female qualifiers from Ladies’ Day, plus two qualifiers under the age of 18 from Junior Day advance as well. The remaining Finalist positions were determined at Sunday’s Semi-Finals.

 

Stock Yards Bank is the title sponsor of the event. Contributing Sponsor is Louisville Parks & Recreation, joining Media Sponsors WLKY TV, 840WHAS and Insider Louisville.

 

Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

DERBY FESTIVAL WINEFEST UNCORKS TOMORROW ON THE BELVEDERE

April 29, 2019– LOUISVILLE, KY   –Over a dozen wineries from Kentucky and Indiana will be showcased at this year’s Kentucky Proud WineFest. The event returns to the Belvedere for its 15thyear on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wine lovers will have two days worth of sampling opportunities with over 60 wine options to choose from. The event is open from 5-9 p.m. on both April 30thand May 1stthis week.

 

“The Kentucky Proud WineFest in Louisville is a great opportunity to showcase many of Kentucky’s farm wineries and vineyards from across the state,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “Kentucky wines are consistently recognized for their quality. As the world’s eyes turn to Louisville for the fastest two minutes in sports, I hope Derby-goers will take some time to appreciate the wines that are being produced in our region.”

 

Cooking demonstrations will be featured during the sampling event. There will also be a Kentucky Proud Market featuring only Kentucky Proud products for sampling and purchase. Old 502 Winery, KDF’s Official Wine Partner, will have demonstrations on pairing certain foods with individual wines.  Wine 101 educational classes will be offered at various times throughout the event. And the VIP area will feature sampling of dishes from local restaurants.

 

Limited tickets are still available for both Tuesday and Wednesday’s WineFest. Tickets: $10 Designated Driver and $50 General Admission. Tickets available by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at KDF.org.

 

A WineFest Program, featuring information on the participating wineries, will be distributed to patrons. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase from the featured wineries. A complete list of the participating wineries can be found online at KDF.org.

 

Kentucky Proud is sponsoring this year’s 15th annual WineFest, joining Contributing Sponsors Commonwealth Credit Union and Episcopal Church Home.  Media Sponsors are Today’s Woman and 106.9 PLAY. Supporting Partners are Kentucky State University Land Grant Program and Kentucky Winery Association.

BED RACING RETURNS TO BROADBENT ARENA ON MONDAY

April 28, 2019. Louisville, KY. –  Beds aren’t for sleeping during Derby Week, they’re for racing! On Monday, April 29, beds on wheels will hit the racetrack in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Bed Races. 40 teams are expected to participate in the zany race around a figure-eight course at Broadbent Arena.

 

The theme of the 30th annual event is “Pegasus Power,” and to match the theme, competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes based on their favorite super heroes.

 

The dormitory area will be staged outside Broadbent Arena. Bed racing fans are invited to come out early at 4 p.m. and join the tailgate party. The participating teams will have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and bed in a pre-race parade around the racing surface, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The first heat begins at 7 p.m.  Admission is a 2019 Pegasus Pin.

 

The races feature two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division. Teams also compete for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations.  Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.” Winners will also be invited to appear in the Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 2.

 

Contributing Sponsors of the Great Bed Races are Drexel Metals, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369, Safelite AutoGlass and Zaxby’s, along with Official Furniture Partner Ashley Home Store and Media Sponsors 107.7 The Eagle.  Broadcast special on WAVE 3 NEWS.

 

About Kentucky Derby Festival: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL MONDAY

April 28, 2019. Louisville, KY.This is the schedule for MONDAY’S Festival activities.

 

Practice Run for the Belle:

 

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL STEAMBOAT RACE TRIAL PRESENTED BY TRILOGY HEALTH SERVICES. 2 PM Boarding. 3 PM – 5 PM Cruise. Brunch cruise on the Belle of Louisville, as the boat makes a practice run in preparation for the Great Steamboat Race. Tickets include food and live entertainment. Tickets $45 (limited availability).  Tickets available by calling (502) 584-FEST or online at KDF.org. Sponsor: Trilogy Health Services. Media Sponsors: 100.1/103.5 WAKY and Today’s Media.

 

Bed Racing:

 

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL GREAT BED RACES. 6 PM Parade of Beds. 7 PM Racing. Broadbent Arena.  Admission is free with a 2019 Pegasus Pin®.  $10 KEC Parking fee.  $150 entry fee for team of 5. Contributing Sponsors: Drexel Metals, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369, Safelite AutoGlass and Zaxby’s. Official Furniture Partner: Ashley Home Store. Media Sponsor: 107.7 The Eagle.  Broadcast special on WAVE 3 NEWS.

 

Pet Friendly Happy Hour:

 

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVALHAPPYTAIL HOUR.  5 PM – 9 PM.  Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, RAM Truck Field (Great Lawn).  A pet-friendly (leashes please!) social event. Admission is free with a 2019 Pegasus Pin®. Coordinated by Metro Animal Services. (FOOD AND DRINK ARE NOT PERMITTED.)

 

The fun continues at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon:

 

KROGER’S FEST-A-VILLE ON THE WATERFRONTSM.Open Daily 11 AM – 11 PM. Waterfront Park.  ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE featuring concerts with national talent, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides, the Budweiser Beer Garden, and more at RAM Truck Field. Admission is free with a 2019 Pegasus Pin®.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED).  Sponsor:  Kroger. Media Sponsor: The Courier-Journal.

 

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL CHOW WAGON®Open Daily 11 AM – 11 PM. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Outdoor food & live music venue. Sponsors: Kroger and Miller Lite.  Featuring the Miller Lite Music Stage. Happy Hour Weekdays 4-6 PM, $2 beer. Admission is free with a 2019 Pegasus Pin®.  (FOOD, DRINK AND PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED).

 

Charity Dinner:

 

KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHARITY DINNER. 5:30 PM Social Hour. 6:45 PM Opening Ceremonies. 7 PM dinner. Galt House Archibald Cochran Ballroom. Dinner tickets $50. Coordinated by the Bishop Spalding Council of the Knights of Columbus. For tickets call (502) 893-2220.

4/22/19- TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER FOR DERBY FESTIVAL ROAD RACES REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 23

April 22, 2019. Louisville, KY.– If you plan to run the Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon or Marathon, but haven’t registered yet, your time is running out! Registration for the road races closes at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. There will be no late registration.The registration fees are $95 for the miniMarathon and $105 for the Marathon. Runners can register online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.

 

“The miniMarathon and Marathon mark the largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky,” said Shanna Ward, Race Director. “We close registration several days prior to the event to ensure we have the infrastructure and amenities in place to support all the runners.”

 

2019 is 46th year for the miniMarathon and 18th year for the marathon. The races on Saturday, April 27, will start simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. at Main and Brook streets and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets, just outside the entrance to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

 

The course showcases the unique architecture on Main Street, including the Museum Row attractions. Runners in both races will again run a lap inside the infield at Churchill Downs racetrack, and pass by Central Park and the St. James Court neighborhood. Marathon runners pass through the Marathon Gateway at the race split after Churchill Downs.

 

Preparations for the largest day of road racing in Kentucky begin today and continue through the week.

 

Monday, April 22:

  • 3 PM – 5 PM: Volunteers will gather at The Brown School (546 South First Street, 2ndFloor cafeteria) to label the bibs for all the runners participating in this year’s mini and marathon.

 

Wednesday, April 24:

  • 2 – 5 PM: Over 100 vendors begin their load-in at the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall B.

 

Thursday, April 25:

  • 9 AM – 3 PM: Vendors continue load-in at the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall B.
  • 4 PM – 8 PM: Race Expo and Packet Pick-up opens at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall B.

 

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Page 2

Race Week Advisory

 

 

Friday, April 26:

  • 9 AM: Finish Line Set-up begins at Preston & Witherspoon Streets and will continue throughout the day.
  • 11AM – 9 PM: Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall B.

 

Saturday, April 27:

  • 7:25 AM:Wheelchair Division starts on Main Street at Brook Street.
  • 7:30 AM:Both races start on Main Street at Brook Street.
  • 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: First finishers of Wheelchair Division and miniMarathoners expected to cross finish line.
  • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: First finishers of Marathon Division expected to cross finish line.

 

Humana is Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. The Official Race Medical Provider & Training Partner is Norton Sports Health. Official IT Partner: Deloitte. Contributing Sponsors are Churchill Downs, Dean’s Milk, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, and The Courier-Journal. Official Finish Line Nutrition: Meijer. Official Bourbon: Jim Beam®. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Pace Team: Dick’s Sporting Goods. Official Pace Car: Bachman Subaru. Official Beer: Goodwood Brewing.

 

The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation.  It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

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