The historic flooding as a result of this week’s rain has caused the Kentucky Derby Festival to make the hard choice to cancel the biggest fireworks event of the year in Louisville. The show was scheduled for Saturday, April 12.
“This weather event and flooding is like nothing we’ve faced before – especially this close to Thunder,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO in a statement. “While we’d love to bring everyone together on Saturday to watch one of the best air shows and fireworks shows in the country – we know it’s not logistically possible and would not be safe to do so.”
Because the event requires logistical cooperation with local, state, and federal entities, it cannot be rescheduled for a later date this Derby season.
The Ohio River is expected to crest above flood stage by mid-week, which would put Waterfront Park underwater and not allow enough time for the water to recede and clean up to occur. This is only the second time that Thunder has been cancelled. The first was in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“I want to emphasize, the Kentucky Derby Festival is not cancelled. We still have a full schedule of more than 70 events planned leading up to the first Saturday in May, including Friday’s They’re Off! Luncheon. Our mission is to bring the community together in celebration, and that is still our plan.”
Information on purchased tickets for Thunder’s VIP rooftop will be coming soon.
