LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival(KDF) is taking a cue from The Who and their song "Going Mobile."

KDF announced Tuesday the annual Pegasus Parade won't be touring down Broadway this year, instead, it will be going into neighborhoods around the community.  KDF announced the change from the Zoeller Pump Company, the new title sponsor of the Parade. 

“This is just one of the ways the Derby Festival is working to bring our events to the community,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO in a statement. He added, “With the help of our sponsors, this year’s parade will be a ‘touring’ event that will help us kick off the 2021 Festival.” 

 The Zoeller Pump Company Touring Pegasus Parade will take place during the afternoon on Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11. The 2021 parade, themed “A Tribute to the Community,” will feature nearly 20 units, including some colorful inflatables, mascots, and Festival VIPS, like the 2021 Royal Court. KDF says the parade will travel over 60 miles and through more than 35 neighborhoods around Louisville over the two days. 

 Zoeller Pump Company signed on to be the title sponsor of the parade in 2020, but the pandemic caused a few changes.  Louisville-based Zoeller will also be the title sponsor in 2022.  

“Zoeller is so proud to be part of the Pegasus Parade and the whole Kentucky Derby Festival family. As a family business, we know what it takes to get through tough times and the Festival has shown resiliency and pride,” shared Dwight Newton, Chief People Officer, Zoeller Company. In the statement, he continued and said,  “We are excited to work with them to bring some good times and positive excitement to our Louisville hometown.”

Instead of broadcasting the parade live as it has done for many years, WAVE 3 News will produce a special that will air on the traditional parade date of April 29. 

KDF wants families around the community to get into the spirit of the Festival by decorating porches, yards, and homes.  They also want families to take pictures and share them on social media using the hashtag #PegasusPorchParade or #DerbyFestivalSpirit.

The Pegasus Parade is the founding event of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The first parade marched in 1956 to create a way for the community to celebrate before the historic horse race. It was organized by just a handful of volunteers on a budget of $640. Since then, the Festival has become a whirlwind of many events. 

2021 is the 66th year for the Kentucky Derby Festival.