LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thunder Over Louisville is known for its massive fireworks display, but there is a lot more to this annual event that heralds the beginning of Derby season.

What You Need To Know

  •  Steve Gillison, one of the many food vendors at Thunder Over Louisville, said the event kicks off a busy season for his business

  • He’s been traveling around the country from festival to festival for 11 years. His travels have taken him all over, from California to Tennessee

  •  Gillison estimates he'll sell $50,000 to $60,000 worth of food and fun this weekend

  • Thunder Over Louisville is celebrating is 31st year

Steve Gillison is one of many food vendors, serving up hot food for visitors to Waterfront Park.

“Cheesesteaks, burgers, Italian sausage, chicken tenders, corn dogs …. We’re just setting up and trying to have a good event,” Gillison said.

 He’s been traveling around the country from festival to festival for 11 years. His travels have taken him all over, from California to Tennessee.

 Thunder Over Louisville kicks off the start of a busy season for his business. 

“It’s been a wild ride, how can I say it?” Gillison exclaimed.

He projected he would sell $50,000 to $60,000 worth of festival food and fun to the thousands of people in attendance.

And visitors come not only for the sights but the food as well. Cici Johnson is one of them. 

“I come for the food. Obviously the firework show’s the biggest, but I mean you can’t get food like this anywhere else,” Johnson said.

 Gillison and other vendors had a very busy day.

“It’s an experience that you just have to take for yourself. I mean you never know what can happen here,” he shared.

Thunder Over Louisville is celebrating its 31st year and there will be lots more food and fun for years to come. 

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