LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Derby Festival Pegasus Parade, the event that started it all, takes flight on Sunday, April 30. This year's parade features Secretariat as the honorary Grand Marshall and will include the debut of a monument in the legend's honor.

The parade will march West on Broadway from Campbell to 9^th Street. This is the second year the parade has been held on Sunday to kick off Derby Week. Organizers describe it as one of the festival’s most cherished and popular events, attracting thousands of spectators to downtown each year.

“We are proud to have a tradition that brings excitement and a sense of togetherness to our city," said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president & CEO. "We think it’s the perfect start to Derby week and look forward to being back on Broadway this Sunday with our Festival fans and their families.” 

Secretariat is being honored as this year’s Grand Marshal to mark the 50th anniversary of his historic Triple Crown win. A bronze monument of Secretariat in full stride will make its debut at the parade, as part of the “Secretariat: Larger Than Life 50^th Anniversary Tour.” The monument will be accompanied by Kate Chenery Tweedy and Sarah Manning, daughters of Penny Chenery, Secretariat’s owner.

Originating in 1956 on a budget of only $640, the Pegasus Parade is the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest event.

A new Pegasus inflatable will also be unveiled at this year’s parade. The Pegasus is the Derby Festival’s mascot, and the large inflatable balloon has been a signature part of the parade since the 1980s. 

VIPs scheduled to appear in the parade include Miss Kentucky Hannah Edelen, Ethan the Kentucky Humane Society dog, and Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson.

Tickets are still available and can be bought online up until 2 p.m. on Sunday. The parade officially steps off at 3 p.m.