LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Lottery are partnering to award a one-of-a-kind experience for this spring's festival. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Lottery are looking for this year's "Derby City Fanatic" 

  • The winner will receive several festival experiences, including being this year's Thundernator, the person who starts the fireworks for Thunder Over Louisville 

  • Applicants have until Feb. 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST to enter and will need to submit any eligible PICK 3 or KENTUCKY 5 tickets worth $5 or more at a participating Kentucky Lottery retailer 

  • This year marks a milestone for the Kentucky Lottery, which is turning 35 

The winner will be crowned the 2024 "Derby City Fanatic" and also the official Thundernator for Thunder Over Louisville, the person who starts the show's fireworks. They'll also receive a prize package with Derby Festival-themed experiences, VIP treatment and win $500, according to the Derby Festival.

"There’s no better way to experience the Derby Festival than as the Derby City Fanatic,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO. “We’ve enlisted the help of the Kentucky Lottery because they are the experts at giving away valuable prizes. We can’t wait to meet this year’s winner and give them a Festival experience like no other.”

This year marks a milestone for the Kentucky Lottery, which is turning 35. It will also mark the 35th production of Thunder Over Louisville.

According to the Derby Festival, those interested in applying can enter by submitting any eligible PICK 3 or KENTUCKY 5 tickets worth $5 or more until Feb. 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST at a participating Kentucky Lottery retailer. Winners and guests must be 18 or older. Along with being the 2024 Thundernator, the winner will receive:

  • Tickets to the Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party
  • Accommodations at the Galt House Hotel during Thunder Over Louisville weekend
  • Tickets to the Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race
  • Tickets to Honda World Festival Day at the Downs on Thurby
  • Tickets to Republic Bank Bourbonville (attendees must be 21 or older)
  • A tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum
  • A private tour at Kern's Kitchen/Derby-Pie
  • $500 in spending money from the Kentucky Lottery
  • Official 2024 Derby Festival merchandise, including this year's official poster

“With the Kentucky Lottery and Thunder Over Louisville both turning 35, we are thrilled to once again announce this year’s Derby City Fanatic,” said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville. “We look forward every year to meeting the Kentucky Lottery’s Derby City Fanatic and to have this lottery winner be the Thundernator, pressing that button to start the largest annual fireworks show in North America on Thunder Day, plus have a front-row spot for some amazing experiences. Our promotion truly creates a lifetime of Derby Festival memories."

Interested participants will need to sign-in or register for a Fun Club account on the Kentucky Lottery's website, which also includes a full list of prizes and information. The drawing for the winner will occur on or about Feb. 29, according to the festival.

Related Stories