LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Applications are open for one of the Kentucky Derby Festival's biggest events.
The Derby Festival is seeking participants in this year's Pegasus Parade, set for Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. on Broadway. This year's theme is "Happy Derby: Pink Out Party," in honor of spring and one of the festival's signature colors.
Applications are open for participants in equestrians, specialty units, marching bands, inflatables and floats, the Derby Festival said. Those interested can submit their applications online through Friday, Feb. 28.
"The variety of participants and units are what make the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade such a special community tradition each spring," said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO. "This year marks the parade's 70th year, and we want to make it even more memorable by encouraging both participants and spectators to show their spring spirit in one of the Festival's favorite colors and help us paint Broadway pink."
Organizers said this year's theme also aligns with the Derby Festival's "Happy" marketing campaign fans will see in the upcoming season. Louisville-based Zoeller Pump Company returns as the parade's title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
"At Zoeller Company, we are so proud of the Pegasus Parade and our association with the Derby Festival," said Dwight Newton, Zoeller Pump Company chief people officer. "From the different activities and events to all the celebrations of Louisville, we are excited about 2025 and loving Louisville."
This is the 70th year of the parade, which is the Derby Festival's founding event. The first parade was held in 1956 for the community to celebrate before the Derby and was organized by a handful of volunteers on a budget of $640. It has since become one of the Derby Festival's largest events, with an estimated economic impact of $22 million.
The 2025 Derby Festival kicks off Saturday, April 12, with Thunder Over Louisville. It will feature more than 70 events leading up to Kentucky Derby 151, set for Saturday, May 3.
Connor Smith - Digital Producer
Connor Smith is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the team in November 2023 and hails from the Chicago area. In summer 2023, he received his Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School in Chicago, where he covered Super Bowl LVII, the Chicago Marathon and other stories around the city.
