Overview
- The Kentucky Derby Festival confirmed the show for Saturday, April 12, with the air program starting at 3 p.m., 20 days before the Kentucky Derby, and WLKY as the broadcast partner.
- This year’s theme, “Thunder in the U.S.A.,” celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday with red, white and blue elements throughout the program.
- Scheduled highlights include the U.S. Air Force Viper Demo and a drone show before the fireworks.
- The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing is set to host and support military aircraft operations, with planned C-130J demonstrations and special tactics parachute and water insertions.
- Officials note heightened anticipation after last year’s flood-related cancellation, positioning the waterfront spectacle as a unifying kickoff to Derby Festival season.