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Dolvett Quince, known for six seasons on the hit NBC show “The Biggest Loser,” will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2017 Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. The 62nd annual parade is set to march down Broadway on Thursday, May 4th.
“As a leader in his field of health and fitness, he is the perfect fit to lead this year’s health-focused parade, themed ‘Louisville on the Move,’” said Stacey Robinson, KDF Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff.
Dolvett’s passion, regimen and dramatic transformational results have made him one of the most in-demand fitness specialists in the country. He was born in Connecticut, and along with his three siblings, was adopted. They moved to Florida, where he finished his schooling. In 2004, he opened a private personal training studio in Atlanta, Georgia called Body Sculptor. After gaining notoriety on a mainstream Atlanta radio station, he began widening his clientele. He has trained other trainers and celebrities as part of his business including Angela Bassett, Justin Bieber, and hip-hop singer JoJo.
Dolvett is just one of several celebrity guests participating in this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival events. Many will take part in both the Celebrity Day at the Downs event on Thursday, May 4, as well as the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade later that same day.
Guests scheduled to appear include:
- Linkin’ Bridge (finalist on season 11 of America’s Got Talent and Honorary Grand Marshals)
- Justin Cornwell of CBS’ Training Day
- Justin Hartley of NBC’s This is Us
- Jonathan Kite from CBS’ Two Broke Girls
- Chrishell Stause, Actress (from Draffenville, Kentucky)
- Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor of Bravo TV’s “Vanderpump Rules”
- Miss Kentucky 2016 Laura Jones
- Jimmy Eat World (Parade guest only)
- Damion Lee, American Professional Basketball Player and former UofL Cardinal (Luncheon guest only)
- Robert Williamson, Professional poker player (Luncheon guest only)
Celebrity Day at the Downs will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the sixth floor at Churchill Downs, featuring a traditional Kentucky luncheon and a day of racing on Millionaire’s Row. The event is sponsored by Kentuckiana Honda Dealers, with contributing sponsor Macy’s, and Media Sponsors The Voice-Tribune and 106.9 PLAY.
The Republic Bank Pegasus Parade steps off on Broadway at 5 p.m. The parade is sponsored by Republic Bank, with Contributing Sponsor KentuckyOne Health. Tickets for the parade are still available online at KDF.org. Ticket prices are $10 for bleacher seats and $12 for chair seating.
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
Tomorrow kicks off the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival with one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. Thunder Over Louisville is a fun family event that features music, food, an air show, and a very large fireworks display at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the weather will not be so cooperative, and there is no rain date. As long as it is safe to be near the river, the show will go on. We are currently looking at a high near 50 degrees with nearly 100% chance of rain.
Visitors to the main viewing area on either side of the river will need a Pegasus pin for entrance. The official program for the day will be available tomorrow in the local newspaper. The day begins when many displays open at 11:00 AM. The US Military will have multiple interactive displays on the South Great Lawn, including a dog tag machine, a fitness challenge, an obstacle course, and a 4D virtual reality simulation of a Navy rescue mission. The South Lawn will have activities geared towards children, such as the ninja jump and Meijer will be sponsoring a Family Fun zone that will feature face painting, bounce houses and a beer garden for the parents.
The famous air show does not start until 2:30 PM (recent time change from 3:00 PM). The line up of acts will feature aircraft from the US and other foreign countries’ militaries, both past and present. The show usually features a couple of stunt pilots that will display their skills in the cockpit by performing stunning, and dangerous, maneuvers in the air at various heights. If you have not been to a Thunder Over Louisville event with cloud cover, the ability of the planes to fly close enough to be seen is dependent on the ceiling level and the pilot’s discretion. The entire line up of airshow can be seen online, but it is subject to change.
The air show ends when the fireworks start. As with the previous 27 events, the 28-minute fireworks show has a theme. This year it is “Local & Original”. Along with the fireworks, there is a musical score to go along with the show and as always, there will be a salute to the US that usually features the US flag being flown by aircraft in the viewing area and a few well-known, patriotic songs. The fireworks are currently scheduled to start at 9:30 PM.
If you plan on attending the event, some useful information can be found at the Kentucky Derby Festival webpage. You should plan on leaving any personal drones, tents, canopies, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, pets, bicycles, and grills at home. Lawn chairs are permitted and so are tarps (as long as they are under 10′ x 10′). Event organizers also recommend that you dress for the weather (possibly consider a change of clothes in a waterproof bag or in the car), make sure you gas tank is full (traffic after the event can be slow moving at best and many routes that may be familiar will be blocked), and plan to park as far away as you can comfortably walk. A map of the viewing area is also available on the website.
If you do not want to drive to the event, the local public transit provider, TARC, will have extra buses on certain routes and alternate loading spots following the event. More information, including route changes and detours, can be found on their website. If you are unable to attend the event or do not desire sitting in the rain all-day, you can listen to the show all day on WVEZ 106.9 and many local news stations will air the event as well.
It’s time to take your shot at $1 million! The Stock Yards Bank Kentucky Derby Festival $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest opens this Thursday, April 20, and runs through Sunday, April 30. The contest will take place at the Seneca Golf Course Driving Range off Pee Wee Reese Road. There will be 10 days of preliminary qualifying rounds and a Semi-final Round on Sunday, April 30.
The preliminary competition is open 10 AM to 8:30 PM every day from April 20 – April 30, except for April 22, when it will be closed for Thunder Over Louisville. The last day for preliminary competition is Sunday, April 30, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and then the Semi-Final round begins at 6 PM. Competitors and spectators can relax in the refreshment tent located adjacent to the tee area.
During the preliminary rounds the 10 closest shots to the hole each day will advance to the Semi-final round, while hole-in-one shots, will advance directly to the Finals. It’s $1 per shot daily, with 2 shots for $1 specials on the following days:
- Senior Days (62+): Weekdays 10 AM – 2 PM
- Junior Day (under 18): April 23
- First Responders & Veterans Day: April 24
- Ladies Day: April 25
There are a total of 56 positions in the Finals, which include all daily hole-in-one qualifiers, four female qualifiers from Ladies’ Day, plus two qualifiers under the age of 18 from Junior Day advance as well. The Finals will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at 6 PM at Seneca Golf Course Hole #8. If no hole in one is awarded during the Grand Prize round, the participant coming closest to the hole during the Finals will receive a $5,000 first prize.
Stock Yards Bank is the title sponsor of the event. Contributing Sponsor is Metro Parks & Recreation, joining Media Sponsors WLKY TV, 840 WHAS and Insider Louisville
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
Photo: Kentucky State Parks
My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown will open “The Race is On” exhibit on the traditions of the Kentucky Derby on April 18.
The new exhibit includes items from the world-famous horse, Secretariat, including his winning Preakness Stakes flower blanket garland, winning bets, and racing silks from Secretariat’s horse farm “The Meadow!” Also, see costumes worn by Diane Lane and John Malkovich and props used in Disney’s hit movie “Secretariat.”
There are also items from 2015’s Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah, including Zayat Stables LLC’s silks, and more.
See My Old Kentucky Home’s “Kentucky Bowl,” a trophy carefully and exquisitely handcrafted in crystal by the world-famous Steuben glass works, designed by Sidney Waugh, a member of the original “Monuments Men” that helped to save priceless works of art during WWII.
“My Old Kentucky Home” will be performed on each tour by the park’s guides.
Visitors can also enjoy imaginative and over-the-top Derby hats and seersucker fashion on display in the mansion’s parlor, in addition to My Old Kentucky Home’s own set of coin silver mint julep cups made by William & Archibald Cooper.
Learn the story of how “My Old Kentucky Home” became the official post parade song of the Kentucky Derby and My Old Kentucky Home’s horse racing history that connects the 200-year-old farm to virtually every Kentucky Derby winner in history!
This exhibit will be open through May 31.
The exhibit is included in the regular ticket price for the regular Federal Hill mansion tour. Adult prices are $12 with discounted pricing available for seniors, children, military, and groups. Tours begin on the hour, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Last tour starts at 4 p.m.)
My Old Kentucky Home also offers a golf course and campground. The park is located at 501 E. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004. For more information, call 502-348-3502.
Back by popular demand, the world’s No. 1 bourbon Jim Beam is helping participants of this year’s Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon presented by Walmart and Humana capture their time in a bottle. Runners are invited to bring their race bibs to the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse (408 S. Fourth St., Louisville, Ky.) to receive a complimentary engraving of their official race time and a signature race image on a bottle of Jim Beam Urban Select.
The personalized engraving comes with the purchase of a 375ml or 750ml bottle of Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select (50% alc./vol.; SRP: $29.99 and $45.99 respectively). As part of this one-of-a-kind experience, runners can hand label, fill and cork their own bottle. The offer, which is available until May 15, is featured on runner’s race bibs and included in runner’s virtual race bag.
“Jim Beam is thrilled to again join forces with the Kentucky Derby Festival to support Kentucky’s passionate running community,” said Kim Bennett, senior director, Kentucky Beam Bourbon Experiences, Beam Suntory. “We know that it takes great strength and determination to become a champion and whether runners aim to make history with a new personal best or simply cross a race off their bucket list, Jim Beam is ready to raise a glass and toast their success.”
Jim Beam is returning as the Official Bourbon of this year’s Marathon/miniMarathon, as well as the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up. Prior to the race, runners can also stop by the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar at the Race Expo on April 27 or 28 and sample the bold, rich flavors of Jim Beam’s award-winning whiskey portfolio. The Derby Festival’s road races are set for Saturday, April 29. Registration is still open at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com
Walmart and Humana are Co-Presenting Sponsors of the Marathon and miniMarathon. The Official Race Medical Partner is Norton Sports Health and Contributing Sponsors are BB&T, Churchill Downs, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, and The Courier-Journal. Official Bourbon: Jim Beam. Official Hotel: The Galt House.
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
If you plan to run the Derby Festival’s Marathon or miniMarathon, but haven’t registered yet, your time is running out! Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon Presented by Walmart and Humana will close at midnight on Thursday, April 20. There will be no late registration. The registration fees are $95 for the miniMarathon and $105 for the Marathon. Runners can register online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
For runners who don’t want to go the distance of the mini or full Marathon, they can recruit friends and register as a team. In conjunction with the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, the Marathon Team Relay option is again being offered. The Team Relay registration fee is $325. Teams can consist of up to 5 runners and have as few as 3 competing members. Relay Teams will run the same course as the Marathon, which has been divided into 5 separate legs consisting of two 5k, two 10k, and a 12.2k.
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon is still the largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky. 2017 races are set for Saturday, April 29, and will again be capped at 18,000 runners. Both races will start simultaneously at 7:30 am on Main Street near Slugger Field and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets.
Walmart and Humana are Co-Presenting Sponsors of the Marathon and miniMarathon. The Official Race Medical Partner is Norton Sports Health and Contributing Sponsors are BB&T, Churchill Downs, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, and The Courier-Journal. Official Bourbon: Jim Beam®. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Pace Car: John Jones Auto Group.
The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
Photo: Kentucky State Parks
Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington will host its annual Derby Day breakfast on May 6 with a special menu for guests.
To get started, guests will enjoy pimento cheese wafers with country ham pate and a cheese and chive scone with country ham. To keep the Derby experience pure Kentucky, guests will be served a hot brown tart, cheese grits with a jumbo shrimp garnish and fresh fruit with honey yogurt dip. Next are a Waveland exclusive, vanilla bean scones with homemade lemon curd and jam. To complete the breakfast, guests will enjoy a derby pie tart, bourbon mint brownie, chocolate dipped strawberry and to give you luck on your derby picks, a horseshoe sugar cookie.
Drinks include coffee, juice and as a special treat, a local winery will be on hand to provide each guest with a special mimosa to get your Derby Day celebration started.
This limited elegant breakfast will be in the mansion, served on fine china by period-dressed interpreters. Also included is a tour of the mansion highlighting how Waveland influenced horseracing in Lexington. The price for this breakfast is $75 per person. It starts at 10 a.m. and seating is limited.
A credit card is needed to secure a reservation. Any changes will need to be made by the Friday before the event. Gluten free options are available and must be requested at time of registration.
Waveland offers a unique one-of-a-kind experience! Reservations are required. Call today to schedule your spot for the Derby Day Breakfast at Waveland! 859-272-3611 or 859-619-8189.
