The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce that WDRB TV will produce the sixth annual “Thunder into Louisville Poker Run” – a motorcycle rally on Saturday, Sept. 20, to raise funds for the 2009 Thunder Over Louisville, the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies. The motorcycle “Poker Run,” which will include several stops, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Bluegrass Harley-Davidson dealership at I-64 and Blankenbaker Parkway (11701 Gateworth Way) and end at FOX DEN at City Block.

Nearly 700 entrants (riders and passengers combined) participated in the 2007 fall Poker Run. The event raised more than $10,000 for the 2008 Derby Festival Opening Ceremonies.

Thunder into Louisville Poker Run and Motorcycle Rally
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 20 (rain date Sept. 21)
• Cost: $15 for a single rider and $30 for a tandem
• Includes: Limited edition metal Thunder Into Louisville pin and one Poker Hand per entry.
• Registration: 9 – 9:45 AM on Saturday, Sept. 20, or in advance at the Kentucky Derby Festival, Bluegrass Harley-Davidson or FOX41 WDRB TV.
• Prizes: $1750 purse for top three “best hands” in the Poker Run (First Place - $1000, Second - $500, Third - $250). Disc jockeys from WSFR 107.7 FM and WDRB talent will give away prizes from rally sponsors.

For more details about the poker run and registration forms, go to www.kdf.org or pick up a brochure at Bluegrass Harley-Davidson, FOX41 WDRB TV or the Kentucky Derby Festival office. Rally sponsors include: Bluegrass Harley-Davidson, FOX 41 WDRB-TV, FOX DEN at City Block, Penn Station, Knob Creek Gun Range and Fischer’s. WSFR 107.7 FM will provide race day updates and remote broadcasts.

The 2008 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “The Magic of Thunder,” entertained an estimated 350,000 people with a daylong air show and nighttime fireworks. The show was sponsored by Caesars Indiana, E.ON U.S., Meijer and UPS. The 2009 show is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, and will be the 20th annual production.