The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce the theme for the 2008 Derby Festival - "A World of Fun." The international theme will be
reflected in many of the Derby Festival's signature events, with an emphasis on embracing the diversity of the community.
"With the Ryder Cup coming to Louisville in 2008, the eyes of the world will be on our community," said Nancy Norris, Chair of the 2008 Kentucky Derby Festival. "It will be a great opportunity to showcase the world-class entertainment for which we have become renowned. With the international focus on Louisville next year, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to show that people around the world have a common goal of getting together and having fun. We're very excited about the possibilities."
"The Festival has implemented a unified theme only twice before - during its 50th Celebration in 2005 and in 2007 with the 'Go For The Magic' theme," said Mike Berry, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. "The Festival's advertising agency, CurrentMarketing, has modified our corporate logo for 2008 by replacing the shaded circle behind the Pegasus icon with the image of a globe. The longitude and latitudes on the globe have also been emphasized. It's a striking image and ties in nicely with the theme."
The Festival's promotional booth at WORLDFEST will feature applications for the 2008 Royal Court (Princess Program), the 2008 Meijer Marathon and miniMarathon, the 2008 KDF event schedule and membership brochures. In addition, Derby Festival "World of Fun" pins will be sold for $10 for a two-pin package, giving the public an opportunity to celebrate the Festival early. The pin packages include text printed in the top five languages spoken in the Louisville area.
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. It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two- week period and has a local economic impact of more than $90 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
