The Kentucky Derby Festival just released these viewing tips for Thunder Over Louisville:
- Canopies or tents of any kind are not permitted within Waterfront Park
- No overnight camping (except at Eva Bandman Park).
- There are no cans, glass, bikes, skates, skateboards or pets permitted in the permitted event area. (This runs north of Main to the river bounded by Clay and 8th). Patrons can bike or board to the event venue, but will be asked to carry them while in the permitted area due to safety in large crowds.
- Picnic baskets, plastic bottles, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. All parcels will be subject to police search.
- Arrive as early as practical for the best space. (Waterfront will open at 8 a.m. for the public.) FoodFest and Thunder on the Ground (interactive exhibits) open at 11 a.m. throughout the venue. The Thunder Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park also opens at 11 a.m. It is a Pegasus Pin admission. The airshow begins at 3 p.m. The fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.
- Park as far away from the event area as you can comfortably walk. This will make exiting traffic easier. Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metropolice for the best place to park to exit in the direction you intend to go.
- Use TARC buses to get to the event. TARC offers several committed routes and buses for the Thunder viewing audience. Check out its full schedule for Thunder Day buses at www.ridetarc.org
- Parking Authority of River City (PARC) garages in the area are accessible until full for special event rates. For more information on garage and lot locations contact PARC at (502) 587-PARK. All handicapped spaces are honored until full.
- Free Thunder Valet Bike Parking is available through Louisville Metro’s Bike Louisville program. Just ride to the northeast corner of Witherspoon Street and Preston Street across from Slugger Field (401 E. Main St.). The bicycle parking facility will be open from noon to 11 p.m..
- There are 525 port-a-cans in the event area. With large crowds anticipated, be advised of long lines and be prepared with additional toilet paper.
Photo: Courtesy Kentucky Derby Festival
