For native Louisvillians, attending Thunder over Louisville has become something of a rite of passage. Its economic impact alone reflects its significance in our hometown: despite the $1 million required to fund Thunder, it rakes in $31 million for what is essentially a single day of festivities. More importantly, local landmarks like the Galt House, the Belle of Louisville, and the Kentucky Center for the Arts, and myriad local small businesses benefit enormously from Thunder’s publicity. In this stressful economic climate, it also serves to employ hundreds of people seeking part-time work. From its spectacular fireworks, world-class air show, and celebrity cameos to its lasting impact on our fair city, what’s not to like about Thunder?
