The first-ever U.S. Bank Great Balloon Glimmer caught a brief window of opportunity and lit up the waterfront last night. Seventeen balloons fired up on the Great Lawn to help open the Chow Wagon and kick-off the balloon weekend. A crowd of roughly 1000 watched the balloons glow to the music of New Country 103.9.
Spectators should listen to 103.1 WRKA for information about the remaining Glows and 102.3 The Max for flight information about the races. All remaining events will take place on the launch field at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center. Admission to the field is a Pegasus Pin (KFEC parking is $5). The current field conditions are muddy. Due to construction at KFEC, attendees will be entering the launch field by coming inside THROUGH the South Wing A. There will be pin sellers, pin trading and interactive kids games as patrons enter the South Wing. The only other entrance to the launch field will be from the side that backs up to the horse barns and Cardinal Stadium. Click here for more details.
Should tonight's glow be cancelled, Saturday's event will feature the entertainment of both glows. Local band New Breed will perform from 7 - 9 pm on stage at the field and the balloons will glow to a recorded Elvis soundtrack. WHAS TV will tape the event for a delayed broadcast immediately following the 11 pm news
U.S. BANK GREAT BALLOON RACE®. Schedule and Status:
April 28: 8:30 PM. NEW! U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glimmer. Waterfront Park, Great Lawn. Contributing sponsor: New Country 103.9 - Went as scheduled
April 29: 7:00 AM. NEW! U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race. Traditional Hare and Hound Format. Contributing sponsor: 102.3 The Max. - POSTPONED until Sunday morning.
9:00 PM. U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow. Contributing Sponsor: 103.1 WRKA. Broadcast live on WHAS 11. - PENDING
April 30: 7:00 AM. U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Race. NEW FORMAT! Multi-task race. Contributing sponsor 102.3 The Max. - weather permitting
9:00 PM. NEW! U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Rock 'n' Glow. Live performance by New Breed. Contributing Sponsor: 103.1 WRKA - weather permitting
