As we swirl deeper and deeper into Derby season, you might be looking down the road to the 60th annual Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. This year the parade will rolling down Broadway with a theme that is near and dear to our hearts…"Best of Louisville.”
It means the parade will be peppered with the names and faces of people that have hailed from the streets of this wonderful community. Each person whose face dons one of the many giant murals hanging all over the city will be deemed Honorary Grand Marshal of the Parade.
David DeSanctis, one of such faces, is a Louisville native and actor who will serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal this year. DeSanctis, was born with Down Syndrome, and stars in the upcoming indie film “Where Hope Grows,” which will open in theaters on May 15.
DeSanctis will be surrounded by many other familiar Louisvillians who are part of the Hometown Heroes initiative including:
Paul Hornung, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
Patrick Henry Hughes, Musician
Dr. Joseph Kutz, Renowned hand surgeon
Tori Murden McClure, Transatlantic Solo Rower
Bobby Nichols, PGA Golf Champion
Will Wolford, Former NFL Offensive Lineman
Mary T. Meagher, Olympic Swimmer
Darrell Griffith, former NBA Star "Dr. Dunkenstein"
Besides some of our favorite famous faces, you can also expect some of your favorite floats, balloons, and the best of Louisville’s most talented musicians as they work their way westward.
The annual spectacle marches down Broadway from Campbell to Ninth Street and will feature approximately 100 units. Tickets for the parade are on sale here [4] or by calling the Derby Festival Hotline at (502) 584-FEST. Ticket prices are $10 for bleacher seats, $12 chair seating and $30 review stand seats.
Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Festival Facebook page.