LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Derby season is coming to a close, and while many describe this time as the "most exciting," for some, it's also the "busiest."
"It really does take year round — and sometimes even longer than a year — putting together our events every year," said Aimee Boyd, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF).Â
IMAGES | Pegasus Parade returns in full force as thousands gather on Broadway
University of Louisville marching band at the Pegasus Parade.
Ethan the Dog at the Pegasus Parade.
A Kentucky Derby Festival princess waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.Â
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Gov. Andy Beshear waves at the Pegasus Parade.
Semple Star Steppers at 2022 Pegasus Parade.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer at the Pegasus Parade.
Student athletes from the University of Louisville wave to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.
A deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office rides a motorcycle at the Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Hwang's Martial Arts at 2022 Pegasus Parade.
Derbi Citi Royalties Divas wave to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Parade float the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
A marcher at the 2022 Pegasus Parade waves to the crowd.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
A baby waves during the Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Bellarmine men's basketball team at Pegasus Parade.
Ethan the Dog at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
A Kentucky Derby Festival princess waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.Â
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Louisville Skaters United perform at the Pegasus Parade.
A small child is carried across Broadway during the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
University of Louisville marching band at the Pegasus Parade.
American Side Saddle Association at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
U of L women's basketball player Mykasa Robinson, center, waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer at the Pegasus Parade.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Gov. Andy Beshear waves at the Pegasus Parade.
University of Louisville marching band at the Pegasus Parade.
Virginia Moore, executive director of the Kentucky Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.
City of St. Matthews - JCPS Justice Now march at the Pegasus Parade.
U.S. and state of Kentucky flag are carried during the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
Gov. Andy Beshear waves at the Pegasus Parade.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
Simmons College marching band performs at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
American Sidesaddle Association at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
A marcher performs during the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
American Sidesaddle Association at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
A member of the Soljettes Dance Company waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade.
Bellarmine men's basketball team at Pegasus Parade.
Hwang's Martial Arts at 2022 Pegasus Parade.
People line Broadway for the 2022 Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
A spectator records the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
Semple Star Steppers at Pegasus Parade.
Bellarmine men's basketball team at Pegasus Parade
Norton Healthcare at Pegasus Parade.
Kosair Shriners at Pegasus Parade.
An LMPD officers waves to the crowd at the Pegasus Parade on May 1, 2022.
A float at the 2022 Pegasus Parade.
A boy waves to people at the Pegasus Parade.
This year's festival isn't quite over just yet. There's still one more event to go and the grand prize giveaway from the Pegasus Pins. But soon enough, it'll be time to plan events for next year like Thunder Over Louisville, the marathon and parades.Â
"Our committees will already start talking about plans, locations, dates and stuff for 2023 in the next few weeks," Boyd said.Â
The economic impact for this Derby season is estimated at $400 million, and while all the numbers aren't back yet, hotel occupancy is expected to push past 90% for the city and even higher for downtown locations.
Downtown Louisville, May 10, 2022
"The entire hospitality industry truly does seem to be humming along again," said Stacey Yates, vice president of marketing and communications for Louisville Tourism.Â
Local businesses also felt the welcomed boost from crowds returning for a Derby with no restrictions and full capacity seating.Â
"In the winter months, it's like crickets around here sometimes. And the Derby always brings us out of that winter doldrum,"Â said Jason Shepherd, who owns J Shepherd cigar shop on Bardstown Road. "But we haven't had that for the past couple of years, so this was a nice shot in the arm, and I'm glad to have it back."
Many of the boxes on his shelves are now empty, a sign of a successful Derby season.Â
J Shepherd cigar shop
"I am exhausted," he said. "You caught me in re-stocking mode, but I'm happy to do it."
Right now, Shepherd is checking inventory. He said he'll start planning for Derby 149 at least six months out, especially booking things like cigar rollers to have enough help for the rush.
KDF will also soon be making plans, hoping to release some event dates by the summer looking ahead to the next Derby season.
"We couldn't have asked for a better comeback — a better return — for all of our favorite traditions," Boyd said.
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