LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With Derby Week around the corner, Louisville is already filling up.
Kentucky Derby Festival’s Fest-a-Ville — an entertainment and concert experience held in the days leading up to Derby — continued Friday at Waterfront Park.
Festival-goers enjoyed live music, events and food ahead of what was supposed to be the Great Balloon Glow, one of the festival’s most popular attractions after drawing large crowds Thursday night.
Friday’s glow was cancelled due to strong winds and rain. Even so, attendees found other ways to make the most of the night.
If there’s one thing people come for, it’s the food.
"Straight to the point—I’m here to eat," an attendee said.
At the center of the event, the Chow Wagon featured dozens of vendors serving fried and grilled meals.
But food was only part of the draw. After grabbing a bite, crowds could head toward the stage to enjoy live music.
"I brought my wife down—friends of ours are playing tonight with the Wilson Brothers," another attendee said. "We come every year, just not usually at night."
In the field typically reserved for the balloon glow, a wrestling ring drew a large audience.
"I think people just enjoy watching it," one woman said.
Nearby, performers with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus promoted their return. The circus is back on tour after more than a decade.
"We’re so happy to be back. It’s our first time back in about 11 years," a performer said.
As the evening went on, attention shifted to the start line of the KDF 5K as dark clouds moved in.
The Cherry family was among the runners.
"It’s addictive—and it’s something we can all do together," Phillip Cherry said. "Whether it’s three miles or 26."
Cherry, a member of the national group Black Men Run, said distance running is a shared activity for his family.
"My first marathon was in 2010 — but I’d been running before that," he said.
Rain began to fall just before the race and picked up as runners moved through the downtown course. By the time the Cherry family passed by, it was coming down steadily.
However, like for many at the Fest-a-Ville, it was all part of the experience.
Festivities will continue through the weekend and into Derby Week. KDF officials said the Great Balloon Race is canceled due to low cloud ceiling and fog advisory.
The marathon starts on Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Opening day at Churchill Downs is also set for Saturday, along with a 3 p.m. start Sunday for the Pegasus Parade.
For the full rundown of events, click here.
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