Thunder Over Louisville returns to kick off Derby season after last year's cancellation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — We are so close to kicking off the Derby season, and this year's Thunder Over Louisville means a little more after last year's cancellation.

Thunder Over Louisville is just three days away, and preparations are underway for the nearly 10,000 pounds of fireworks that will be set off from the Clark Memorial Bridge and barges in the Ohio River.

"It's that marriage between the music and the effects and the toolbox we have that really helps us create those new experiences for the audience," said Zach Taminosian, Zambelli Fireworks Vice President.

Zambelli has put on the area's largest fireworks display for more than 30 years and still finds ways to surprise the crowd.

"My favorite part is the smiles and applause at the end of the show, that means we've done a good job, that means everybody is happy and we can go home knowing we came here and did what we intended to," said Taminosian.

But there's no fireworks without production.

"This sets the tone for the following two weeks," said Wayne Hettinger, Thunder Over Louisville Producer.

Hettinger has produced the show since the beginning. Last year, there was no Thunder due to the historic flooding.

"It was rougher than I thought it was going to be," Hettinger said.

But seeing how much the community loves the event showed Hettinger how important it is.

"They've taken ownership and that was a big mark for us to get over when the community absorbs it and calls it their own," Hettinger said. "All that kind of added to the excitement to moving into this year."

This year's theme is "Thunder in the U.S.A" in honor of the country's 250th anniversary. From the airshow to the music to the fireworks, Hettinger said people can expect what they do every year at Thunder Over Louisville.

"You're going to see a lot of red, white and blue, a lot of patriotism, and it's going to be a good chance for everybody, not only take pride for their community but for our country as well," Hettinger said. "Louisville's a party town, nobody parties like we do."

As far as the weather, Zambelli officials said all their equipment and fireworks are protected against the rain and wind.

To view the WDRB Thunder Over Louisville guide, click here.