Balloon Glow 1 of 2 on 4-25-24

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The flooded Ohio River led to the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville for the first time ever due to weather, but there's still dozens of other Derby festivities on tap leading up to Derby 151. 

Mud, trash and debris litter the shores of the Ohio on both sides of the river, after the swollen Ohio River spilled over its bank, swallowing up Ashland Park in Jeffersonville. 

If things had gone according to plan, the sights and sounds of jets would have filled the air on Friday, but this year the sounds of equipment moving flood debris took its place. 

Thunder Over Louisville typically draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors, and generates an estimated $128 million in economic impact. But the Kentucky Derby Festival is reminding everyone that Thunder is just the opening ceremony for all that KDF has to offer ahead of Derby 151.

There are roughly 70 more events coming over the next few weeks that will host nearly a million people.

"Whether it's watching balloons, one of the largest road races, the Tour de Lou cycling event, or our big concert venue at Kroger's Fest-A-Ville and the chow wagon," Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO said. "They're all here for people wearing those Pegasus pins to show up. We've got something for everybody.

Even though Thunder Over Louisville isn't happening Saturday, several businesses plan to have their own festivities.

Harry's Taphouse & Kitchen will stay open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday with food trucks, live music, and face painting for kids. 

Also in Jeffersonville, Ramiro's Cantina is having a Thunder Party all day. There will be a DJ, Mexican food, and margaritas to go.

The Whirling Tiger is also hosting "Thunder Under Tiger" for people 21-years-old and up. The event is free and will have videos of jets and fireworks along with a karaoke roulette. Doors open at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

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