Louisville businesses counting on Kentucky Derby crowds after historic flooding

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby is now officially less than two weeks away, and local businesses are desperate for a revenue boost after a difficult winter and historic flooding this spring.

Hotels and restaurants alike missed out on some profits with the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville. Historic Ohio River flooding washed out the annual fireworks and airshow that serves as a kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival. The flooding dampened revenue for downtown restaurants like Dasha Barbour's.

"Derby is an economic boost for us, coming out of a bad winter, flood, we definitely look forward to making up some revenue from the hole we dug in the winter season," said Aaron Barbour, owner of Dasha Barbour's. "We're looking forward to the hotels being full, people walking on the streets, tourists, definitely looking forward to it."

Hotel Genevieve is one of those hotels that expects to be full for Kentucky Derby weekend. The hotel in NuLu missed out on what would have been its second Thunder Over Louisville celebration.

"I know that's a big kickoff, but this will be even more exciting considering Thunder was canceled, people are ready to get out and get in the Derby spirit," said Rachel Porter, Hotel Genevieve's marketing manager.

Before the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, there will be plenty of events in the next two weeks.

"There's different energy in the air and it's great for the hotel, all these events leading up to it, it gets the locals involved but it also shows people who are visiting to Louisville a different side of it," Porter said.

A week ago, volunteers and work crews spent Saturday clearing debris at Waterfront Park. The area is now clear and in good enough shape for Kentucky Derby Festival's variety of events. The Chow Wagon, Kroger's Fest-a-Ville and the Balloon Fest are set for Thursday, April 24 after the massive cleanup effort at the park in downtown Louisville.

Even without Thunder Over Louisville this year, Hotel Genevieve has been busy preparing for guests during Derby season. During Derby weekend, the hotel on East Market Street will have a two hat milliners in the lobby, a DJ in its coffee shop, a live sketch artist on Derby Day, a photo booth and welcome reception for guests.

"Everything we have for our guests is pretty solidified," Porter said. "We're so excited for our guests to have not only an experience at the track, but an experience at the hotel as well."

At Dasha Barbour's, the bigger the crowds, the better the time.

"The hotels being full makes all the difference in the world," Barbour said. "We're excited to get back to normal."

From Waterfront Wednesday to balloon glows, marathon runs and horse races, the spotlight turns to Louisville for the springtime tradition. Hotel Genevieve works with local businesses and vendors during Derby season.

"If local businesses are doing well, everyone is doing well. It says a lot when we are supporting those smaller communities," Porter said.

It's all in anticipation for the 151st Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

"We're looking forward to having seats full and making up that revenue, it's the number one attraction in Kentucky," Barbour said.

So before riders are called up, businesses are already in the final stretch.

"It makes you realize sometimes you take living here for granted, it puts things into a different perspective," Porter said. "You get this new appreciation for the city and where you're from and it makes you proud."

Barbour encourages people to make a extra push to support local businesses. To learn more about Dasha Barbour's, click here.

As of Saturday afternoon, Hotel Genevieve still had a few rooms available for the Kentucky Derby weekend. To learn more about the hotel, click here.

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