Downtown businesses looking forward to increase in foot traffic for Thunder Over Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The excitement is building on the eve of Thunder Over Louisville.

From pointing to the jets in the sky practicing for the airshow, to walking the grounds at Waterfront Park, the city was bustling on Friday with talk of the fireworks show as the excitement builds and people file into the city.

"They're in for business or whatever else and they're asking what the planes are all about, so they're like 'Oh, well, we're in town, we might as well check it out,'" said James Wardley, assistant general manager at Doc Crow's.

During the airshow practice and event setup, downtown businesses were also getting in the spirit, looking forward to the prospect of an increase in foot traffic.

"It's crazy to me because I live down here," said Engelica Culotta, general manager at Parlour. "You don't realize how many people come into town for Thunder Over Louisville, so it's really exciting."

IMAGES | Thunder Over Louisville 2023 setup and airshow practice

Aircraft practice over the Ohio River and crews set up booths one day before Thunder Over Louisville 2023. Image taken April 21, 2023. (Photo by: Travis K. Kircher / WDRB)

Restaurants like Parlour Pizza are already seeing an uptick in customers, and are preparing for even more on Saturday.

"You can't run out of red sauce on a busy Saturday night, so we're just over-preparing, over-prepping in back of the house and front of the house right now," Culotta said.

But it's not just Thunder bringing business downtown. With John Mellencamp in town on Monday and Tuesday, Adam Sandler on Tuesday and Morgan Wallen in town on Thursday, it's been a busy week for businesses on Whiskey Row.

"That's the energy that Louisville used to be, we all know and love, it's back in a big way," said Wayne Sweeney, director of operations for Merle's Whiskey Kitchen.

Sweeney has seen it first hand. Although Thunder was back in full force last year, he said he could still feel the hesitation among customers. But in 2023, he said the energy is different.

"Derby's right around the corner. We're all excited. Get out and experience Thunder Over Louisville," he said. "If you've lived here, you know it rains, you know it can be cold. Get out and enjoy it. Now's the time."

There will be things to do along the Waterfront as the planes fly overhead on Saturday. The Great Lawn at Waterfront Park opens at 9 a.m. There will be rides and activities for kids, and fun for the whole family. Visitors can come and go as they please.

"It feels like home, man. Louisville is a great place to be," said Sweeney. "If you've ever been here or lived here, you know how great it is and you always return somehow, someway."

For information on Louisville road closures, click here.

For information free TARC rides, click here.

For the Thunder Over Louisville air show lineup, click here.

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