LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Pulling off dozens of events over just two weeks is no easy feat.
From Thunder Over Louisville, to the Great Balloon glow, thousands of volunteers help make the Kentucky Derby Festival a success.
Images of Kentucky Derby Festival's Pegasus Parade on April 30, 2023 in Louisville, Ky.
You've seen their blue and white logo around town and you've even wore some of their infamous Pegasus Pins.
Stephanie Sturgeon, who's volunteered for the past nine years, said the entire two week festival is her "favorite thing."
"I love the Balloon Glow, just the most magical event down on the river with all the balloons lighting up and the sun setting," she said.
"This is the one time of year where Louisville shines," Mike Gandolfo, who's on the Kentucky Derby Festival board, said. "And the more city pride we can show by everybody wearing Pegasus Pins, the better."
The nonprofit makes Louisville's most exciting spring festivities come to life.
"The 70 plus events that they put on, everybody thinks they must have this huge staff and there is magic that happens in that office because it is not near as big as people think," Sturgeon said.
She known for helping with FAMFest, the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini/Marathon, and the Great Bed Races.
"It is just an enormous amount of hands on hours needed," Sturgeon said. "And I think that is what people just don't see behind the scenes."
KDF needs 3,500 volunteers to cover the city-wide events. You can help hand out medals after the race, sell Pegasus pins, or even walk alongside the floats in the parade.
"It's just amazing to me to be a part of something that grand and every volunteers we have is so critical to the festival success," Gandolfo said.
Gandolfo is a third generation KDF board member.
"I've grown up with Derby Festival," Gandolfo said.
His grandma, Jean Weyland, was the chairman in 1990. She remained dedicated to KDF for more than six decades.
"I remember being at the Galt House, putting centerpieces on the table and like in kindergarten and at the Galt House, like two o'clock in the morning setting up for the Fillies Ball or for their Alpha luncheon and we did everything," Gandolfo said.
Without people like them, it wouldn't be possible to continue the tradition of so many of Derby's festivities.
Those interested in volunteering can sign-up for a day and task that best works for you. Volunteers receiving a free t-shirt.
For more information, click here. For a list of events, click here.
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- Cheers to 'Pappy' | Van Winkle family raises a glass to honor 150th birthday of bourbon patriarch
- Kentucky Derby Festival adds new events to this year's lineup
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