Vendors prepare for Fest-a-Ville as Louisville recovers quickly from flood damage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With the Kentucky Derby just days away, Waterfront Park is springing back to life as crews prepare for the return of a beloved Derby tradition: the Chow Wagon and Fest-a-Ville.

Just 10 days ago, much of the park was underwater following heavy rainfall and flooding. Now, food trucks are rolling in, bleachers are being assembled, and vendors are prepping for one of the busiest times of the year.

Elizabeth Cappella was supposed to set up her new food truck for Thunder Over Louisville, but like others, she was sidelined when the kickoff event was canceled due to flooding.

“We were really worried,” Cappella said. “All the water—and then we finally found out we were allowed to come for Derby, and we were extremely happy. But it was very nerve-wracking for sure.”

Despite the damage, city and festival crews accelerated clean-up efforts. The Kentucky Derby Festival’s president, Matt Gibson, said while this year’s Fest-a-Ville footprint will be about 100,000 square feet smaller, all major events—including the Balloon Glow and Balloon Glimmer—will go on as planned.

“The greatest thing is that we're still using almost the exact same footprint that we had before—except the Great Lawn,” Gibson said. “If you drive over I-64, you can see why. It has a lot of recovering to do.”

Mayor Craig Greenberg praised the quick recovery, noting the city bounced back faster than ever.

“Last time a flood at this level took place, it took our city about six weeks to recover,” Greenberg said. “This time, we did it in just over a week.”

Still, he said, there’s more work to do—replacing mulch, repairing turf, and letting nature heal parts of the park.

For vendors like Cappella, who lost revenue from Thunder’s cancellation, the upcoming events offer hope.

“I think because Thunder didn’t happen, it will be extremely busy,” she said.

Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon open Thursday at 11 a.m. Entry is free with a Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin.

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