Happy campers gear up for another Thunder Over Louisville

LOUISIVLLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thunder Over Louisville may be a one-day event, but it has brought people from near and far to camp for the weekend.

Next to the Chow Wagon and Louisville Slugger Field is where the campers and RVs are parked and the people who know how to do Thunder in style.

"I love it, just been doing it for years. Look," said Tracy Ccil, as he pointed to a jet mid-conversation.

Ccil and his family have been camping in the same spot for Thunder for 25 years. One of the perks of arriving early is catching the air show practice on Friday.

“It’s just tradition at this point and it’s the kick-off to Derby and Derby is wonderful, I love it here, love this state," said Ccil.

The dozens of campers have become a tight-knit group.

"We are brothers," said Joe Cunningham about his now longtime friend Leon Lewis.

The pair met at Thunder 15 years ago when Lewis offered Cunningham a bloody Mary. Now they look forward to their weekend reunion to catch up on sports and even meet in the fall for some friendly competition at UofL and UK games.

Mike Petty, who lived away for many years made sure to visit during Thunder and always bring friends. Now, back in his hometown, he gets a group of friends together to camp out for Thunder.

"It's such a great event to come down and experience this with Louisville and then all of our camping friends. We do a lot of camping with great people and we look forward to it every year," said Petty.

With decades of Thunder Over Louisville experience under their belts, people camping have a few tips for people heading out to the Great Lawn and Chow Wagon.