LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thunder Over Louisville has come and gone, and WDRB was on the air all day showing you planes, crowds and the longest continuous fireworks show in North America.

People began lining up around 3:30 a.m. Saturday to secure a spot on the UPS Flight Deck, coming from near and far to attend Thunder Over Louisville on a sunny 60-degree day. Those who were camping arrived before Saturday to secure their spot and see the air show practice Friday.

On Saturday morning, people rushed through the the Great Lawn gates when they opened at 9 a.m. The Big Four Bridge Lawn and the Belvedere opened at 11 a.m., and the air show began at 3 p.m., a stunning show including C-130s, EA-18 Growlers, F-16s and the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. To see the full schedule, click here. And click here to watch videos of all the planes in the air show.


Drone show and fireworks light up the night sky 

This year, a drone show lit up the skies over the Ohio River before the fireworks went off.

Hundreds of drones popped up different shapes and letters, including red roses for the Kentucky Derby, hot air balloons for the Kentucky Derby Festival, and other signs and symbols representing Louisville, the Derby and more.

Thunder Over Louisville has come and gone, and WDRB was on the air all day showing you planes, crowds and the longest continuous fireworks show in North America.

The drone show lasted a little over 16 minutes. 

Then, it was time for the big show. 

This year's Thundernator, Fairdale resident Leslie Lyon Sr., had the honor of turning the key to start the fireworks show Saturday night, with the help of Thunder producer Wayne Hettinger.

The waterfall of fireworks off the Second Street Bridge made a return to Thunder this year, too, which came as a welcome surprise to many spectators.

Louisville Metro Police said officers issued 438 parking citations throughout the day, and towed 109 cars — which were either illegally parked or "operating recklessly." 

Why is the Thunder replay silent? 

WDRB won't be allowed to post a replay of the fireworks with music. Copyright laws prevent us from being able to post the soundtrack online or on social media  

We looked for many options, but with so many songs, it would be too difficult to license the music on all the platforms that WDRB broadcasts, streams and posts on. We hope you enjoy the spectacular show that Thunder producer Wayne Hettinger and the Kentucky Derby Festival put together for the Celebration of Derby 150. 

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