Podcasts about thunder over louisville

Ford Motor Co. recently showed off the latest iteration of its large Expedition SUV in Louisville.Was the reveal a sign of confidence for the automaker? After all, it gave the company a chance to boast about its high level of domestic production — something important in the wake of a trade war. We chat about that as well as the auto industry overall on this week's episode of the Access Louisville podcast. Let's face it, this event may have just been a good reason for Ford executives to come to Louisville on Derby Week.The new 2025 Ford Expedition is rolling off the line at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville after the company invested $500 million at the facility. The reveal took place on Wednesday, April 30, and included a visit from Ford CEO Jim Farley as our partners at WDRB News reported. He spoke about the auto industry reactions on tariffs as well as the economy as a whole.The price for the new SUV ranges anywhere from $62,000 to $100,000, by the way.  After the automotive talk, we switch gears to talk about the Kentucky Derby. Reporter Michael L. Jones has covered a couple of Kentucky Derby related stories in the run-up to the big event, including a conversation with George Zambelli of the Zambelli fireworks family. Obviously, this was a rough year for the company after a huge flood in April canceled Thunder Over Louisville.“I always wondered what it would be like if there was no Thunder, and unfortunately, we got to see what it was like,” Zambelli told Jones. “It's certainly an economic impact on the city. So, maybe this is a good wake-up call to say, ‘Hey, let's be supportive of this.'"We also talk about the Belle of Louisville being scratched from the Great Steamboat Race and Jones' recent visit to Kern's Kitchen, makers of the famous Derby Pie.Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify (which are linked above.)

UPCOMING EVENT: Access Louisville Live presented by Baird. Be on hand for a live recording of the Access Louisville podcast April 22. Details and registration here.Sometimes Mother Nature just has our number — and that's certainly been true so far in 2025. On this week's Access Louisville podcast we discuss the loss of Thunder Over Louisville — which is being canceled this year because of flooding. On a normal Thunder, about half a million people line the banks of both sides of the river. Kentucky Derby Festival pegs the Thunder economic impact at more than $120 million, while Louisville Tourism charts it at $10 million. A Louisville Tourism spokesperson detailed that their number only accounts for direct economic impact (and excluding things like sponsorship or advertising dollars or TV rights).On this week's show, we also discuss how the flooding has impacted businesses including The Galt House, Captains Quarters and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort.After the flooding talk, we discuss work beginning on a project at the Kentucky Expo Center. Crews will begin demolishing parts of the existing center, including Newmarket Hall. The cleared space will pave the way for Phase I of the project, which is a new 350,000-square-foot multipurpose building designed to expand and redefine event capabilities at the facility.  Additionally, we chat about Louisville Metro Government taking preliminary steps to restore Louisville Gardens. The city is planning to do exterior demolition around the entrance of the building at 525 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. And, lastly, Reporter Stephen P. Schmidt is on the show to discuss the latest on how tariffs will affect Kentucky's signature bourbon industry. Tariffs were causing wild fluctuations on Wall Street this week. But they're also something the bourbon industry has been talking about for far longer, including at LBF's recent Bourbonomics event.Access Louisville, sponsored by Baird, is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify (which are linked above.)

WHAS11 was scheduled to be the official broadcast station for this year's Thunder Over Louisville. A flooded Ohio River canceled the show, but the TV station still has plans for all day entertainment.Doug Proffitt visited to reveal WHAS11's plans to carry special drone coverage on Saturday and then taped airshow content and fireworks displays from previous years. The all day show begins at noon on WHAS11.Plus, there will be a fundraising component to assist the local branch of the American Red Cross assisting flood victims.

Down Syndrome of Louisville does amazing work in the community, providing lifetime developmental and educational programs. Its major fundraiser, the Gallop Gala, is Friday April 11, Thunder-eve.You could win a raffle for a Thunder Over Louisville suite for 20 in the Galt House for the giant fireworks show.The Gallop Gala the night before brings The Crashers to the stage. There are a zillion auction items to raise funds for DSL. Good times!My St. Stephen Martyr classmate Susan Thomas Dever, mom to Drew, reflects on how much Down Synrome of Louisville has helped her family for 33 years. DSL helps Drew navigate life beyond his school years. Plus Down Syndrome of Louisville provides serenity for aging parents with the knowledge their child will have help throughout their lives.Susan and Tim Curtis from Down Syndrome of Louisville have details on several upcoming events to help DSL continue thriving. 

Thunder Over Louisville is one of the "must see" shows in the United States.  It's also a perfect example of the caliber of pyro show (in setting, layout, and design) that exists somewhere between the traditional shell show and the full-fledged competition grade pyromusical.   AJ and Bo are competition hobbyist pyromusical show designers, and in this episode they share their thoughts and opinions on the show and the choreography in this Kentucky legend...Thunder Over Louisville 2024.   Support the Sh*t Show!! Contribute -> Patreon  Hang with us -> Discord buy some Merch or leave us a Voicemail!

On this Thunder Over Louisville day, host Raashaan Myers and producer Roman discuss the weekly UofL news with basketball and football, Derby events, and much more! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/main-event-sports-show/support

Tom is back with Bekki and Kaitlyn to discuss yet another 0-0 draw for Racing against San Diego. Is this a result that feels more like a win, a loss, or just a draw? We talk about that as well as what we'd like to see against Utah, why you should attend Thunder Over Louisville this year (hint: it's not necessarily for the fireworks!), and as always, even more additions to the Mint Mix!Support the show

Thunder Over Louisville, the annual kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival, is one of the nation's largest fireworks show. In this episode, John sits down with the man behind the magic - Wayne Hettinger, Originator and Producer of Thunder. He gives us a look behind the scenes, from the elements involved in making the show run smoothly, to creating a memorable experience for the visitors. 

What drastic things have you done when you were running late? Did you miss an exit during Thunder Over Louisville and back down the freeway? Whatever you did probably wasn't as bad as this lady in Australia! If you can manage to make it through the day without running onto the tarmac to try and catch your flight… you're doing OK! Source: https://nypost.com/2023/11/02/lifestyle/woman-who-missed-flight-runs-onto-tarmac-to-catch-plane-video/

Episode 27:  Welcome to Lake Life with Molley and Chad! In today's episode, we're joined by a group of friends to talk about Rough River Lake in Kentucky.  Our friends are Chuck, Dawn, Spence and Lisa.  This is a continuation of our tour of lakes across Kentucky and Tennessee.  Let's jump in, so to speak. Rough River Lake Offers Diverse Activities Rough River Lake is a 65-foot deep reservoir located in Breckenridge, Hardin and Grayson counties, in Kentucky.  It offers a wised range of activities for visitors to enjoy.  It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake has 220 miles of shoreline, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Interestingly, it's actually linked to Green River.  Whether it's swimming, boating or simply relaxing on the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the water. Fishing is a popular activity at Rough River Lake.  The lake is known for its diverse fish population, including crappie, bass, hybrid bass and bluegill.  Bass tournaments are held regularly, attracting fishermen from all over.  Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, Rough River Lake offers a great fishing experience. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Rough River Lake offers opportunities for leisurely boat rides or picnics along the shoreline.  The calm waters in the no wake area provide a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for enjoying a day on the lake. They discuss the historical significance of Rough River Lake.  Chuck and Spence share a funny story about their family's connection to the lake, dating back to the 1960s when their grandfather and great uncle built a cabin there.  The original cabin still stands today, serving as a gathering place for family and friends.  The lake has several boat ramps, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats and explore the lake.  The state dock is a popular spot, providing convenient access to the water.  There are also neighborhood boat ramps available for those who live in the area. Family Bonding at the Lake One aspect of Rough River Lake that stands out is its ability to foster family bonding.  The podcast.  The guys talk about their childhood experiences at the lake, where they would spend their days water skiing and fishing.  They recall the excitement of progressing from wearing life jackets to being able to wear ski belts, which was a big privilege.  These activities not only provided fun and entertainment bus also taught everyone important life skills such as swimming and water safety. There's a mention the importance of family time at the lake.  They describe how the original cabin served as a gathering place for extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings.  Chad talks about the lack of phone reception in certain areas, which allows for uninterrupted conversations and connections with their children.  They describe how being in a secluded cover creates a space for meaningful conversations that may not have happened otherwise.  This aspect of the lake is seen as both a blessing and a curse, as it can lead to surprising and sometimes humorous interactions. Another highlight of family bonding at the lake is the annual family reunion.  Dawn mentions how they turned their regular golf weekends into a larger family gathering at the lake.  This event brings together cousins and extended family members for a weekend of fun activities.  They usually include cookouts, dance parties and euchre tournaments.  Lisa agrees how much they really enjoy these gatherings and the sense of unity they bring. Lisa shares personal stories about their families and their experiences at the lake.  They talk about watching their children grow up at the lake and the memories they have created together.  They talk about an old cabin nicknamed the “OC” and how they wanted their children to experience the rustic charm of the place, despite its imperfections.  These shared experiences have grounded their children and crated a deep love for the lake and all it represents. For the most part, the group stays at Rough River, but from time to time they'll visit friends on Lake Cumberland.  The Lake Brings Relaxation Dawn talks about how your worries and stress will melt away as soon as you reach the lake.  Everyone just relaxes and unwinds.  The lake forces you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Chad mentions the slower pace of life in the communities surrounding the lake.  They emphasize that the lake provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing them to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle.  This slower pace allows for more meaningful interactions with family and friends.  It gives them the chance to truly connect and enjoy each other's company.  Without the distractions of technology and work. Spence talks about their boat (an Axis wakeboard boat), paddleboards and kayaks.  These give everyone the chance to explore the lake and engage in fun water activities.  They reminisce about their children's younger years, when wakeboarding and surfing were a regular part of their weekends.  Although their children have grown older and their interests have shifted, the lake still offers opportunities for them to bond and spend quality time together. They also mention the sense of community that exists around the lake.  They talk about meting up with neighbors and friends, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.  The lake becomes a gathering place, where people can come together and for connections.  This was a terrific escape during the COVID pandemic. Being Content with their Current Boats One recurring theme throughout the episode is the contentment they each have with their current boat choices.  They express their love for their boats and who well-suited they are for Rough River Lake.  Dawn talks about their white, Cobalt Boat.  It's a runabout with an inboard and outboard motor.  It's the perfect size for the lake and they wouldn't buy another boat.  They have a 26-foot model that's perfect for Rough River Lake.  It's got plenty of room for friends and activities.  They're fully satisfied with their current boats and have no desire to upgrade or buy a new one.  They appreciate the size, comfort and suitability of their boats for the lake.  They are grateful for having a boat that allows them to fully enjoy their time on the water. Interestingly, they talk about who they use their boat year-round.  The lake is extremely peaceful during the winter, especially when virtually nobody else is around.  It gives them time to unplug feeling nothing without feeling guilty about it or engage in some type of project. Spence and Lisa wouldn't mind a getting a new boat.  It might be pontoon time for this family.  The group also talk about the need to prioritize using their boats during the summertime.  Sometimes this means turning down invitations to parties or events.  They've invested in their boat and lake home, so why not use it as long as possible? Relaxing Weekends on the Water Molley and Chad talk about their first boat and the test ride they took in freezing weather.  Of course, learning to trailer the pontoon was much different than the v-hulls they were used to using. One of the guys recalls their grandparents' pontoon boat with a 47.5 horsepower Johnson outboard engine.  Only an engineer could have come up with that level of specificity! An Ideal Weekend on the Water Spence describes their routine of leaving on a Thursday afternoon and arriving at Rough River Lake within an hour.  It's great to be able to spend time with family and friends who visit.  There's again that sense of being able to totally unwind and forget about life back in Louisville.  When the weather's good, there's always plenty of time for getting out on the water, floating or some other water activity.  When the lake is quiet, it's a special time.  The serenity of the water during weekdays (especially Mondays and Tuesdays) can be a complete vacation.  It's great to be able to explore all the different places without the weekend crowds.  The water can also seem so pure; it's pristine nature and definitely worth the experience. Chad describes how they try to do a full moon cruise at least once a summer. Fireworks on the Water One of the highlights of their boating experience is getting to watch fireworks on the water.  It's something special and completely different from watching it from land.  They've watched fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend.  They're terrific near the lodge and the dam in Grayson County.  There are typically boats everywhere and it creates a beautiful setting, with all of the lights.  It's really nice to be able to anchor the boat so close to the action.  Another aspect is how the water reflects the fireworks and how the sound echoes off the rocks and hills.  It's very similar to going to see Thunder Over Louisville, but without having to fight the crowds. One Fourth of July weekend, Chad and Molley got together with friends and rented a few houseboats.  It was a great way to watch the fireworks.  Although, Chad admits trying to get some sleep during the show that year.  Over all, it's a special way to view the fireworks and it's a way to create some terrific memories. Where to Put in on Rough River Lake? The consensus is that people who are new to Rough River Lake will enjoy using the state ramp, on the main channel.  From there you'll have easy access to the south fork and the north fork of the lake.  You're also close to the lodge and the state park marina.  The lodge has a nice restaurant.  By the way, make sure you check out Nick's Boat Dock to get some ice cream or eat a pork chop sandwich at their Sometimes Grill.  Lake Levels Lowering for Dam Repair The group spends time discussing an important topic, the dam repair which is causing lake levels to be lowered.  It's definitely going to impact the lake and surrounding areas.  The repair project could last 6-8 years, based on a previous project at Lake Cumberland.  That project took 7 years.  Rough River Lake summer pool is going to be lowered by 5 feet.  That's going to have a huge impact on the size of the lake.  It's a tremendous volume of water.  The lower levels could make it impossible to access certain beach areas. Obviously, it's a necessary project, but the necessary improvements will also result in a multi-year challenge for people who live on or near the lake, as well as those who travel to Rough River Lake on the weekends.  The shorelines are going to change.  This will most likely cause the closure of some beaches, which also affect boaters and campers.  There's a good chance that docks might be able to be moved and other spots will obviously become more popular on the lake. As boaters, the group discusses how the lower water levels will expose numerous submerged obstacles, such as trees and old bank structures.  This can pose a significant threat to boaters, especially if they are unfamiliar with the lake.  Something else to consider is that boaters will tend to see more crowded conditions.  This would also make it tougher to find good parking near certain ramps.  For those who have docks, they need to consult with the Army Corps of Engineers about extending docks.  The Corps will do it's best to balance the work and the need for the surrounding community to be able to thrive.  It's going to be a difficult balance.  For instance, some lakeside or area restaurants may not open, due to the potential drop in boaters and tourists.  This will further limit the options for dinning out. At the end of the day, the community will need to navigate the uncertainties and challenges ahead to ensure the sustainability and enjoyment of the lake for years to come. Molley takes a couple of minutes to talk about Trooper Island on Dale Hollow.  They did a full episode on it.  She gives a shout out to Mike's Landing Restaurant on Sulfur Creek, at Dale Hollow. On Rough River, you might want to check out Little Dave's Restaurant and Pizza.  They used to cook pizza on a boat while anchoring up in various coves.  Lessons Learned on the Water Molley asks each of the guests to talk about something they wish they would have known when they started. #1:  The Positive and Negative Side of Sunscreen Many new boaters listen to this podcast.  As the group discussed experiences with boating and lake life, the topic of sunscreen came up.  Obviously, if you're going to be on the water, you need to apply sunscreen.  However, you also need to be aware of what can happen to your boat's upholstery.  Make sure you and your guests sit on a towel if they've applied sunscreen.  Speaking of your upholstery, check out some great tips about what types of food to bring and what specifically to avoid in Episode 2. #2:  Don't Fight the Slower Pace at the Lake The lake is going to slow you down.  It's natural.  Enjoy the down time.  You'll get so much more out of it. #3:  Safe Boating Advice When you first started driving, it took a while to get familiar with the rules of the road, how the car handled and other safety issues.  It's the same for boating.  Sure, you may have a lot of room out on the water, but there are still dangerous areas, and hazards you may not see.  If you're new to boating, you should definitely take a boating safety course and learn the rules/regulations of boating.  When new boaters fail to follow the rules, it puts everyone in danger and can ruin what should have been a great time on the lake.  In Episode 1, Molley and Chad spoke candidly about their first few times out on the water and some of the mistakes they made. #4:  Be Patient with the Big Investment If you're considering buying a boat or buying a lake home, you need to do your research.  There's a lot to consider.  It's going to take patience and understanding, if you want to do it right.  There's a lot more work and maintenance that goes into owning a boat or lake home.  Some people may not be ready for it.  As a word of advice, the group talks about the importance of helping out, if you are invited for a boat trip or a weekend at the lake.  There's a lot that needs to be done and your hosts will definitely appreciate it. The final segment is a general discussion about driving and trailering their boats.  There was a special mention of Current Watersports in Shepherdsville, KY, so we thought we'd include a link. They also have locations near Cincinnati and Knoxville. Check them out! That's a wrap for this episode.  We'd like to thank our friends Chuck, Dawn, Spence and Lisa for guest hosting with us.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here's to warm weather and calm waters! Don't forget to subscribe!

President of Zambelli Intl George Zambelli joins PyroTalk for a conversation about Thunder Over Louisville and being the First Family in Fireworks.

Matt, Ryan, and Shannon talk the latest on Hunter Dickinson's recruitiment, Thunder Over Louisville and everything else from the weekend.

Community Storyteller Greg Milby spent a couple of days recently in Louisville broadcasting for regional radio stations from the Kentucky Derby Festival Event called The AT&T Morning Line. Greg chatted with a wide variety of community leaders and more. Here is his interview with Wayne Hettinger, Wayne has produced the Thunder Over Louisville event all 34 years of it's existence.

The annual Kentucky Derby Festival kicks off this weekend with Thunder Over Louisville, where a tribute to victims of gun violence is planned.We talked about what we're looking forward to in the festival on this week's Access Louisville podcast. Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson joins the show to talk about what's new and where the event goes from here.Later in the program we also discuss some new restaurants around Louisville, including Jamaican Jerk Center, the new Goodbounce Pickleball Yard on River Road, a new beer spot — called Awry Brewing — and much more.Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can find it on popular podcast services, such as Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify and more.

Kentuckiana's Saturday Morning News host Scott Fitzgerald previews some of the action you will see during the air ahow before Thunder Over Louisville...

Producer Wayne Hettinger gives us all of the details on the upcoming Thunder Over Louisville...

Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. Follow us on popular podcast services to never miss an episode.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | StitcherCleo Battle is ready to shift from recovery mode to growth mode.Battle is the president and CEO of Louisville Tourism. After three years of uncertainty for the tourism industry, he is leading the organization as it plans to attract a global audience.Shea Van Hoy, editor of Louisville Business First, sat down with Battle to discuss what he was looking forward to and trends in the tourism industry. This conversation is the first in a series of executive interviews on the Access Louisville Podcast.Something that keeps Louisville from attracting different kinds of meetings or conventions is its hotel capacity, one that is lower than peer cities, Battle explained. There are some hotels under construction, but currently Louisville is under-hoteled.Beyond this construction, there's another change coming to the hotel industry. Reporter Michael L. Jones explains a new hotel tax and its implications for Louisville and its tourists.  Still, Louisville is hosting several large-scale events this year, including, of course, the Kentucky Derby, which has expected of 250,000. It also includes National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull and Thunder Over Louisville.We discuss all this and more on the Access Louisville podcast.Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's co-hosted by David A. Mann and Laurel Deppen. Our guests this week are Van Hoy and Jones.It's available on popular podcast services, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which are linked above. You also can listen to the show in the player above.

Sean Magnum, Danny Vagrant, & Donnie Vagrant interview Danny Vapid, John Wayne Gacy impersonator at Thunder Over Louisville, Alfred Hitchcock, Ramones & Regis, & even more. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sean0493/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sean0493/support

Four-Star Air Force General David Allvin, USAF Vice Chief Of Staff, talked with us during the Thunder Over Louisville air show, which was honoring the 75th anniversary of the Air Force.

This week, Superhero Slate is getting hot and heavy with the Love and Thunder teaser, Across the Spider-verse gets delayed (but not dismayed), the CW is trimming some fat from its DC offerings, and more! Guest Host: Superfan Jim Minteer! What We're Doing: Planet Comic-Con, Thunder Over Louisville, AquaDonk Side Pieces, Halo - Ep5, Spider-Man […]

Wayne Hettinger, the producer and "father" of Thunder Over Louisville discusses the 2022 show featuring the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.

Meet the Air Bosses for Thunder Over Louisville and hear how they keep the show safe and on schedule.

Officer Beth Ruoff talks about all of the preparations LMPD has put into place to make sure everyone has a safe and happy Thunder Over Louisville. She also has a few tips that make make your travel to and from the riverfront a little bit easier...

T.C. Hensley is one of the crew members aboard the UPS Airlines 767 that is part of the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville air show.

We've known Thunder Over Louisville was coming back for a while, but we found out a lot of the details today and Wayne Hettinger and Megan Atkins Thoben get us ready for the big show...

Michael Bennett and Shannon The Dude talk Devin Askew transferring to Texas, the secret locations for Thunder Over Louisville leaked, and the new middle age for men.

Thunder Over Louisville Producer Wayne Hettinger remembers Thunders gone by and previews this year's special show including an airshow and fireworks across the city...

Thunder Over Louisville Producer Wayne Hettinger remembers Thunders gone by and previews this year's special show including an airshow and fireworks across the city...

This week on the Access Louisville podcast we discuss the plan for this year's Thunder Over Louisville. The annual fireworks display is being put on in a different way this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and we talk about what we think of its new idea. In the midst of this chat we also talk about some of our favorite Thunder memories over the years.We also chat more about Liberty Hall (nicknamed the "Odd Fellows Building") on Muhammad Ali Boulevard. Louisville Metro Council recently overturned its status as a local historic landmark, meaning it could be torn down and replaced with something new.Later, we get an update on comings and goings in the restaurant industry locally, including a new speakeasy coming to NuLu.And to wrap things up with chat about how our NCAA brackets are looking now that the tournament is fully under way.Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can find it on popular podcast services like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Radio Public. 

Michael Bennett and Shannon The Dude talk NCAA Tournament, UK Football, and Thunder Over Louisville.

Today's Kentucky Headlines includes an increase in Kentucky's COVID-19 vaccine supply, Governor Andy Beshear looking for a compromise to bills that will curb his executive powers and The Kentucky Derby's Pegasus Parade and Thunder Over Louisville will continue without crowds.

Hayley and the Knobs talked about Terry's ongoing quest to save every turtle he sees in the wild. We also get into the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, and pretty much every other Kentucky Derby Festival event, the Dalai Lama's music career (which is...uh...nice), and the end of The Sopranos...

Hayley and the Knobs talked about Terry's ongoing quest to save every turtle he sees in the wild. We also get into the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, and pretty much every other Kentucky Derby Festival event, the Dalai Lama's music career (which is...uh...nice), and the end of The Sopranos...

The Dads get their hands on Pinhook's new Bourbon Country Cask Strength, which was a blend of 75 MGP barrels to create this 115 proof release. It's the perfect episode right after Thunder Over Louisville to get you in the mood for the Derby happening in a couple of weeks. Cheers! Intro/Outro: Springtide "Fall Asleep Under the Millions of Stars"

The 2019 Kentucky Derby Festival expects to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the Louisville area for events like the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display and the Pegasus Parade. This year's festival will be the last at the helm for its longtime leader: Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry is retiring this year. We talk with Berry about his tenure, and we talk with KDF's Chief of Staff and Vice President of Communications about this year's events and how they stage the two-week festival. Our guests were: Kentucky Derby President and CEO Michael Berry Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Stacey Robinson Vice President of Communications Aimee Boyd

Chopper Bill DeReamer talks about using his WHAS 11 helicopter to help dry the Great Lawn for Thunder Over Louisville.

The exciting challenge of creating a sense of wonderment is what drives Louisville-native Wayne Hettinger to create memorable events on a grand scale. Hettinger’s company produces special events on a spectacular scale for corporate, community and non-profit organizations. Since 1990, they have been best known for creating and producing Thunder Over Louisville, a waterfront fireworks event attracting 750,000 spectators every year. Thunder is the largest annual fireworks display in North America and it marks the kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. The event has earned Hettinger three Emmy awards. Hettinger’s company has also produced other public events such as Light Up Louisville, Louisville’s Veterans Day Parade, the Kentucky State Bicentennial, and the National Parks 50th Celebration. They were responsible for the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and the 2005 Muhammad Ali Center Grand Opening, as well. Hettinger serves as a member, or in an advisory role, on many fundraising boards, including the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium. He and his wife, Pamela, have five children and ten grandchildren.

In the first episode of the podcast, hosts Josh Moss and Michelle Eigenheer dive into the Kentucky Derby, exploring the story of longtime jockey Perry Wayne Ouzts, as wells as the Louisville Orchestra's collaboration with Thunder Over Louisville. Teddy Abrams is a guest.

Come and join us for another installment of the WDW-Memories podcast, where I try to make it possible for you relive your Walt Disney World Memories when you can't actually be there. What an awesome weekend! I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Thunder Over Louisville, but it’s probably in the top 5 things our city is known for, but most people just don’t think of it. We have great things such as The Kentucky Derby, Bourbon, The Louisville Slugger Museum, and College Basketball, but Thunder probably isn’t known to too many folks outside the area. Each year at the start of the Derby season they put on an air show all day and finish it off with one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, FOR FREE. Almost a million people come down for it, and this year we had some of the best weather on record with sunny days and temps in the 70’s. It was awesome. Almost as good as being in Walt Disney World… almost. Let’s pick back up with our day in the Magic Kingdom. Remember, it’s a quiet day (a 3/10 on TouringPlans.com). In Memory 113, we got to spend some time taking pictures with some of our favorite Disney characters. We met Daisy, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald all with just a short amount of time. But now the kids are hungry, so let’s see if we can get into the newly opened Be Our Guest Restaurant. Show notes: https://wdw-memories.net/2014/04/18/memory-114/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app