Thunder Over Louisville

Thunder Over Louisville is a spectacular air show culminating in an out-of-this-world fireworks display. This event is the largest annual fireworks show in North America is held two weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby and kicks of weeks of fantastic events throughout the region during Derby season.

From the moment I rolled into Louisville I was over-whelmed with the electricity and excitement in the air. Having had years of experience in developing this event, the KDF organization has put together a World-Class event second to none.

The air show is both fascinating and informative as well as being flawlessly choreographed. Local newspapers and business magazine print programs so that spectators can follow along. The crowd puts an exclaimation point on patriotism with their support of the many military pilots who risk thier lives for their country every single day.

By lunchtime I was famished even though I had been snacking on delicious treats all morning long. The aromas of roasting gyro meat and medieval style turkey legs permeated the air.

Once evening began to fall the air show ramped up even further. Pilot Bill Leff took to the skies with an impeccable nighttime solo flight complete with fireworks shooting from his aircraft.

Bill flew off into the darkness and a hush fell over the crowd of over 500,000 event-goers. Anticipation charged the air as the countdown to Thunder began. For several agonizing seconds an eerie silence enveloped the night and then all at once the night erupted into controlled chaos! True to their reputation Zambelli Internationale both caresses and assaults the night sky with a fireworks show that is literally jaw-dropping. For first time viewers it is an event that leaves them wowed and speechless.

Thunder Over Louisville is a Bucket List event that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.