Thunder Over Louisville, the Largest Public Fireworks Show in the USA

"Thunder Over Louisville" kicks off this year's annual Kentucky Derby Festival with a full day of family friendly activities on the Waterfront. Beginning with an amazing airshow that features over 80 high performance aircraft and ending with the nation's largest annual fireworks show 'Thunder' is a great way to celebrate a beautiful spring day. One hidden secret that only locals know about is the 'Free' sneak peek into the airshow the days before as the pilots rehearse routines over downtown Louisville.

As one of the earliest large festival events of the year 'Thunder' attracts a large crowd of eager and very friendly attendees. After a winter cooped up inside most are excited to begin the year's outdoor festival circuit. Vendors are lined up with their booths and tents along River Road ready to serve this year's newest treats to the crowds which can grow in some years to over 800,000. With well thought out traffic patterns and very visible police presence access to the Waterfront is always pleasant and safe. Rarely in over 15 years of 'Thunder' has there ever been a public safety issue.

This year "Thunder Over Louisville" will have the latest in pyrotechnic power from Zambelli Internationale, America's "first family of fireworks". Six barges form the fireworks stages and the Zambelli's signature one-mile "waterfall" effect off the 2nd street bridge. For almost 30 minutes onlookers are amazed by the sounds, sites, thumps and smoke of tons of pyrotechnics.

'Thunder' is viewed by millions worldwide via a July 4th rebroadcast on the Armed Forces Network and in 150 countries worldwide. The Discovery Channel documentary said it best, "Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!".