City: Louisville, KY

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: First held in 1956, the Pegasus Parade is the Derby Festival’s oldest event. It began on a budget of $640 and now provides an impact in excess of $14 million to the Louisville economy. Even if the weather is cloudy and overcast, parade officials can expect to attract a crowd of at least 250,000 spectators along Broadway. With its colorful assortment of floats, inflatable character balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, and celebrity guests, it’s not surprising that the parade—sponsored by Republic Bank—is consistently voted as one of Louisville’s favorite events. The parade travels west on Broadway from Campbell to Ninth and starts at 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby. There is free viewing in most areas along the route; however, bleacher tickets can normally be purchased for $9, and chair seating goes for $11. Seating in the review stand costs $26.