Equestrian Unit Applications Click here for an application (PDF) Click here for an application (Word Document)

The Pegasus® Parade is ranked among the top 15 parades in the country by the International Festival and Events Association. Held each year on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, the Pegasus Parade, marches west on Broadway for 1.7 miles, and attracts crowds in excess of 275,000.

Highlights over the years have included the appearances by John Wayne, Loretta Lynn, Muhammad Ali, Diane Sawyer, William Shatner, Chubby Checker and General Norman Schwarzkopf.

The event has been broadcast live locally on NBC affiliate WAVE TV 3 since 1982. The local broadcast brings the Parade an additional 200,000 viewers annually. The broadcast is aired again on Derby Day.

Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview
Parade enthusiast can also get up close & personal with the floats and giant balloons just days before the parade steps off. They can sneak a peak during the Parade Preview held Tuesday before the parade. A taste of the entire parade is offered in this indoor carnival-like setting for more than 10,000 parade fans.

Applying to the Republic Bank Derby Festival Pegasus Parade
The Kentucky Derby Festival is now accepting Equestrian applications for the Republic Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus® Parade. If your unit is considering an appearance in a major event during 2009, you will want to experience the excitement of one of the world’s finest civic celebration: The Kentucky Derby Festival. The 2009 Pegasus Parade is on April 30 at 5 p.m.

The Committee is looking for organizations that will develop a unit which adheres to the theme; as well as a unit that is exciting, entertaining, colorful, imaginative and filled with enthusiasm. Applications MUST be completed in full to be considered for acceptance into the Pegasus Parade, and MUST be submitted no later than January 12th, 2009. Early applications get first consideration.

Each application will be reviewed by committee to determine eligibility. Applicants will be notified in writing as to whether or not they have been accepted. Please keep in mind that all participants must be 14 years of age or older.

To ensure your stay in Louisville is enjoyable, parade participants are assigned a host who will be available to answer any questions. The Derby Festival utilizes professional EMS services along the parade route in case of medical emergencies. The Louisville Water Company provides bottled water for participants along the parade route.

Thank you for your interest in the Republic Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Derby Festival office at (800) 928-3378.