LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As pageantry paraded down West Broadway, Saturday, thousands from all across Louisville and beyond lined the sidewalks, dazzled by an ever-moving show.
Now in its 69th year, the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade pulled out all the stops, from a flame thrower seated atop a truck, to performers of all kinds and a few elected leaders too, like Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
Sitting captivated on the sidewalk, 7-year-old Galiyah said her favorite spectacle was "the bicycles," referring to a group of performers doing tricks on bikes, but she also enjoyed the "flame truck."
"It gave me hints about like the fireworks. It looked like the fireworks but it didn't have no color. It was all red," she said.
One block down Broadway, Karter, a 9-year-old, said his favorite part was "police people riding motorbikes in circles," referring to Louisville Metro Police patrolman performing tricks on motorcycles.
"(It means) a lot, means a lot. Because it's my first time going to a parade like this before with (my family)," he said.
Everyone jockeyed for the best view on the ground, while others decided the best seat in the house was on top of the house, or rather, a building.
The theme for the 2024 KDF Pegasus Parade was "Celebrating Derby 150," which should come as no shock, with derby-esque décor draped all over the downtown area.
This year’s parade route encompassed 17 blocks, with parade participants heading west on Broadway from Campbell Street to 9th Street in downtown Louisville.
"We (are) actually enjoying the parade. It's the 150th (Derby), so I'm bringing my babies out here," Trevin Bass said, looking at his sons Trevin Jr. and Taylin Bass.
Bass said he's been attending Pegasus Parades since he was a kid. Now in his 30s, the fun has shifted to a more sentimental tone.
PHOTOS: Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade 2024
"Compared to as a child, we just wanted to mingle with friends," Bass said. "And now I'm creating memories with my children. Building that tradition."
When Bass' son Taylin was asked what his favorite part of the parade was, he said, "The Marching Band and spending time with my family."
While some are upholding longstanding Louisville traditions, out-of-towners, like Lillian Fetalaiga and her son Levi are visiting for the first time, from Columbus Ohio.
"We are here to cheer on the Kentucky twirlers because they invited Columbus, Ohio twirlers to come and join them," Fetalaiga said. "It makes me so happy. It's so it's such a beautiful place to see. And it's so different than any other time. So I'm glad I had the opportunity to come out."
The estimated economic impact of the parade alone typically reaches some $20 million every year, but the memories made this year are priceless.
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