LIVE: Thunder Over Louisville 2024 kicks off at Waterfront Park

Thunder Over Louisville returns today, April 20, bringing one of the nation's top fireworks displays and air shows back to Louisville's Waterfront Park.

The theme for the 35th Thunder Over Louisville is "Celebrating Derby 150." Thunder has traditionally served as the “Opening Ceremonies” of the Kentucky Derby Festival and begins the two-week countdown to the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May.

“Thunder has become more than fireworks and an air show over the last three decades. It’s an annual rite of spring in Kentucky, a signature attraction for tourism in Louisville and the Bluegrass State, and an event that unites our entire community along the banks of both sides of the Ohio River,” Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO said.

Special Derby nods will be incorporated into Thunder Over Louisville, including the “Call to the Post” in the Thunder soundtrack.

Are you planning to head downtown later today? Or do you want to watch from home and avoid the crowds? Either way, follow along with our live blog so you don't miss anything during Thunder Over Louisville.

3:45 p.m.: Find Texas BBQ, and Venezuelan food at Thunder Over Louisville

Along with colorful stands selling cotton candy, corn dogs, deep-fried treats and chocolate-covered strawberries on a stick, those attending Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday could find the tastes of a local Venezuelan eatery.

Las Chamas, 8019 Dixie Highway, had a food truck outside the Chow Wagon, an area full of food and drink vendors.

Along with items from its main menu, including arepas and empanadas, Las Chamas set up a stand serving elotes, corn in a cup, mixed fruit, and horchata.

Nearby, a booth called the Lumpy Mash Potato billed itself as the “home of deep fried turkey legs” and Wild Bill’s, which had three booths set up in downtown Louisville, served refillable cups of old-fashioned soda.

As crowds grew to see the air show and enjoy live music on a stage overlooking the river, Dennis Jackson of D Jackson’s BBQ was excited to take in his first Thunder Over Louisville. The chef from Dallas, Texas prepared a menu including smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, Texas-style baked beans and loaded macaroni and cheese.

“We wanted to bring y’all some good Texas barbecue,” Jackson said. “I think we’ll be back next year.”

3 p.m.: Vendors sell wide range of goods at Thunder on the Ground

Mallki Morales,16, with Incas Andes, was enjoying the breezy day near the Second Street Bridge, selling a range of items including uniquely designed bucket hats and ponchos.

Their business, established more than 20 years ago by Morales’ father, has been selling at Thunder Over Louisville for over a decade, coming from Chicago.

The business' most popular item is its ponchos, with unique designs and prints, including pop culture and cartoon characters. Most items sold are native crafts from South America, many imported from the family’s home country, Ecuador.

Morales, who started attending the event at a young age, said he enjoys the diversity of the event and its Kentucky Derby ties.

2:30 p.m.: The air show begins at 3 p.m.! Here's the full 2024 Air Show Schedule

Keep in mind that aircraft and times are subject to change:

• 3 p.m.: Air Show Begins/Official Thunder Broadcast on WDRB and MIX 106.9

• 3 p.m.: F-16 Viper Four Ship (180th Fighter Wing OH ANG, Toledo, Ohio)

• 3:10 p.m: UPS Airlines Boeing 747-800 (Louisville IAP)

• 3:22 p.m.: Navy EA-18 Growler Demo Team (Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA)

• 3:37 p.m.: Navy Legacy Flight

• 3:47 p.m.: 123rd Special Tactics Squadron Parachute Team, KY ANG (Louisville)

• 3:57 p.m.: C-130J "Super Hercules" Four Ship (123rd Airlift Wing, KY ANG, Louisville)

• 4 p.m.: Navy MH-53 Helicopter (HM-15 Norfolk NAS, Norfolk VA)

• 4:10 p.m.: UH-60 Helocast (Bravo Co. 2-147 Air Assault, Frankfort) and (123rd Special Tactics Squadron, KY ANG, Louisville)

• 4:18 p.m.: BREAK

• 4:24 p.m.: USAF KC-135 Stratotanker (97th Airlift Wing, Altus AFB, OK)

• 4:39 p.m.: USAF C-17 Globemaster III (97th Airlift Wing, Altus AFB, OK)

• 4:54 p.m.: Matt Younkin Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo (Day Show)

• 5:06 p.m.: USCG MH-65 Dolphin

• 5:16 p.m.: USAF “Wings of Blue” Parachute Team

• 5:36 p.m.: Clipped-Wing TaylorCraft (Nick Coleman, Bowman Field, Louisville)

• 5:44 p.m.: Navy E-2C Hawkeye Two Ship (VAW-120, Norfolk NAS, Norfolk VASN)

• 5:47 p.m.: Britt Lincoln Extra 300 (MT)

• 5:55 p.m.: BREAK

• 6:01 p.m.: USAF B-52 (307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, LA)

• 6:16 p.m.: Wild Blue RV-8 Aerobatics (Day Show)

• 6:24 p.m.: Yak 52 (Bowman Field, Louisville)

• 6:32 p.m.: USAF F-16 Viper DEMO (20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, SC)

• 6:52 p.m.: USAF Heritage Flight

• 7:02 p.m.: BREAK

• 7:08 p.m.: USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” (924th Fighter Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ)

• 7:16 p.m.: USAF C-17 (445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH)

• 7:22 p.m.: A-400M Atlas (Lufttransportgeschwader (Air Transport Group) 62, Wunstorf AB, Hannover, Germany)

• 7:30 p.m.: USAF T-1A Jayhawk (14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus AFB, MS)

• 7:33 p.m.: BREAK

• 7:39 p.m.: “Mister Mulligan” Howard DGA-6 (Mason City, IA)

• 7:47 p.m.: USMC UH-1Y and AH-1Z Helicopters (Squadron 773, Joint Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ)

• 7:59 p.m.: SMOKE ON! Aviation (Louisville)

• 8:07 p.m.: Jeff Gordon Carbon Cub Float Plane (Bowman Field)

• 8:52 p.m.: Sunset

• 8:52 p.m.: Wild Blue RV-8 Aerobatics (Night Show)

• 9 p.m.: Magic by Moonlight, Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo (Matt Younkin Airshows)

• 9:08 p.m.: Meijer Moment (Thunder Fans Help Light Up the Waterfront)

• 9:12 p.m.: Drone Show Powered by LG&E

• 9:27 p.m.: System Check: Clear Airspace

• 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

You may like: The full Thunder Over Louisville air show lineup is here! Check out who's coming in 2024

2 p.m.: Family claims the same spot on the Waterfront since 1991 for Thunder

If you’re looking for Sally Jessel, just look for the small sign taped to a tree. Atop the white paper, the marker-written message reads, “Sally’s 2024 Thunder Spot.” In parenthesis, there’s a little note: “Since 1991.”

“That’s how everyone knows where I am,” Jessel, 70, said.

By now, friends and family know she can be found here, among the sea of people gathering near the Ohio River Waterfront.

And they know it’s part of Jessel’s Thunder Over Louisville tradition to get to this prime spot, near Joe’s Crab Shack, early. She and a small crew arrived, with chairs, blankets, and snacks, around 6 a.m. Saturday.

Decked out in Thunder Over Louisville merchandise, including a jean jacket, sweatshirt, and two T-shirts, Jessel said the event always brings back memories of when she first attended and saw the excitement on the faces of her kids.

That includes one her of daughters, whose interest in flying began as a teenager and now serves in the U.S. Air Force.

“She started it off and we’ve been here every single year since,” Jessel said. “I love Thunder. I love the planes and the fireworks. I love everything about it.”

Over the years, their group has grown to include more and more people, including some of Jessel’s seven children, 22 grandkids, and five great-grandchildren.

“It’s a big event for my family,” she said. “And it’s not just family. It’s family and friends. We all get together.”

In 2011, her son held his wedding ceremony during Thunder Over Louisville. The family has also recognized memorials and other celebrations with Thunder in the background. As long as Jessel has hung up a sign marking her “Thunder Spot,” she’s also invited whoever stops by to add a message or their names to the piece of paper. A bright green sign from 2019 is covered with signatures and soon the 2024 one will look the same.

“It’s amazing,” Jessel said. “It’s something we all look forward to. It’s just a good tradition.”

1:10 p.m.: Don't forget to grab a Pegasus Pin before you head to Thunder

Sisters-in-law Chere Gardner and Shalonda Rucker have attended Thunder Over Louisville for at least a decade.

But they’re not here just for fun.

“Y’all got pins? You need a pin to get in,” their friendly voices took turns asking those passing by Bingham Way near the entrance of the Great Lawn viewing area at Louisville's Waterfront Park.

As two members of the sprawling Pegasus Pin Volunteer Team, they planned to spend several hours Saturday at their sidewalk spot in the sun. Along with about 20 other family members, Rucker and Gardner sell pins each year to raise money for expenses relating to their annual reunion, which this year will be held in Detroit.

“We love talking to people,” Gardner said. “And we get to see the joy on their faces.”

People stopped to ask the pair for recommendations on where to go for lunch or the best place to view the air show. They also stopped to ask about the $10 pins, which allow entry into certain areas of Thunder Over Louisville and act as souvenirs.

“The weather plays a bit part in how the day goes,” Rucker said. “Today, it’s pretty good.”

Whether or not people stop to buy a pin, she and Gardner say the same thing: “Enjoy your day!”

12:40 p.m.: Here's how to watch and listen to Thunder Over Louisville on TV, radio

You don't have to battle the crowds to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Kentucky Derby Festival's Thunder Over Louisville.

If you are spending Thunder at home, you can watch the entirety of Thunder Over Louisville on WDRB television starting at 3 p.m. WDRB will be out in force covering the Kentucky Derby Festival event for a special live edition of the air show and fireworks.

The official broadcast coverage includes coverage of the aircraft in this year's air show, the full uninterrupted fireworks show, and the official soundtrack along with stories you won't see anywhere else.

One of the things that makes Thunder Over Louisville so magical each year is the soundtrack broadcast from the Thunder sound system around the venue. If you aren't within earshot of the many thunder sound towers throughout the venue, tune your radio to MIX 106.9to hear a live feed of the soundtrack during the fireworks show.

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12:02 p.m.: Heading to Thunder? What to know about free TARC routes

The Transit Authority of River City expects to transport more than 10,000 people during Thunder Over Louisville. As in past years, it has largely stuck with the same service plan to smoothly transport passengers in and out of the city's core.

To keep up with increased riders, TARC is increasing service into downtown Louisville and designating five post-event boarding areas for the Thunder Over Louisville. All routes on TARC will be fare-free to provide convenient access to and from Thunder Over Louisville, thanks to sponsorship by the Kentucky Derby Festival and Humana.

On the day of the fireworks, TARC will add 68 buses to accommodate the public. A shuttle service from Shawnee Park to Union Station will also run throughout the day to accommodate an expected increase of passengers heading downtown.

While extra buses should allow the agency to transport more people quickly, the routes could face delays as police set up barricades for the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display. For more information, visit ridetarc.org or call 502-585-1234.

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11:30 a.m.: Crowds fill up Waterfront Park, including family from Chicago

Betty and Dwain Hitchcock made the five-hour trip from the Chicago area to Louisville this weekend for one reason.

“Him,” Betty Hitchcock said, pointing to her 15-year-old grandson, Aiden Nolte. “He’s big into jets.”

Shortly after arriving early at their spot near the Muhammad Ali Center on Louisville's Ohio River waterfront, and hours before the air show kicked off, Nolte already carried a big smile and a camera, readying to capture the show.

“I’m excited for the lineup,” he said, noting the “rarity” of what he and thousands of others are about to see.

This marks the family’s first time attending Thunder Over Louisville, but Hitchcock said there will definitely be a “next time.”

10:40 a.m.: Heading to Thunder Over Louisville? Here are 7 things you can't bring

For safety reasons, the following are not permitted in the Thunder Over Louisville event area, which goes south from the Ohio River to Main Street between Clay Street to 10th Street and includes the Thunder Chow Wagon, Meijer Family Fun Zone on the West Belvedere, and North Great Lawn viewing area:

• Outside alcohol or any liquid in glass bottles. Plastic bottles and food are fine and vendors selling food and alcohol will be plentiful.

• Anything that flies via remote control but especially drones. This is an air show and such things are banned by the FAA.

• Leave your tents, canopies, stakes, pennant lines, and hammocks at home. Picnic blankets, tarps (limited to 10-inch-by-10-inch) and lawn chairs are OK.

• No taping or roping off of areas.

• Charcoal or propane grills.

• No pets.

• Bikes, skateboards and skates are not allowed in the viewing areas including rental bikes and scooters. If you ride your bicycle to Thunder Over Louisville, you can park it at the “Free Valet Bicycle Parking” located on the northeast corner of Witherspoon Street and Preston Street, north of Slugger Field. The facility is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring a lock.

You may like: Heading to Thunder Over Louisville? Here are 7 things you can't bring to Waterfront Park

10 a.m.: Here's what to know about parking downtown for Thunder Over Louisville

If you're driving and parking downtown, find a spot farther away from the chaos that is Waterfront Park. Walking a few blocks early in the day can save you from having to sit in a traffic jam at the end of the night.

You can also pre-book a spot online at louisville.pmreserve.com where spaces are available from now until midnight starting at $22.

What parking garages in downtown Louisville sell reserved spots?

The following parking garages in downtown Louisville sell reserved spots. However, some may be sold out day of the event, so be sure to check louisville.pmreserve.com for details:

• One Arena Plaza at Arena Garage: $62

• 141 N. Sixth St. at Riverfront Garage: $39

• 658 S. Third St. at Brown Hotel Garage: $22

• 120 S. Sixth St. at Sixth and Main Garage: $28

• 120 S. Eighth St. at Eighth and Main Garage: $28

• 838 W. Market St. at Glassworks Garage: $28

• 550 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. at Louisville Gardens Garage: $22

• 536 W. Market St. at Market Street Garage: $28

• 523 S. Fifth St. at Seelbach Garage: $22

Many downtown businesses will offer parking in private lots for varying fees. For more information on garage and lot locations in downtown Louisville visit louisvilleky.gov/PARC or contact the Parking Authority of River City at 502-587-PARK.

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8:50 a.m.: What to know about road closures for Thunder Over Louisville 2024

Navigating downtown Louisville and southern Indiana is a little challenging during Thunder Over Louisville. Here are a few roads that are already closed for Thunder Over Louisville 2024:

Roads closed now through 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 21

• Westbound River Road from northbound 2nd Street to northbound 6th Street

• Witherspoon Street from northbound Preston Street to northbound Brook Street

• Eastbound River Road from northbound Preston Street to Witherspoon Street

• Bingham Way from westbound River Road to Witherspoon Street

• Northbound Floyd Street from Witherspoon to Washington Street

For more information or to see additional road closures, visit the Louisville Metro Police Department's website: louisville-police.org/478/Kentucky-Derby-Festival-Information

You may like: Here's what to know about road closures in downtown during Thunder Over Louisville

7:55 a.m.: What bridges are closed for Thunder Over Louisville?

If you and your 500,000+ closest friends are all planning to head to downtown Louisville this weekend for Thunder Over Louisville, chances are there's going to be some traffic and lots of road closures.

Thought you could walk across the Big Four Bridge, or watch the show from that vantage point? Sorry, you're out of luck. Here's what to know about bridge closures for Thunder Over Louisville:

• The Clark Memorial Bridge (Second Street Bridge) from westbound Main Street to westbound Riverside Drive is closed from now until 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.

• The Big Four Pedestrian Bridge will be closed from 10 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, April 20. Signage will be placed on the Big Four Bridge to help notify the public of the closure.

• The Kennedy Bridge at Interstate 65 northbound will be closed from 5-10:30 p.m. (approximate) and at Interstate 65 southbound from 7-10:30 p.m. (approximate) Saturday.

7 a.m.: Heading to Thunder? Download our guide before you go

Thunder Over Louisville 2024 Guide | The Courier Journal by kgregory on Scribd

Heading out to Thunder Over Louisville 2024? You know cell phone service will be spotty! So download, print or screenshot the helpful guide to the air show, Thunder on the Ground, and more.

Inside you'll find details on the air show, which roads are closed, where to park (or how to take a free TARC ride if that's more your speed), how to listen or watch Thunder at home, and more.

Plus, take a look at the Kentucky Derby Festival sponsors for this year's event.

You may like: Print or download this complete guide to Thunder Over Louisville 2024

6 a.m.: Weather for Thunder is expected to be sunny and warm

According to the seven-day forecast from Louisville's National Weather Service, Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 62. Northwest winds between 6-11 mph with gusts of up to 20 mph are possible.

Saturday night is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a low near 41, with north winds of 6-8 mph.

Latest forecast: What will weather be like for Thunder Over Louisville, Kentucky Derby?

What time does Thunder Over Louisville 2024 start?

Thunder Over Louisville is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, with the theme "Celebrating Derby 150. Thunder On the Ground opens at 11 a.m., the air show starts at 3 p.m., the drone show is at 9 p.m., and the Zambelli Fireworks show choreographed to an original soundtrack, will blast off at 9:30 p.m.

Where is Thunder Over Louisville?

Public viewing areas stretch from 8th Street to Clay Street north of Main Street in Kentucky, and along Riverside Drive from Ashland Park in Clarksville to Spring Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana, according to kdf.org. The Chow Wagon and Waterfront Park and North Great Lawn at Waterfront Park offer front-row seats to the show.

What is Thunder Over Louisville?

Thunder Over Louisville is a beloved community event that kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival each year. The annual event is hosted in downtown to kick off Kentucky Derby celebrations and festivities. The Kentucky Derby Festival offers more than 70 events ahead of the Run for the Roses, beginning with Thunder, with a stunning firework display and aircraft show.

When did Thunder Over Louisville start?

The first official Thunder Over Louisville took place in 1991. The year prior, "opening ceremonies" were hosted at Cardinal Stadium to kick off the celebration for the Kentucky Derby, featuring a firework show and artist Janie Frickie. Over time, the event developed into what it is today, one of the nation's best fireworks displays and air shows.

More Thunder Over Louisville coverage

• What's the theme for 2024 Thunder Over Louisville? Here's your complete guide

• The full Thunder Over Louisville air show lineup is here! Check out who's coming in 2024

• Heading to Thunder Over Louisville? Here's what to know about free post-event TARC routes

• Here's how to watch, listen to Thunder Over Louisville on TV, the radio

• Here's what to know about parking downtown for Thunder Over Louisville

• Here's what to know about road closures in downtown during Thunder Over Louisville

• Heading to Thunder Over Louisville? Here are 7 things you can't bring to Waterfront Park

Reporters Kirby Adams and Gege Reed contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Thunder Over Louisville 2024 is underway! Live updates from downtown