Thunder

I am coming back to Louisville for my first Thunder in about 5 years. What are the big changes? I hear you can%26#39;t bring tents and coolers to the Waterfront now.

Also, I am looking at a package at the Galt House that includes 6 ';wrist Bands';. Do they not use Pegasus Pins for Chow Wagon anymore or are there VIP areas you have to have a wrist band for?

Thanks for the input.

Thunder

No tents because of the special turf used on the Great Lawn. They don%26#39;t want folks poking holes in it with their tent stakes. Has a mesh in it or something.

The Galt House will have to tell you what the wristband entitles you to.

This is directly from the FAQ on the KY Derby Fest website. It doesn%26#39;t mention coolers:

What can%26#39;t I bring to Thunder Over Louisville?

For safety reasons the following are not permitted in the event area, which goes south from the Ohio River to Main Street between Clay Street and 10th

Street:

No Tents

No cans or bottles are allowed at the event site. Plastic bottles and food are permitted. There is also plenty of food and soft drink stands to take care of any needs you may have. Beer is available at the Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park and the Belvedere Beer Garden.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

No bikes, skateboards or skates are allowed in the event venue. You will be asked to walk them in for pedestrian safety.

No firearms are allowed.

Please leave any pets at home.

Due to increased security - all persons and parcels are subject to search.

Thunder

www.visualpresentations.com/thunder.html

Hi Daytripper. I have a friend who goes to the Galt House. The wristband gives you access to their private viewing area. That%26#39;s for folks who don%26#39;t have a balcony or window facing the activities. Very expensive, but hey. Another great option is to ride the Belle of Louisville, Spirit of Jefferson or Star of Louisville. All offer protection from the elements and bird%26#39;s eye views. All of the river front restaurants have private viewing parties and there are other places offering corporate tents. Some people watch from the stadium where the baseball team plays. The chow wagon still requires a Pegasus Pin.

Thanks for the info. Missed out on the Galt house thing. They had filled everything by the time I called back. As long as it doesn%26#39;t rain, I was planning on going down to the lawn anyway. Can%26#39;t wait to finally go back!

I called a number of downtown hotels and everything was full. We ended up at the Seelbach. I haven%26#39;t stayed there since a college formal about 15 years ago. I hear it is not what it used to be. Any feedback?

While I am not the biggest fan of the Seelbach (I%26#39;ve had really spotty service and the rooms are teeny) I think you should be fine. At least it%26#39;s a great location and it will be festive!! The food there is very high....I%26#39;m not sure it%26#39;s worth it, honestly. I hope you have a marvelous time and we will pray to the weather gods for you!

Eat at the Seelbach? Are you kidding? Corndogs, porkchop sandwiches, elephant ears and fried snickers from Chow Wagon will be my only sustenance.

Who has the better heart attack unit-Jewish or Norton?

I will vouch for Jewish. Great team!

one other question...

I know the bridge(s) get shut down prior to the event, but do any of the surface streets downtown get closed? Do they close off 64 or 65 prior to the start of the fireworks? If I am running around I want to make sure I can get back to the hotel.

You bet. Pretty much the whole traffic pattern changes. It takes hours and hours to get out of there. Don%26#39;t jump in a car with a full bladder.