The Derby Basketball Classic is your chance to get autograph's of the new up and coming talent.

It's more than two minutes. What the Run for the Roses is to horse racing, Louisville's Derby Festival is to community celebrations. The Festival is one of the premiere events of its kind in the world. It brings fun, excitement, international recognition and a spirit that is unmatched anywhere. When 1.5 million people gather to celebrate spring and the unique vitality of their community, the focus is on fun and the whimsical.

"We are a community organization of 4,000 volunteers who work all year to provide quality entertainment that enhances the community," says Festival Chairman and volunteer Carolle Jones Clay. Produced annually since 1956, the Derby Festival has become a whirlwind of 70 special events.

The 2004 Festival blasts off on April 17th with the Opening Ceremonies - Thunder Over Louisville, now the nation's largest annual fireworks extravaganza! The ensuing two weeks of excitement and entertainment promises something for everyone.

For sports fans there is basketball, volleyball, rowing and golf. For music lovers the concerts are almost non-stop. With two-thirds of the Festival events free, families can enjoy numerous just-for-kids activities without stretching their pocketbook.

Other highlights include a half and full marathon, hot-air balloon events and live bed racing! The Great Steamboat Race pits historic paddle-wheelers on the mighty Ohio River. The event that started it all, the Pegasus Parade marches down Broadway on April 30.
With outdoor concerts and the elegant Derby Ball, dance and dress range from frivolous to fancy. The Festival includes several formal affairs, as well as casual, foot-stomping good times all around the community.

More than just being entertaining, the Derby Festival generates in excess of $96.3 million annually for the local economy. Events on the Festival schedule also help to raise nearly $300,000 for area charities each year.

The Commonwealth's largest single annual event, and one of Louisville's most popular entertainment attractions, the celebration is produced by Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc., a private, not-for-profit civic organization.

"We know we have done our job well by the smiles of the people who attend our events," said Festival President Michael E. Berry. Smiles that stretch on endlessly.