In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
As we prepare to host one of the grandest sporting spectacles in the world—the Kentucky Derby, known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," remember that this grand event isn't just about the thunder of hooves and the triumph of athleticism; it's a dazzling blend of tradition, fashion, economic power, and a history that runs deeper than many realize.
The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race—it's a global event. Each year, over 150,000 fans flock to Churchill Downs, with millions more watching around the globe. It’s a spectacular showcase for Louisville, putting our city's culture, hospitality, and spirit on full display.
The economic impact is staggering. The Derby brings an estimated $400 million to Louisville's economy annually. Hotels are booked months in advance, restaurants overflow, and local businesses—from florists selling red roses to hat boutiques and tailors—experience a massive boost. For a city like Louisville, the Derby isn’t just a tradition; it’s an economic engine that powers tourism, business development, and international recognition.
Beyond the race itself, Derby Day is a parade of styles. The tradition of wearing flamboyant hats dates back to the early 1870s when Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (founder of the Louisville Jockey Club and the builder of Churchill Downs) envisioned the Derby as an American equivalent to the grand horse races of England, where elegance and spectacle were essential. Women showcase elaborate dresses, towering hats, and fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers, and gems. Men don seersucker suits, bow ties, and the occasional colorful fedora. The fashions and elegance bring sightseeing to a whole new level.
Whether you’re in the infield, the grandstands, or Millionaires Row, the Derby is a place to see and be seen. So, get ready, Louisville – polish your shoes, press your dresses, and fluff your feathers. The world is watching—and for two thrilling minutes, we get to show everyone what makes our city shine.
Lastly, Louisville, as the world turns its gaze to Churchill Downs, let’s not only revel in the excitement of the race, the vibrant fashions, and the economic prosperity it brings, but try to live in the Derby spirit long after all the pomp and pageantry. We should continue to be gracious and kind, keep our city clean, and take winning and losing in stride.
Click here to view the mayor's message:
https://youtu.be/5uZfvxjumMI?si=ojzJsLDNyfzDQjNA
Councilmembers have received a number of emails and phone calls regarding the proposed pickleball center at Joe Creason Park. The proposed complex would include 36 tennis courts, 18 pickleball courts, a restaurant, and new parking lots among other additions.
First, let me say, “I hear you.” With that said, please let the Kentucky Tennis and Pickleball Center representatives hear from you. Two meetings have been scheduled for constituents’ input. During these meetings, the representatives will provide you with more information about the project and entertain your questions. The meeting dates are:
- Tuesday, May 6, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. at Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court
- Saturday, May 10, 2025 – 8:30 a.m. at St. Xavier High School, 1609 Poplar Level Road
For those of you who have voiced your opinion on the subject, please know that you have time to speak up and express your concerns directly to the principals introducing the project. The process to construct plans such as the ones proposed for Joe Creason Park is – well, just that, a process. Before a shovel goes into the ground, the Kentucky Tennis and Pickleball representatives must submit plans to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will assess all aspects of the project and order additional public meetings for you to hear from the developers and offer your concerns. When it’s all said and done at those levels, the project comes to the Metro Council for consideration.
I hope you are able to attend at least one of the meetings that are and will be scheduled about Joe Creason Park. If you wish to read more about the proposed plans, click on this link www.kytpc.org.
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Click the link below the photo to watch the Council meeting summary on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/AqnI9H86vuo?si=g8GfeBV6p_Fosv_1
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, May 15, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
During my weekly inspection drive through District 7, I noticed this poor sign at Westport Road and Hermitage. Someone decided to put it in another position other than upright. So, as soon as I saw it, I took a picture so that I can make arrangements to get it repaired.
Let's maintain the beauty of District 7 by saying something when you see something out of the ordinary. Thanks much!
Local food and craft vendors are invited to participate in the 23rd Annual WorldFest, Louisville’s premier international festival, taking place over Labor Day weekend. Attracting more than 150,000 attendees over four days, WorldFest offers an exceptional opportunity for local businesses to showcase their cuisine and crafts to a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The festival celebrates the many cultures that call Louisville home, featuring live entertainment on multiple stages, the vibrant Parade of Cultures, the Global Village, and more.
Food vendors will have the opportunity to bring their own cooking equipment—provided it meets health code requirements—and should be prepared for fast-paced service to accommodate the large crowds each day. WorldFest is free and open to all ages, making it one of the city’s most popular and inclusive events.
For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact Dorian at dorian@jwagnergroup.com.
Apply Here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6802903/worldfest-2025-vendor-application
May is National Bike Month and it wouldn't be complete without Bike to Work Day.
Join us Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. for National Bike to Work Day. Bike Louisville will host group rides from five "Meet & Ride" locations. Each group will be led by experienced volunteer ride captains. The rides will depart at 7:30 a.m. and will end downtown at The Plaza on Fourth (222 S. 4th St.) for coffee, donuts and prizes. Groups will meet back at the plaza at 5:30 p.m. for return rides.
Help celebrate healthy and sustainable active transportation by taking part in the city-wide ride.
Follow the link below to register and view the route maps for each ride.
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/bike-louisville/bike-work-day-2025?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) with Metro Animal Services (MAS) is hosting the third annual Hammer’s Lou Adopts, a mega adoption event aiming to find loving homes for nearly 200 adoptable local dogs and puppies. Once again sponsored by Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, Hammer’s Lou Adopts will offer on-site adoptions at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center Pavilion on Saturday, May 10 from noon – 4:00 p.m. After finding homes for 270 dogs in the last two years, we are excited to find homes for more homes for more dogs!
KHS and MAS will be joined at Hammer’s Lou Adopts by several other local shelters to offer the public a large variety of friendly, loving local dogs and puppies who are available for adoption on-site.
Adoption fees will vary by shelter. Jefferson County adopters will be required to pay a $10.50 licensing fee for each adoption. All the dogs and puppies will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Adopters are encouraged to bring their resident dogs so they can meet any potential dog siblings and to bring their dogs’ vaccine records.
Spring into Science with us!
We’re bringing the animal kingdom to life every weekend in May from 11AM-3PM!
May 4: Exploring Flight, we’re taking off into the science of FLIGHT! Explore how animals and machines defy gravity with hands-on activities, wing design experiments, and more.
May 10 & 11: Exploring Animal Prosthetics, design your own animal prosthetics using 3D pens! Dive into the world of bioengineering and see how creativity can lead to real-world solutions.
May 16 & 17: Paws & Pals Days, learn more about our animal friends and the people who work with them!
May 18: Exploring Camouflage, test your skills with camouflage challenges and an animal-themed scavenger hunt across all three floors
May 24, 25, 26: Exploring Biomimicry & Engineering, design your own animal puppets and see how nature inspires the world of engineering and design.
Join the Kentucky Center for the Arts for the grand finale of the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps (LOCC) residency at Creators Fest on May 10th at Whitney Hall. This remarkable event marks the culmination of a year-long journey during which LOCC’s three resident creators—Baldwin Giang, Brittany J. Green, and Oswald Huỳnh—have passionately crafted brand-new musical works exclusively for the Louisville Orchestra and our vibrant Louisville community.
Brittany GREEN: New Work (World Premiere)
Baldwin GIANG: New Work (World Premiere)
Oswald HUỲNH: New Work (World Premiere)
Andrew NORMAN: Split
Cast:
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Dash on over to the Zoo to take part in Louisville’s only road race that doesn’t just go around the Zoo but actually “Throo” the Zoo. Enjoy an early morning adventure where you watch as the Zoo wakes up! Join us on May 10th at 8:00 am for one amazing Louisville Zoo experience.
Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, May 9th from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the bus lot at the Louisville Zoo (1100 Trevilian Way, 40213). If you are unable to pick up your packet or have a friend/family member pick it up for you on Friday, we will have a limited packet pick-up on race morning from 6:45 am until 7:45 am. Please plan to arrive early enough to get your bib and get to the start line on time.
Registration Information
Your registration fee includes a one-of-a-kind race experience, a commemorative t-shirt, unique finishers medal, post-race refreshments, entry to win door prizes, and a FREE ticket to come back and visit the Zoo at a more leisurely pace! Register today before the price goes up!
Children in strollers are free, but do not receive a t-shirt, race bib, commemorative finishers medal, or free ticket for a return visit.
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