Exciting Events and Places Await Locals and Tourists Alike in Louisville, Kentucky
Author: alberthorgustin | Posted: 14.05.2012Back in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, a young couple with the names of Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Clay gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom they named Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. Little did they know then that the boy will grow up to be a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, becoming one of the greatest athletes—if not the greatest—of all time.
Bestowed with the name Muhammad Ali, meaning "Praiseworthy One," by African American religious leader Elijah Muhammad, one can safely say his name speaks for itself. Today, Ali’s life remains as an inspiration to many, so much so that a museum and cultural center, the Muhammad Ali Center, located at the West Main District of Louisville, has been built in his honor. The center features exhibitions, Ali’s boxing memorabilia and history, an orientation theater, and a mock boxing ring where visitors can playact as a boxer.
Perhaps best known as a Kentucky attraction is the Kentucky Derby, which features thoroughbred horse races. This event is preceded by Louisville’s Derby Festival, featuring one of the largest annual fireworks show in the United States dubbed as “Thunder Over Louisville” which also acts as opening ceremonies to two weeks of fun and excitement. Other highlights include a steamboat race, marathon, hot air balloon events, and the Pegasus Parade, one of the most anticipated KY events of both locals and tourists alike. With its amazing colorful floats, giant inflatables, a slew of equestrians and celebrities, and marching bands, this parade gives the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York a run for its money.
The sounds of Abbey Road is alive and well at Louisville KY during Memorial Day weekend as the town pays tribute to the greatest band of all time with “Abbey Road on the River,” the largest annual Beatles Festival in the world held at Belvedere. This event attracts Beatles fans from Louisville and all over the United States.
Summer is also a great time for residents and tourists to get together and take in the pleasure of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, where Shakespeare plays are staged at Central Park in Old Louisville. Louisville KY stage actors prove they can certainly compete with their counterparts across the pond.
While the leaves start to fall and kids go back to school, the excitement never wanes for residents and visitors as Louisville KY events continue. One of these is the Bluegrass Balloon Festival held in September. This is the fifth largest hot air balloon festival in the United States and features balloon races in the early morning and balloon glows in the early evening. You can get more relevant information about Louisville events at louisvilleky.gov/.
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