Signs of the Kentucky Derby Festival can be found everywhere this spring, including on bourbon bottles! Four Roses Bourbon is releasing its commemorative Kentucky Derby Festival Special Selection Single Barrel Bourbon during a special event on Thursday, March 13 at Kroger Wine & Spirits in Middletown. The limited-edition bottle features an image of the 2025 Official Derby Festival Poster designed by Louisville artist Kim Perry.
During the event, under way from 5-8 p.m., Festival fans can purchase their keepsake bottle and have it signed by Four Roses Bourbon Master Distiller Brent Elliott and 2025 Official Poster Artist Kim Perry.
Exclusive Derby Festival merchandise has just arrived at area Kroger stores and will also be for sale at the event, including t-shirts, hoodies, glassware, posters, Pegasus Pins and more Derby Festival gear.
The overall estimated annual economic impact of the Derby Festival is $127.9 million.* That means for every $1 spent producing the Festival $22 is generated for the local economy.
Economic Impact by Event:
- Thunder Over Louisville – $56,663,177
- Chow Wagon/Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – $16,472,795
- Pegasus Parade –$22,462,902
- Great Balloon Fest – $5,079,449
- Marathon/miniMarathon – $4,923,936
- Great Steamboat Race – $703,535
- Great Bed Races – $465,448
- $1 Million Hole in One Golf Contest – $306,588
- They’re Off! Luncheon – $160,579
- WineFest – $136,194
The Festival hosts 1.5 Million attendees in a traditional year, with the largest event being Thunder Over Louisville. The entire Festival produces 70 events and operates on a budget of $7 million. The average customer at a Festival event spends $32.
The Festival is produced by a full-time staff of 22 event professionals, a board of directors of 75 community leaders, and a network of 4,000 volunteers.
*Economic Impact Study was conducted in 2011 by the University of Louisville’s MBA Program.
