People from all over the world come to join in Louisville's party. The celebration begins with North America's largest fireworks show, Thunder Over Louisville, on the banks of the Ohio River. The celebration continues for two weeks with Greater Louisville providing scores of events related to the world-famous Kentucky Derby, which is held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Then comes the Great Steamboat Race on the river, featuring Louisville's own Belle of Louisville challenging Cincinnati's Delta Queen in an annual race for the Golden Antlers. There's a KyDzFest especially for younger Kentucky Derby fans, a minimarathon drawing thousands of runners from all over the country, and the Pegasus Parade with its elaborate floats.
Chow wagons provide food and fun at various city sites.
Many other festival concerts and events lead up to the Kentucky Derby. The day before the Derby is the Kentucky Oaks race day, drawing almost as many people as the Derby itself. Celebrities, college students, locals, and people from afar flock to Louisville to wager their bets and watch the fastest Thoroughbreds compete for the garland of roses in the first part of horse racing's Triple Crown. As part of the Water Tower Music Series, local and regional reggae bands provide music, while festival-goers participate in a limbo contest, shop at a Caribbean Market, and sample the wares at the food booths. This race benefits the American Diabetes Association.