Most people know the Kentucky Derby as the greatest two minutes in sports. But Louisvillians know that derby festivities are happening long before the race begins, from Thunder Over Louisville to the Steamboat races and more.

On this episode of Inside Louisville, host Kelsey Starks explores what goes into putting on the annual Kentucky Derby Festival by talking with those who know it best: Matt Gibson, president of the Kentucky Derby Festival, and Wayne Hettinger, who has produced Thunder Over Louisville since its inception. 

Inside Louisville 
KET Sunday, April 21 • Noon/11 am
KET2 Monday, April 22 • 7/6 pm
Watch on-demand at KET.org and the PBS App

Inside Louisville, hosted by Kelsey Starks, is a KET production that features conversations with Louisville’s biggest newsmakers and personalities, celebrating the people, places and traditions that make the River City such a vibrant and diverse community. The half-hour weekly program also features stories that explore Kentucky’s largest city, spotlighting its neighborhoods, nightlife and noteworthy attractions.

For behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, be sure to follow Inside Louisville’s Instagram feed at Instagram.com/KETinLou.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, where learning comes to life for more than two million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on Twitter @KET and at facebook.com/KET.