It's more than two minutes. What the "Run for the Roses" is to horse racing, Louisville's Derby Festival is to community celebrations. The Festival is one of the premiere events of its kind in the world. It brings fun, excitement, international recognition and a spirit that is unmatched anywhere. When 1.5 million people gather to celebrate spring and the unique vitality of their community, the focus is on fun and the whimsical.

The 2001 Festival blasts off on April 21st with the Opening Ceremonies - Thunder Over Louisville, now the nation's largest annual fireworks extravaganza! The ensuing two weeks of excitement and entertainment promises something for everyone.

For sports fans there is basketball, volleyball, football, golf and bass fishing. For music lovers the concerts are almost non-stop. With two-thirds of the Festival events free, families can enjoy numerous just-for-kids activities without stretching their pocketbook. Other highlights include the miniMarathon and the Great Balloon Race. The Great Steamboat Race pits the Belle of Louisville against New Orleans' Delta Queen. The event that started it all, the Pegasus Parade, is on May 3rd.

With clogging exhibitions and the elegant Derby Ball, dance and dress range from frivolous to fancy. The Festival includes several formal affairs, as well a casual, foot-stomping good times.

More than just entertaining, the Derby Festival generates in over $58 million annually for the local economy. Festival events also raise nearly $270,000 for area charities each year.

The Commonwealth's largest single annual event, and one of Louisville's most popular entertainment attractions, the celebration is produced by Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc., a private, not-for-profit civic organization.

For details on this year's events, visit the Kentucky Derby Festival Web site at http://www.kdf.org.