x
Breaking News
More () »

Thunder tradition brings out thousands for fireworks show

The airshow dazzled the crowd with planes twisting and turning, showing off both the skilled pilots and the mighty machines of the American military.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – There’s a reason it’s called Thunder Over Louisville.

“It’s crazy, especially being right there out and the sound – you can feel it. It’s just awesome,” Peter Cook said.

Ed Hudgins said he’s made the annual event a yearly tradition since he made it to the first one nearly three decades earlier.

“[It’s] not a lot of people but the same amount of energy,” he said. “It’s an awesome kickoff to the Derby festivities and it’s the face of who we are.”

The airshow dazzled the crowd with planes twisting and turning, showing off both the skilled pilots and the mighty machines of the American military.

“Oh wow! It makes me want to come back next year,” Beatrice Mack said.

Michael Cook said, “It really makes me proud to be an American. Seeing the Blue Angels here a few years, they say the sound when they fly by is called the Sound of Freedom and I like that.”

As the day turned to night, the planes gave way to a fireworks show known all around the country, lighting up the evening sky over the Ohio River.

“Just when you think it’s over, they kick in another song and then it goes on and on. It really is a lengthy process and it’s wonderful,” Lisa Minge said.

Michael Cook said, “I went to school in Virginia for a while and they were like, ‘wait, you’re from Louisville? Thunder Over Louisville?’ They know what it is so it’s pretty cool.”

Shortly after the fireworks ended, crews moved in to begin the cleanup process which will take all night and into part of the day on Sunday.

►Contact reporter Dennis Ting at dting@whas11.com. Follow him on Twitter (@DennisJTing) and Facebook.

Before You Leave, Check This Out