Quote Originally Posted by RoadToad View Post
Art either you missed my posts, or maybe you have some other info? Again, it does not cost the city anything, the Kentucky Derby Festival Corporation, a private, not-for-profit corporation, pays for it all. But you're right, it brings a lot of people into town, and is of at least some economic benefit, even in off years like this one. But I'd venture to say that this year the benefit was limited. A lot of vendors lost money.
I saw your posts. I didn't say the city paid for it, I just said the total bill was around $1 million...which was covered by sponsors, KDF, etc.

Yes, the out of town vendors/popcorn stands/hotdoggers got hurt, but the local restaurants/bars did well. Heard on the radio that even though attendance appeared to be down on the riverfront, the downtown area was still very much packed with people. It seems most hid out inside, and later ventured outside for the fireworks.

The rest of the Derby Festival will suffer with the river being up. Where the Chow Wagon is generally located is underwater. I doubt there will be a steamboat race either.