Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race
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Phone:
(502) 584- FESTDescription:
First held in 1963, the Great Steamboat Race has traditionally been between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen. In 2009, the Belle of Cincinnati replaced the Delta Queen, and the race became a competition, with the winner attempting to gain the most points by completing several tasks like the Calliope Contest and others that involve the boat crews. An awards ceremony follows right after the event, and the winner receives a pair of silver antlers (previously, the prize was a set of gilded antlers, now found in the Belle of Louisville offices).The Great Steamboat Race usually takes place the Wednesday before Derby. You can watch it from the banks of the Ohio River or from Fest-a-Ville at Waterfront Park (free with a Pegasus Pin). Those who wish to fully participate in the race can purchase tickets to ride on either boat (Belle of Louisville tickets usually cost more than the Belle of Cincinnati).
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