Louisville's Sidewalk Derby

Kentucky is Horse Country USA and Louisville is home to the famous Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. But Louisville is home to another equine derby, locally known as the Sidewalk Derby.

In 2009, the Gallopalooza Showcase auctioned a herd of 132 artistic horses to local businesses and individuals. These beautifully crafted sculptures can be spotted throughout the city and suburbs.

Gallopalooza is organized every five years. Just two more years before the next stampede of colorful horses arrives in Louisville.

A downtown horse statue with jockey in Louisville Kentucky — Painted Horse in Louisville

Louisville's Love of Horses

This amazing celebration of our community, artistically underscores this state's obsession with horses and racing.

In Ireland there are many old sayings about horses that teach us lessons about life.

A statue of a horse — Sidewalk Derby in Kentucky

My kids love to play "spot a painted horse" as we drive around town. Keeping their eyes peeled for spectacularly painted horse statues, provides wonderful free entertainment, that sure beats watching TV.

Since we don't own a mobile DVD system, we create our own fun-on-the-go.

Exploring Louisville's Sidewalk Derby

Each horse is unique and tells a story. Muhammad Ali, Louisville's favorite son, is proudly represented on this sculpture alongside the Stars and Stripes.

Sidewalk derby horse statue in blue and black lying on a street — Blue Painted Horse Lying Down in Louisville Kentucky

Thoroughblue rests peacefully on the Main Street sidewalk.

A horse statue decorated with vintage autos and cars — Painted Horse Featuring Motor Cars

This guy with his checkered flag tale stands proudly outside a local car dealership.

A horse statue with teeth and toothbrush theme — Dental Themed Painted Horse in Louisville

Our medical/dental horse sports a stethoscope, a toothbrush leg and braces to fix his toothy horse smile.

Sidewalk derby horse with a map of America on a purple horse statue — Painted Horse with an American States Map

This guy is perfect for playing "name that state".

A purple studded statue of a horse head in Louisiville Kentucky — Horse Head Sculpture in Louisville Kentucky

This sculpture represents a horse chess piece. Louisville's blue bejeweled beauty proudly guards a door on Main Street.

A painted horse statue — Tornado Themed Painted Horse

A Feast For the Eyes

We spotted this guy overlooking some tables outside a restaurant on Market Street.

A horse statue in front of a window — Painted Horse in Louisville

This stripey spectacle stands in front of a local paint store. The blanket image on his back replicates a sample paint strip.

A horse statue in front of a building for Louisville's Sidewalk Derby — High Stepping Horse Statue

This high stepping pose reflects the dancing movements of a show horse. My kids love this horse.

If you look closely at his tail, you'll see a little red cardinal perched comfortably, observing the world go by. He's part of the sculpture, but my little girl was convinced he was real.

A horse statue in front of a flower bed — Run for the Roses

And finally the winner of my "Run for the Roses", as the Derby is affectionately referred to. In 1896 the Derby winner was first presented with a cloak of pink and white roses, a tradition proudly upheld each year since.

While driving yesterday we spied this brown filly sporting her beautiful rose garland. She is not an official Gallopalooza horse, but here in Louisville we love all of our horses, especially those adorned with a garland of roses.

If you need some inspiration for Derby inspired crafts, check out my efforts at making shoebox derby floats.

Plus don't forget to celebrate with a Hot Brown sandwich, first created at Louisville's Brown Hotel.

If you enjoy rambling around America through stories then check out these installments...

How America Transformed Saint Patrick's Day

Irish Immigrant Song Tugs On The Heartstrings

US Infrastructure And The Extraordinary Legacy Of Irish American Immigrants

The Meaning of Some Popular Irish Last Names

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