City: Louisville, KY

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: Since 1963 the Belle of Louisville has raced another historic steamboat on the Ohio on the Wednesday before the Run for the Roses. Because its most famous rival, the Delta Queen, is temporarily operating as a floating hotel at Chattanooga, the Belle of Cincinnati will replace the Delta Queen in future races as the opponent for the hometown favorite. In the past, the winner was determined by the first boat to cross the finish line at the Clark Memorial Bridge, but in upcoming competitions the victor will be the vessel that accumulates the most points from performing a series of tasks assigned throughout the race. One of the tasks will be a calliope contest between the two Belles; other tasks will be performed by the crews on board, as well as onshore. The race starts at 6 p.m. with departure at 5:45 p.m. The awards ceremony takes place immediately following the race at the Chow Wagon in Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Tickets for the Belle of Louisville cost $126; Belle of Cincinnati tickets cost $75. Both prices include dinner. For more information about this popular Derby event, visit the Web site for the Belle of Louisville at www.belleoflouisville.org.