The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Thunder Over Louisville 2018 will kick off at around 3 p.m. Saturday as the first planes of the air show blast over the Ohio River. 

It’s best to arrive early for a good spot, which means you need to be prepared for the long haul.

► Waterfront Park opens at 9 a.m. and the Meijer Family Fun Zone, Ford’s Thunder on the Ground and Thunder Chow Wagon open at 11 a.m.

► Admission requires a Pegasus Pin, which are $7 and available pretty much everywhere. A pin is good for admission to many Kentucky Derby Festival events through May 4.

► Consider parking several blocks away, at least four, and you’ll be able to get away faster post-fireworks.

► Blankets and tarps up to 10 feet by 10 feet and lawn chairs are allowed and very handy.

► Sunscreen is a must, and a hat would be great regardless of weather.

► Comfortable, sturdy shoes. Flip-flops are not an option if you value your feet and sanity. 

► Earplugs for you and your children. Planes are loud, fireworks are loud, drunk people are loud.

► Take some day-of-show photos of your children to show police officers in case they get lost, but it’s best to just not lose your children. 

► Toilet paper because: portable toliets.

► Bring a radio or get an app so you can listen to air show commentary on 106.9 FM WVEZ.

► A full tank of gas. Downtown Louisville and Jeffersonville will be like parking lots from 9:45 p.m. to eternity.

What you can’t bring to Thunder 2018

For safety reasons, the following are not permitted in the event area, which stretches from Clay Street to 10th Street and Main Street to the Ohio River. Searches are possible.

► Outside alcohol or any liquid in glass bottles. Water in plastic bottles and food are fine and vendors selling food and alcohol will be plentiful.

► Anything that flies via remote control but especially drones. This is an airshow and such things are banned by the FAA with a potential $11,000 fine. It’s also rude.

► Leave your tents, canopies, stakes, pennant lines, and hammocks at home. 

► Charcoal or propane grills.

► Your rescue Labrador is very sweet, Becky, but no pets are allowed.

► Bikes, skateboards and skates are not allowed in the viewing areas. Free bicycle Lock-And-Walk stations will be available (bring your own lock).

► Most importantly: HAVE FUN & BE SAFE!!!!!