LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former Kentucky Lottery winner will take center stage as the Thundernator for this year’s Thunder Over Louisville.
Carol Irvin of Dayton, Kentucky, has been named the Festival Fanatic for the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival, according to organizers.
“For more than a decade, the Kentucky Lottery has helped us select our Festival Fanatic, and it’s always a highlight of the season,” said Matt Gibson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival. “As the Thundernator, you’re at the center of Thunder’s biggest moment, and with the show’s return this year, it’s even more special.”
Organizers said Irvin will kick off Thunder Over Louisville by leading the countdown and activating the launch sequence from the Command Center at the Galt House Hotel.
Irvin admitted she nearly missed the life-changing call.
“It was 10 minutes before I had to be at work and my phone rang. I never answer my phone,” she said. “I saw a 502-area code and thought, ‘Who is this?’ so I finally answered it.”
She now says she is eagerly awaiting April.
Irvin’s prize package includes:
Derby Festival ticket package, including access to the Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race, Kentuckiana Honda Dealers Festival Day at the Downs, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party, Republic Bank BourbonVille, and the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade
Certificate for a private tour of Kern’s Kitchen DERBY-PIE® factory
Certificate for a Kentucky Derby Museum tour
Official 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival merchandise
Overnight stay at The Galt House Hotel for Thunder Over Louisville
Tour of the Thunder Over Louisville Command Center
$500 in spending money from the Kentucky Lottery
Thunder Over Louisville was canceled in 2025 due to historic flooding along the Waterfront.
This year’s event is scheduled for April 18.
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