What's the theme for 2022 Thunder Over Louisville? Here's your complete guide

Thunder Over Louisville is back and bigger than ever in its triumphant return to Louisville's Waterfront Park.

The theme of the 2022 event, heading into its 33rd year, is "The Legend Returns," the Kentucky Derby Festival announced.

"After a two-year hiatus, 'The Legend Returns,' to the Waterfront and we're so excited," said KDF president Matt Gibson. "The Louisville waterfront is one of the best venues for an airshow and fireworks in the country."

The 2022 event is sponsored by Caesars Southern Indiana, Humana, LG&E, Meijer and UPS.

"Humana is a new sponsor and is offering free rides to Thunder through TARC to make sure the entire community can attend," Gibson said.

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In addition to the return of one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks shows, produced by Zambelli Fireworks International, the air show, consistently ranked in the top five in the country, is also returning. Spectators can expect to see various planes including the U.S. Airforce F-22 Raptor Demo, U.S. Airforce C-17 Demo, U.S. Airforce Heritage Flight, the Kentucky National Guard 123rd Airlight Wine with new C-130J, the Commemorative Air Force's B-29, B-24 and B-25 as well as the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Demo with a Legacy Flight, Youkin Airshow, and more, plus a special appearance by the UPS 767, which has flown in past shows, as well.

The airshow returns with a Category 1 aerobatic box, which allows for more of the fast, loud aircraft as well as the demo teams. More details on the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville Air Show will be released closer to the show date.

The 2022 show will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Airforce and a special drone show will countdown to the fireworks.

"You are going to see the best air equipment in the country. We'll be able to do an entire history of the U.S. Airforce," said Wayne Hettinger, who annually produces the Thunder show. "The festival is all about celebration and it's time to have some fun on April. 23. We're doing to give it to you."

The Kentucky Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people every spring and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million.

Here's everything you need to know about Thunder Over Louisville 2022:

When is Thunder Over Louisville 2022?

Thunder Over Louisville will be held at Louisville's Waterfront Park on April 23. The air show starts at 3 p.m. and fireworks are expected to begin after 9 p.m.

Where is Thunder Over Louisville 2022?

After a canceled show in 2020 and a "remote" show in 2021 that included secret locations spread around Louisville, Thunder Over Louisville is back to its traditional location of Louisville's Waterfront Park, 129 River Road, and across the river in Indiana.

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Is there an airshow at Thunder Over Louisville 2022?

Yes! The air show, consistently ranked in the top five in the country, is returning. Spectators can expect to see various planes incl the U.S. Airforce F-22 Raptor Demo, U.S. Airforce C-17 Demo, U.S. Airforce Heritage Flight, the Kentucky National Guard 123rd Airlight Wine with new C-130J, the Commemorative Air Force's B-29, B-24 and B-25 as well as the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Demo with a LEgacy Flight, Youkin Airshow, and more, plus a special appearance by the UPS 767, which has flown in past shows, as well.

What is new at Thunder Over Louisville 2022?

Humana was announced as a new sponsor for the 2022 Thunder Over Louisville and will be offering free rides through TARC to the waterfront so " the entire community can attend."

How can I watch Thunder Over Louisville?

If you're not heading to Waterfront Park to watch Thunder Over Louisville in person, you can catch the air show and fireworks on WLKY or listen to Summit Media Mix 106.9.

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2022 Kentucky Derby Festival events:

• Macy's Spring Fashion Show: March 31

• Zoeller Pump Touring Parade: April 2

• Fillies Derby Ball and Coronation: April 9

• Republic Bank BourbonVille: April 14

• Stock Yards Bank $1 Million Hole-in-One Golf Contest: April 14-24

• PNC Tour de Lou: April 16

• They’re Off! Luncheon: April 22

• Thunder Over Louisville: April 23

• Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon: April 28-May 6

• Great BalloonFest: April 29-30

• GE Appliances miniMarathon & Marathon: April 30

• NPC Derby Championships: April 30

• Zoeller Pump Pegasus Parade: May 1

• Great Bed Races: May 2

• Kentucky Proud WineFest: May 3

• Liberty Financial Great Steamboat Race: May 4

• Festival Day at the Downs: May 5

• Derby Eve Jam: May 6

The complete 2022 schedule is available on the Kentucky Derby Festival website, KDF.org. More event details will be released in the coming weeks and months.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When is Thunder Over Louisville 2022? See what the theme, airshow is