It's almost here! Kentucky Derby Festival announces its stunning 2018 celebrity list

Whether they ride in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, attend the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Celebrity Day at the Downs, ride aboard the Belle of Louisville in the Great Steamboat Race, party at one of the illustrious Kentucky Derby Eve galas or walk the red carpet at Churchill Downs, it will be a busy few days for this group of celebrities.

Do they know what they’re in for?

As previously announced, coaches Denny Crum and Joe B. Hall will serve as grand marshals of the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade on May 3.

Background: Louisville and Kentucky basketball royalty will reign over the 2018 Pegasus Parade

Fans of Louisville’s professional soccer team will be thrilled to know the entire Louisville FC will serve as honorary grand marshals in the parade along with basketball legends from the Kentucky Colonels.

Also joining the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2018 celebrity guest list:

Blair Underwood — two time Golden Globe nominated actor currently starring on ABC’s “Quantico”

Monte Durham — TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta”

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor — reality television stars best known for shows Vanderpump Rules and Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky

Montel Williams — television personality and radio talk show host

Robert Williamson III — celebrity poker player

Judah & the Lion — band from Nashville, also performing at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront on May 3

Jason Smith — Kentucky native and winner of “Food Network Star”

J.D. Shelburne — Kentucky native and Nashville recording artist

Molly Matney — Miss Kentucky 2017

Cara Mund — Miss America 2018

“We are excited to be hosting such a diverse group of celebrities this year. You’ll see some familiar faces like Monte Durham, as well as first-time guests such as actor Blair Underwood,” said Stacey Robinson, executive VP/chief of staff at Kentucky Derby Festival. “I’m certain they’ll all receive a warm Kentucky welcome from their fans as we celebrate the Derby Festival season over the next several days.”

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And for those celebrity party watchers, here’s an insider tip: Underwood is being co-hosted by Patricia Barnstable-Brown and has snagged an invite to the premiere Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala. The full celebrity list for that party has not yet been announced.

Celebrity Day at the Downs on, May 3, is sold out but you can still see the celebrities in person later that day. There are plenty of free seats along the Pegasus Parade route in downtown Louisville to see the Derby Festival celebs, some of the nation’s finest marching bands, equestrian units, inflatable characters and colorful floats.

The Republic Bank Pegasus Parade steps off heading west on Broadway at 5 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. If you wish to buy a bleacher seat ($10) or chair seating ($12), visit KDF.org.

Over the years, the Pegasus Parade has featured a wide variety of celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, Loretta Lynn, William Shatner, Bill Monroe, Diane Sawyer, Colonel Harland Sanders, Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf and the 2013 University of Louisville Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, Cyndi Lauper, Jeff Corwin, Josh Hopkins, Teddy Bridgewater, Jordan Smith and Justin Hartley.