State AG: Kentucky Derby Great For Local Economy

Kentucky could use the major financial boost that the Kentucky Derby will provide, state attorney general Daniel Cameron said, somewhat excitedly.

"The Kentucky Derby is one of the Commonwealth’s signature events, and the return of fans for the 147th running provides a much-needed boost to local businesses and our restaurant and hospitality industries," Cameron told Fox News. "This represents progress, but my hope is that we can see much more in the days to come, and that Kentucky will soon have a date certain to fully reopen, like New York City and others."

This year marks the 147th Derby and a return to normalcy -- or almost normalcy. For starters, almost 45,000 fans are allowed to attend. That's about 100,000 less than most years, but at least it's something.

More significantly, fans means money for the city of Louisville, where the race is held, and their presence can result in upwards of $30 million dollars. That is more than local businesses have experienced in over a year.

So while the Derby is not full capacity, this year is a "step in the right direction," Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer told Fox News.

"As our small businesses work to lift our economy out of the pandemic, the tourism dollars the Derby will inject into the economy of Louisville, our largest city, and our state as a whole are vital towards getting Kentucky back on track," Thayer said.