Excitement is building as the Kentucky Derby Festival returns to form this year with all of its beloved events, and now there’s a new one to add to the schedule.Organizers announced this year will bring the addition of a new block party, one that will take place at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Complex in west Louisville.The free event is scheduled for April 16 and will feature local food trucks, music, a shopping marketplace, wellness activities and a vendor fair.The day-long event will run from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m.Coming soon: Derby Festival parade will travel through 30+ neighborhoods”The Kentucky Derby Festival’s mission has always been to bring our community together in celebration,” Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson said. “We look forward to returning to in-person events and are thrilled to add the new block party to our line-up. This event will showcase even more of what our great city has to offer. We hope everyone will join us as we create a new Derby Festival tradition.”Organizers said the goal of the block party is to shine a spotlight on talent and resources throughout Louisville, specifically minority-owned businesses in west Louisville. The hope is that the block party becomes an annual tradition.The weekend after the block party will be Thunder Over Louisville.Click here for more information about Derby Festival events.