Episode 232. Dell Courtney – Festival Event Producer/Volunteer
Dell Courtney is a native Louisvillian with an English Major from the University of Louisville.
Her handprint and influence have been instrumental for decades in the “Behind-the-Scenes” work as a consultant or volunteer on notable Louisville festivals, such as the Ethnic Heritage weekends in the 1970s, under her company’s banner Visionworks, LLC.
Dell has overseen the development and management of such notable festivals as:
- St. Patrick’s Parade from 1999–2009
- the Halloween Parade from 2003-16
- WorldFest in 2005-06
- the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial National Signature Event from 2000-03
- The iconic Light Up Louisville Winter Wonderland Parade from 2004-12.
She was also involved with Holidays Around the World from 2006 to 16 and multiple 5K Runs & Walks, golf scrambles, community expos, and summer festivals.
Most recently, she has overseen Louisville’s Veterans Day Parade from 2011-16 with two co-chairs, the “Spirit of ’45” commemoration, the end of World War II event in 2015 and 16, and co-chairing and co-producing the Bowman Field Aviation & Military Heritage Festival in 2017.
Lastly, Dell has served on the volunteer boards of Sister Cities of Louisville, Clifton Center of Louisville, The Fillies, Kling Center, & the Spirit of Louisville Foundation (Bell Awards) for over 25 years!
She married Frederick P. Courtney, a retired US Coast Guard officer. They have one daughter in Washington, DC, and one grandson.