500 Festival Float Destroyed in Warehouse Fire
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe 500 Festival says a float sponsored by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is likely a complete loss after a fire at a fabrication shop where several displays were being stored. Chief Executive Officer Bob Bryant says he is thankful no one was hurt, and the festival is working with the museum on its role in this year's parade.
May 12, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Per the Indianapolis Fire Department, on May 12, a fire occurred at EXPO Design, an art fabrication shop responsible for building and storing floats for the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade, and other similar events. While the fire was contained to one unit within the EXPO Design complex, unfortunately one float was damaged – sponsored by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. There is significant damage to The Children's Museum float and it is likely a complete loss. The 500 Festival and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis are working together to finalize details and next steps regarding the museum's role in the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade.
Nine of the 12 floats created for the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade were stored at the EXPO Design warehouse (the other three were stored at a different warehouse). No other floats were damaged in today's fire and the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade will run as scheduled on Saturday, May 23, stepping off at noon ET.
“We are thankful that no one was seriously hurt in this situation. Thanks to the quick thinking of an EXPO Design employee, who followed the procedures related to a fire, the damage was limited in scope. The IPL 500 Festival Parade is a 58-year tradition, and the show will go on,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival.
Source: 500 Festival