500 Festival Parade Names Inspirational Grand Marshal

The IPL 500 Festival Parade will be led this year by the youngest grand marshal in the event’s 60 years. Emma Stumpf of Greenwood is the 14 year-old founder of Emma’s Art Cart, which provides art kits to children who are hospitalized. Emma was diagnosed at age 7 with an inoperable brain tumor and endured more than 75 weeks of chemotherapy and proton radiation.

Emma’s efforts in more than two years have yielded over 1,500 kits for children battling illness.

She is also an honorary 500 Festival Princess and joins the list of previous grand marshals, which included Bob Hope, former President Gerald Ford, Olivia Newton-John, the 1955-56 Crispus Attucks state champion basketball team, Reggie Miller and Peyton Manning.

500 Festival Chief Executive Officer Bob Bryant says "Emma Stumpf is an extraordinary person and we are proud to have her serve as our IPL 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal during this epic year filled with many milestones. Emma’s strength and resolve, coupled with her generous spirit and desire to put others before herself, make her an inspiration. Serving as Grand Marshal of one of Indy’s most cherished community events will give us all an opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments and encourage her in her ongoing battle with cancer."

The event typically draws more than 300,000 people, making it one of the country’s largest parades. It will be held May 28th, the day before the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. You can connect to more on the event, which will be televised by our partners at WTHR-TV in Indianapolis, by clicking here.