500 Festival Tallies Formidable Impact
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe chief executive officer of the 500 Festival says the organization's 50 events have a significant impact on the community and touch around a half-million fans. Bob Bryant estimates festivities including the parade and the Mini-Marathon pump nearly $20 million into the economy each year. He says the combination of community and “critical” corporate support drives success. During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Bryant said the organization “stacks right up there” with others of its kind. Bryant says corporate partners and ticket sales at the mini and some at the parade will help fund free events such as a kid's day, which is expected to draw 40,000 people.
This year, the parade will be lead by members of the 1955 Crispus Attucks State Basketball Championship team, who have been selected to be grand marshals.
One annual event that will not take place this year is Community Day. A spokeswoman with the 500 Festival tells Inside INdiana Business the organization has decided to discontinue it. The annual event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has traditionally been held the Tuesday before the race.
Source: Inside INdiana Business