500 Festival Unveils 2015 Theme

The 500 Festival says its 2015 parade will focus on “Celebrating the Stories of May.” The organization says the theme will spotlight inspirational stories and family traditions involving the month of May in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis, Ind. — The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the quality of life for Indiana residents and visitors, today announced the theme for the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade: Celebrating the Stories of May. Now in its 58th year, the IPL 500 Festival Parade helps capture the celebration and tradition of the magical month of May.

More than half a million people participate in 500 Festival events and programs and each participant has their own story. Whether it's stories about Memorial Day, training to complete the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, family traditions surrounding the IPL 500 Festival Parade, or a 500 Festival Princess who overcame countless obstacles to become royalty, everyone has a May story worth celebrating. The 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade theme, Celebrating the Stories of May, provides Hoosiers with an opportunity to make their May experience personal.

“As we head into the IPL 500 Festival Parade's 58th year, there's never been a better time to celebrate the stories of May alongside our community,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “This year's IPL 500 Festival Parade theme shines a spotlight on the community, which has embraced our organization and its programs and events. The 2015 Parade is certain to be a colorful celebration of the community as well as Indiana's greatest month – May.”

One of the original 500 Festival events, the IPL 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation's premier parades. Larger-than-life floats, giant helium balloons, celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units and specialty units will fill the streets of downtown Indianapolis, celebrating the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. The tradition continues with the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 serving as honorary grand marshals.

There are several opportunities for members of the community to participate in the IPL 500 Festival Parade, including:

–Marching Bands: Applications are currently being accepted for marching bands interested in participating in the 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade. Marching bands selected to participate in the parade will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to march in the nationally televised Parade and participate in the Indianapolis 500 Pre-Race Band Pageant. Applications are due Feb. 2 and are available at: http://www.500festival.com/MarchingBandApplication.

–Volunteer: From balloon handlers to event users, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone. Members of the community interested in volunteering at the Parade can apply online at: http://www.500festival.com/volunteer.

The 2015 IPL 500 Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, May 23, stepping off at Noon ET, and will be nationally televised on NBC Sports Network and locally on WTHR. Tickets for the IPL 500 Festival Parade go on sale to the public March 2, 2015. To learn more about the IPL 500 Festival Parade or to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.500festival.com/parade.

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $350 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

Source: 500 Festival