‘500 Spectacle of Homes’ To Celebrate Month of May throughout Indianapolis
March 30, 2021 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Special ‘Reverse Parade’ Planned for Saturday, May 29
Fans of the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge are encouraged to show their anticipation and excitement for the Sunday, May 30 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway by participating in a new, month-long activation showcasing civic pride and engagement: “500 Spectacle of Homes.”
The “500 Spectacle of Homes” will provide a focal point for celebrating this year’s “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” building on the tradition of community porch parties and reimagining the traditional AES 500 Festival Parade, which will not be held in 2021. Indianapolis-area fans are encouraged to participate in the city-wide celebration by decorating their yards and homes in race-themed fashion, similar to many of the floats featured in the traditional parade.
The celebration will culminate Saturday, May 29 – the day before the 105th Running – with all 33 starting drivers using event-themed 500 Festival event cars to complete a “reverse parade” through Indianapolis neighborhoods. The caravan will proceed from the Town of Speedway to downtown Indianapolis before the drivers and other dignitaries spread out through the city’s diverse neighborhoods to thank fans and recognize them for their inventive efforts to create the “500 Spectacle of Homes.”
Participating residents may submit their addresses to be included in a digital map for fellow race fans to drive by throughout the Month of May, similar to neighborhood holiday lights displays in December. Fans with home submissions will have the opportunity to win Month of May prizes.
In April, IMS.com will offer a hub filled with tips and inspiration, with IMS landmarks such as the Pagoda and the Yard of Bricks woven into the potential imagery. Residents are also encouraged to use their imagination regarding all things Month of May to create unique designs.
“This is a terrific way for fans to celebrate the Month of May and the Indy 500,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Porch parties have become popular in recent years and are an example of the intense community spirit we have for IMS and its events. Decorating yards and homes for this neighborhood celebration will amp up the excitement even more. I look forward to seeing the creativity of our residents inspire our city throughout the Month of May and provide a fitting sendoff for our drivers ahead of the world’s greatest race.”
Said 500 Festival President and CEO Bob Bryant: “The spirit of the AES 500 Festival Parade continues in a new way. We are excited to work with IMS, the Harrison Center and community participants to once again showcase all 33 drivers in the 2021 Indy 500. We look forward to the return of our traditional community events next year and are appreciative of the flexibility from our stakeholders and IMS to find new ways to celebrate the Month of May.”
Décor items – such as yard signs and flags – will be distributed to several neighborhoods ahead of May 29 to encourage as much participation as possible. IMS will amplify the social posts of fans, using the imagery on IMS big screens and feeding NBC for its Race Day broadcast.
The activation is being planned by IMS, the Harrison Center and the 500 Festival. For more information, visit IMS.com.