INDIANAPOLIS — More than 200,000 people are expected to line the streets of downtown Indianapolis to witness the AES 500 Festival Parade.
The parade will be Saturday, May 25, with festivities beginning at 11:45 a.m. The parade will start at noon and air live on WTHR, with an encore presentation Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET.
Tickets for the event cost $25. To get yours, click here. Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization’s free programming and events for Indiana youth and college students.
As always, the parade will feature floats, balloons, marching bands, local celebrities and the 33 drivers that will race for the Borg-Warner Trophy at the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
On Friday, the parade float awards were announced:
SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY: Best Overall Entry
Float: “Powering All Lanes to Indy”
Sponsor: AES Indiana
Description: AES Indiana is the title sponsor for the 500 Festival Parade and has had a float in the parade since 1957 – the only company to participate in every 500 Festival Parade since its inception! The AES float embodies the theme "All Lanes Lead to Indy" and celebrates the US Olympic Swim Trials, highlighting our city's central role in this iconic moment while spotlighting AES's commitment to sustainability and accelerating the future of energy together.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Most Entertaining
Float: “Your Takeoff Begins in Indy”
Sponsor: Republic Airways and LIFT Academy
Description: Republic Airways is an innovative aviation leader, operating nearly one thousand daily flights — many of which depart from Indiana, the Racing Capital of the World! LIFT Academy, founded in 2018, and with a specialized curriculum designed to fly you right to a career at Republic Airways, is a commercial aviation flight program offering opportunities for those who dream of becoming a pilot, and those who may not have thought it possible. The plane aboard this float has a wingspan of eleven INDYCAR tires back-to-back, reaching about 14 feet!
500 FESTIVAL QUEEN SCHOLAR AWARD: Outstanding Presentation of Hoosier Spirit & Pride
Float: “Makers of Medicine”
Sponsor: Eli Lilly & Company
Description: Eli Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. They’ve been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today their medicines help more than 55 million lives across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, Lilly scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges. This year’s float features key medicine makers and Lilly locations across the state.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Most Original Concept
Float: “Building Healthier Communities”
Sponsor: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield / Elevance Health
Description: Since 1944, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has offered health benefit plans and support services to improve the health of all Hoosiers. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has invested more than $19.9 million dollars in Indiana to fight food insecurity and health inequities – both of which are represented on this year’s float. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield focuses on the whole health of a person — beyond their physical health — to include the behavioral and social drivers that have a major impact on the lives of individuals.
MARI HULMAN GEORGE AWARD: Best Display of Philanthropy, Arts, or Education
Float: “The Sexton Properties INDYCAR”
Sponsor: The Sexton Properties
Description: The Sexton Properties, founded in 1962, builds and manages apartment communities in the Midwest. The company’s first apartment community was built just minutes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with one of their first tenants being A.J. Foyt. Their float this year is modeled after an INDYCAR, sporting the Sexton Properties logo and the number 14 in representation of their sponsorship of A.J. Foyt Racing.
GRAND MARSHAL AWARD: Most Creative Concept & Execution
Float: “A Monumental Milk Moment Since 1936”
Sponsor: American Dairy Association of Indiana, Inc.
Description: The American Dairy Association of Indiana’s float represents the milk that your 2024 Indy 500 winner will drink! Alex and Abbie will be on Victory Podium in representation of the 700 dairy farmers in Indiana. They will deliver milk to this year's winning driver, chief mechanic and team owner at the Indianapolis 500. Winning drivers choose between ice cold whole, 2%, or fat-free milk!
CHECKERED FLAG AWARD: Honoring the Spirit and Legacy of the Indianapolis 500
Float: “THIS IS MAY”
Sponsor: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Description: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing! This intricate float focuses on the iconic symbols of May, including an INDYCAR, the BorgWarner trophy, and the IMS Pagoda. May is for the fans. May is for the spectacle. May is for the celebration. This Is May. Purchase your tickets to the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at IMS.com.
ROOKIE AWARD: Best First-Time Float Participant
Float: “The Persistent Pursuit of the Next Giant Leap”
Sponsor: Purdue University
Description: Purdue University is ranked among the top 10 most innovative public universities in the country. They are relentless in their pursuit of the NEXT giant leap, including to Mars! This legacy made Purdue home to Amelia Earhart’s transformative work in flight and the alma mater of 27 Purdue graduates that have become astronauts, including Neil Armstrong. Now, Purdue is bringing that innovation and spirit to its new campus in Indianapolis — opening on July 1, 2024.
For more information about the AES 500 Festival Parade and the float lineup, please visit 500festival.com/parade or search #aes500parade on social media.