DATE: Saturday, May 23, 2009
TIME:  Noon
LOCATION: Downtown Indianapolis
 

IPL 500 Festival Parade...See the excitement! (video)

Celebrating 52 years of tradition, the IPL 500 Festival Parade will return to the streets of downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, May 23, 2009.

More than 300,000 spectators will kick-off race weekend while enjoying time with family and friends by watching the pageantry and larger-than-life floats light up the city.

Children will be amazed by the sight of some of their favorite costumed characters, Last year's event featured Donnie and Eliza Thornberry, Cosmo and Wanda, Pink Panther and the Care Bears.

The tradition continues with the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 serving as honorary grand marshals the day before the race, riding in the traditional rows of three, with the winner of the pole position bringing up the rear.

The 2008 Grand Marshal was actress Patricia Heaton. Nationally-known celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, specialty units, spectacular floats and giant helium balloons filled the streets to celebrate the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.

Click here to see what celebrities have to say about spending Memorial Day weekend in Indy!