INDIANAPOLIS (May 22, 2025) – The 500 Festival announces the float award winners for the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade. Floats were judged on several different criteria and were evaluated by a panel of judges. The floats are awarded for recognition and tradition with no monetary prizes given. This annual and fun competition brings prestige and recognition to the AES 500 Festival Parade, the float designers, and partners.  

The 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade float awards go to the following:

SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY: Best Overall Entry 

Float: “Green Means Go”  

Sponsor: Mountain Dew 

Description: Mountain Dew’s “Green Means Go” float features the new Mountain Dew logo and overall design, featuring the iconic Mountain Dude! The product’s bold citrusy kick has been inspiring folks to ‘Do The Dew’ ever since Mountain Dew was born in the mountains of Tennessee. The number on the fin of the car – 1948 – is a nod to the year when Mountain Dew was created. 

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Most Entertaining  

Float: “Your Takeoff Begins in Indy”  

Sponsor: Republic Airways  

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! Republic has a fleet of over 200 Embraer 170/175 aircraft, and offers flights operated under our major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The plane aboard this float has a wingspan of eleven INDYCAR tires back-to-back, reaching about 14 feet! 

MARI HULMAN GEORGE AWARD: Best Display of Philanthropy, Arts, or Education 

Float: “This is May”  

Sponsor: Indianapolis Motor Speedway  

Description: This year’s float celebrates two iconic Indiana institutions that have been inspiring generations for a century now – the Indianapolis 500, which is hosting its 109th Running, and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which is celebrating its 100th birthday. This float features iconic landmarks that all parade guests will know: replicas of the famed Yard of Bricks and Pagoda from IMS, and a replica Ferris wheel like the one you can ride at The Children’s Museum this year, alongside a celebratory birthday cake! Another lap of Indiana history will be made when 33 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers take part in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on May 25th. Every race at IMS is another chapter in history, and this year’s 109th race promises to be no different!

GRAND MARSHAL AWARD: Most Creative Concept & Execution 

Float: “The Persistent Pursuit of the Next Giant Leap” 

Sponsor: Purdue University  

Description: Boilermakers aren’t afraid to go first. From the first moon walk to the latest commercial spaceflights, Purdue University powers the next giant leap. Consistently ranked among the top 10 most innovative public universities in the country, Purdue’s innovation and persistence thrives here in Indianapolis. Here in Indy, Purdue is preparing career-ready students for the jobs of tomorrow, including roles in cybersecurity, data science, motorsports engineering and more. Today, Purdue researchers, faculty and students have their eyes on the next giant leaps — like going to Mars! 

PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Most Original Concept  

Float: “Health Takes All of Us”  

Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company  

Description: Eli Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. This year’s Health Takes All of Us 2025 500 Festival float design merges the energy of the 500 Festival with the heart of human connection – because just like on the track, in health, no one gets there alone. This design isn’t just about the race – it’s about the relentless drive of people, communities, and care systems that keep us moving forward. 

500 FESTIVAL QUEEN SCHOLAR AWARD: Outstanding Presentation of Hoosier Spirit & Pride 

Float: “Powering Experiences in Central Indiana”  

Sponsor: AES Indiana  

Description: AES Indiana has been a part of the parade ever since its inception in 1957, and has had a float in each parade ever since. This year’s float celebrates the moments throughout the year that are powered by the partnership of AES Indiana and the communities they serve. The float name, “Powering Experiences in Central Indiana” demonstrates that AES Indiana’s commitment to customers has gone far beyond providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions; it also means being part of a vibrant, thriving community poised for the future. 

CHECKERED FLAG AWARD: Honoring the Spirit and Legacy of the Indianapolis 500 

Float: “Speed, Spirit, and a Splash of Milk”  

Sponsor: American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc.  

Description: The American Dairy Association of Indiana’s float represents the milk that your 2025 Indy 500 winner will drink! For only the fifth time in history, two female dairy farmers will be awaiting the winning team on race day Sunday. Abbie and Ashley help represent the almost 700 dairy farm families in the state. All drivers have the chance to choose between whole, 2% or skim milk as their drink of choice! 

ROOKIE AWARD: Best First-Time Float Participant 

Float: “Love Your Extraordinary Life”  

Sponsor: “Franciscan Health  

Description: Founded 150 years ago by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Franciscan Health’s legacy of love and compassion continues to impact every person they meet, whether they are patients, caregivers or coworkers. The design of their float reflects each of the “extraordinary characters” that symbolize the diverse roles within Franciscan Health—from caregivers and patients to the Sisters who founded the health system. The float’s design honors the people who help make every life feel extraordinary, while also recognizing the organization’s achievements in Indianapolis. 

One of the 500 Festival’s original events, the AES 500 Festival Parade is one of the nation’s largest, most-respected parades, consistently earning national acclaim alongside the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  

Tickets are still available for the AES 500 Festival Parade, taking place on Saturday, May 24, at noon, and starting at $28. Tickets may be purchased at 500festival.com/tickets or by calling (317) 614-6400. 

For more information about the AES 500 Festival Parade and the float lineup, please visit 500festival.com/parade or search #aes500parade on social media.