The energy in Indianapolis is reaching a fever pitch as we gear up for one of the city’s most beloved traditions: the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade. This year is particularly historic, serving as a cornerstone of the 70th Annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, and America’s Semi quincentennial. From celebrating century-long legacies in medicine and healthcare to the high-octane thrill of racing and the proud traditions of Indiana dairy farmers, this year’s lineup of floats is a vibrant tribute to the spirit of our community.  

Lucas Oil: Driving Innovation. Built on Community.  

Making a show-stopping debut as the new title sponsor, Lucas Oil commands the route with a high-energy procession decked out in their signature red, white, and blue. Their float is painted in bold brand colors, loaded with polished accents and striking logos.  

500 Festival: Racing Through History 

On display is the 500 Festival’s spectacular “Racing Through History” INDYCAR float! Embodying the tradition, energy, and excitement that define Indianapolis in May, this float celebrates the historic 70th Annual Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade. While it takes center stage in our showcase today, this very float will carry the 2026 Parade Grand Marshals—Indiana basketball stars Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard—alongside the Indiana Pacemates down the streets of downtown Indy on parade day. Be sure to come out to the parade, experience the thrilling energy of the Month of May, and see this incredible float in action! 

500 Festival: Princess Program Float  

The 500 Festival Princess Program float features 33 leaders representing 19 colleges and 21 Indiana cities, with a combined GPA of 3.75. Selected from hundreds of applicants, these young women stood out for their leadership, academic excellence, and pride in their Hoosier roots. Throughout May, they’ve served as proud ambassadors for the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500, thanks to support from The National Bank of Indianapolis.  

AES Indiana: Powering Legacy   

The AES Indiana float features a bold, racing-inspired design highlighted by the Ed Carpenter Racing #33 car, symbolizing a powerful new partnership. Checkered flag elements, electric lightning accents, and large AES Indiana branding bring energy and motion to the display. This design honors Ed Carpenter’s legacy as a hometown driver and AES Indiana’s role in powering the community for over 100 years.   

American Dairy Association: Milk: A winning tradition for 90 years!  

The “Winners Drink Milk” tradition is one of the most iconic sights in the sports world, recognized far beyond the borders of the Hoosier state. This year’s float proudly showcases the legendary glass milk bottle, featuring the 2026 Indy 500 Milk Presenters, Ashley Stockwell of Hudson and Brian Rexing of Owensville, who are tasked with delivering ice-cold milk to the winning driver, team, and chief mechanic. Since 1936, fans have celebrated this unique victory ritual, and this float serves as a tribute to the nearly 700 Indiana dairy farm families who make this tradition possible.   

 Eli Lilly and Company: 150 Years of Medicine 

Celebrating their 150-year legacy, the Eli Lilly and Company float features a bold red, white, and black color scheme. At the front stands a striking arch adorned with ‘Health Takes All of Us’, while the sides are lined with overlapping circular photo bubbles that create a visual timeline from 1876 to 2026. The design includes an Indiana state silhouette to honor its hometown roots and messaging on the back stating, ‘Our Legacy is What We Do Next,’ signaling a future focused mission to make life better through science.  

Franciscan Health: Celebrating 150 Extraordinary Years 

The Franciscan Health float celebrates 150 years of compassionate care and service to Indiana. This float honors the caregivers, patients, and communities who are at the heart of the Franciscan Health legacy. The design serves as a tribute to the mission of helping everyone live an extraordinary life, highlighting the people who have carried this vision forward for a century and a half through healthcare excellence and community partnerships. 

Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers Float 

An iconic part of the Indianapolis 500 and Month of May festivities, is the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers! Bringing the bold sound of tradition and pride since 1962, these talented musicians will be dressed in traditional Scottish Celtic dress. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: United We Race 

The ‘United We Race’ float pays homage to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 and America’s Semi quincentennial with iconic and patriotic flair. This float represents the uniquely American tradition associated with Memorial Day Weekend for over 114 years. Since 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has embodied the American drive for excellence and ingenuity, and this float serves as the point where 250 years of national spirit meets 115 years of racing tradition.  

Purdue University: Purdue University Honors 250 Years of Discovery and Innovation 

As Purdue University celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this float honors the legendary Boilermakers who transitioned from students to global heroes. Purdue’s legacy is defined by persistence and innovation. As the most recognized public university in the country, Purdue continues to uphold its land-grant mission to serve all, boasting historic firsts such as the nation’s first computer science program and Women in Engineering program.  

Republic Airways: Your Takeoff Begins in Indy 

Taking flight in this year’s showcase is Republic Airways and LIFT Academy! As one of the largest regional airlines in the country, Republic operates more than 900 flights each day. This display honors LIFT Academy, founded in 2018, which shapes the next generation of pilots through premier training programs nationwide, including right here in Indianapolis. Defined by innovation and a dedication to the future of flight, Republic Airways and LIFT Academy continue to elevate the aviation industry and inspire tomorrow’s aviators.