For Jennifer Query, the roar of the engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just a sound; it’s the soundtrack of her life. Growing up in a family of Indy 500 enthusiasts, she spent every May either in turn four or glued to the radio broadcast. That lifelong connection eventually [...]

Each year our volunteers provide an exciting and unforgettable experience to our participants and attendees during the 500 Festival season. The 500 Festival relies on over 3,500 volunteers to come together to produce some of Indiana’s largest events and programs - the individuals recognized below are just a few examples [...]

On October 5, Indiana’s youngest runners will take over the world’s largest sporting venue! We’re bringing an Indy Mini experience to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway sized just for kids ages 5-12. But we need your help to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for participants and their families! The [...]

Eula has been a volunteer with the 500 Festival for 12 years – this year, Eula will be retiring her volunteer pins. Volunteering as a Specialty Unit Escort at the IPL 500 Festival Parade, Eula has been an integral part in making the parade an enjoyable and memorable experience for [...]

As you check your calendar (and the weather reports) longing for spring, are you looking for something that’s fun and meaningful to do? Something like volunteering and making a positive impact on your community? The 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, is just what you’re looking for! [...]

  After an exciting and unforgettable Month of May in 2018, the 500 Festival is excited to share this year's Volunteer Awards! The 500 Festival relies on 7,000 volunteers to produce some of Indiana's largest events and programs, and the individuals recognized here are just a few examples of this [...]

On February 14, 2018, the 500 Festival surprised its Volunteer of the Year, Rhonda Smith, with a ROSE Award (Recognition of Service Excellence) from Visit Indy. Rhonda's dedication to serving others as a 500 Festival volunteer for well over a decade has been unmatched. An employee of OneAmerica, Rhonda has led [...]

"What I got from being a Princess could never be repaid, but I wanted to give back in any way I could." - Adrianne Johnson   Adrianne Johnson was a 2015 500 Festival Princess. Now, she's a 2017 500 Festival award-winning volunteer. Named one of the 500 Festival's unsung heroes, [...]

  The 500 Festival relies on thousands of volunteers to help us produce life-enriching events and programs that create an exciting and impactful community-led road to the Indianapolis 500. Our 2017 Volunteer Award Winners went above and beyond, demonstrating dedication, selflessness and a commitment to excellence – true hallmarks of [...]