INDIANAPOLIS (October 1, 2012) – The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon isn't just for runners or walkers. Everyone is invited to the 500 Festival Post Race Party to cheer on the thousands of participants as they cross the finish line and take part in the festivities throughout Military Park in Downtown Indianapolis. In an effort to continue to enhance the Mini-Marathon experience, the 500 Festival is again instituting an entertainment contest for the 2013 event. Starting today through October 31, participants and the general public will be able to nominate their favorite Hoosier-based band to perform at the 500 Festival Post Race Party. From the nominations, the 500 Festival will declare a “Top 10,” those 10 will then be voted on by participants and the public to find a “Top Three.” Round two voting will be open from November 5 – 30. The top three bands will then be invited to perform at the 2013 500 Festival Post Race Party on the Verizon and Family Reunion stages.

Just last week, the 500 Festival Post Race Party Entertainment Contest was presented a Pinnacle Award from the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) for Best New Promotion. The IFEA recognizes outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the promotional programs and materials produced by its 2,400 member festivals and events around the world.

Last year, 126 local bands were nominated through the entertainment contest and more than 15,000 votes were cast through the 500 Festival website. Last year’s winners included: Zanna-doo! (1^st Place: Headliner for Verizon Stage), Greta Speaks (2^nd Place: Headliner for Family Reunion Stage) and Blonde Sonja (3^rd Place: Opening act for Verizon Stage).

Rules and Regulations

Nominations and votes do not have to be from Mini-Marathon or 5K participants exclusively, the general public will be able to nominate and vote as well. Bands are encouraged to reach out to their fan base through social media, emails and their website for nomination. Music must be family-friendly with no explicit lyrics or suggestive content. Voting is unlimited.

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

The 37th running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013.  The Mini has sold-out for the past 11 years with 35,000 registrants and is the nation’s largest half marathon.  An Early Bird registration rate of $60 is offered through Nov. 30, 2012. Starting Dec. 1, 2012, the rate reverts back to the original rate of $75. Please click here for registration information.

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is sponsored by OneAmerica, Finish Line, Franciscan St. Francis Health and Marsh.

For more information, visit https://www.500festival.com/post-race-party-band.

The mission of the 500 Festival is to advocate and celebrate the spirit, heritage and legacy of the Indianapolis 500^®. Through social, cultural and educational events and programs, the 500 Festival enhances the quality of life for all citizens of our communities.

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 56 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.
Last year, more than 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in nearly 50 events and programs throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini-Marathon, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they were there celebrating the legacy.

###