INDIANAPOLIS (October 26, 2012) – Each year hundreds of thousands of people from around the world embrace the magical month of May in Indianapolis.  Last year alone, 550,000 people attended 500 Festival events. Now in its 56th year, the Festival continues to capture the significance of this month-long celebration both for the community and race fans world-wide. Today, the 500 Festival announced the theme for its 2013 season is “TurboCharging Indy.” Click here to see the 2013 theme logo

“TurboCharging Indy" perfectly describes the role the 500 Festival plays in creating energy and vitality for our community on an annual basis," said Kirk Hendrix, President & CEO of the 500 Festival. “The 500 Festival certainly turbocharges both the month of May and generates great excitement and anticipation for the Indianapolis 500 through the Festival's 50 annual events and programs."

Signature events like the IPL 500 Festival Parade and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon showcase the city on a world stage and connect the community in large proportions.  Nearly 7,000 volunteers give their time and energy to make the month a success. This May you can celebrate the 500 Festival theme – “TurboCharging Indy” with a month-long roster of events culminating with the 2013 Indianapolis 500^® on Sunday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway^®.

The 500 Festival’s events and programs celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500^® and add to the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. The events and programs, mostly free and produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of Indianapolis and Indiana to more than 500,000 attendees by showcasing the city and state’s cultural, educational and social benefits to the world.

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.
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