INDIANAPOLIS (October 28, 2015) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announced the organization’s 2016 theme, Experience the Celebration. The 500 Festival’s theme will be incorporated into the organization’s various programs and events throughout the year, most notably setting the tone for the 2016 IPL 500 Festival Parade.  

Every May, the world turns its eyes to Indianapolis in anticipation of the Indy 500. May 2016 promises to be a once-in-a-generation experience as Hoosiers come together for a month filled with unprecedented milestones and celebrations.  The 500 Festival will mark the 40^th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 60^th IPL 500 Festival Parade. The 500 Festival will join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in celebrating the 100^th running of the Indy 500 as well as the State of Indiana’s Bicentennial. The convergence of these milestones is something that is unique to Indiana. The 500 Festival’s 2016 theme, Experience the Celebration is a call-to-action, reminding Hoosiers that the celebration surrounding these iconic events is not to be missed!  

“As the world observes these historical milestones in 2016, Hoosiers have the unique opportunity to join in the community-led celebrations surrounding the traditions that have become part of our cultural fabric,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Our goal is to deliver community spirit, volunteerism, inclusion, entertainment, social connecting, business networking and health and education initiatives. From participating in one of the world’s largest half marathons – the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon - to watching one of the nation’s premier parades – the IPL 500 Festival Parade -  to attending the greatest spectacle in racing, the month of May offers opportunities for everyone to experience the celebration.” 

Each year, more than half a million people participate in the 500 Festival’s programs and events which showcase the city on a world stage. This May you can Experience the Celebration with the 500 Festival’s month-long calendar of events leading up to the 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Hoosier as our state prepares to celebrate several milestones. ‘Experience the Celebration’ is the perfect theme to remind everyone that 2016 provides a unique opportunity to be a part of so many truly historic moments. The 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade will be key pieces of an unforgettable year and help set the stage for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and 500 Festival Board Member, J. Douglas Boles.

To download the 2016 500 Festival theme, click here. To learn more about 500 Festival’s events and programs, please visit www.500festival.com. 

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $350 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

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Media Contact:

Sabrina List

317.614-6141

slist@500festival.com