INDIANAPOLIS (November 23, 2016) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces the organization’s 2017 theme, Accelerating the American Spirit. 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 2017 Indianapolis Power and Light Company (IPL) 500 Festival Parade.  

THEME: In 2017, we turn the corner on last year’s celebration that highlighted many milestones, including the 40^th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 60^th IPL 500 Festival Parade and the 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500. It was a great year, but no one is waving the checkered flag just yet. With many laps still to go, May 2017 is a chance to refuel and punch the gas. And with this year’s celebration covered in star-spangled spirit, it’s sure to be an inspiring salute to America on Memorial Day Weekend. The 500 Festival’s 2017 theme, Accelerating the American Spirit, gives Hoosiers the green light to ignite that red, white and blue passion.

“In 2017, we move forward from a year of incredible milestones and take the next step in accelerating our May events into something even bigger and better,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Our theme stresses that we’re not slowing down after a great year in 2016. Rather, we’re combining our love of speed and an appreciation for our country on Memorial Day Weekend in hopes that we’ll do just that; Accelerate the American Spirit. We invite all fans of May to join in the celebration that accompanies our rich history, and the greatest spectacle in racing.”

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. Race fans, Hoosiers, and everyone can start Accelerating the American Spirit by joining in the month-long calendar of events leading up to race weekend. Those events include the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the IPL 500 Festival Parade, the KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball, and many more.

“’Accelerating the American Spirit’ is the perfect theme to remind everyone of the history and tradition of innovation and moving forward that exemplifies our community,” said Bill Henley, IPL Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and 500 Festival Board Member. “This will serve as a great platform for the 500 Festival and its community partners to focus on the patriotism and pride of this community that will be on full display this May.”

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 $400 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.

About Indianapolis Power & Light Company
Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 470,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, IPL has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please visit www.IPLpower.com or connect with us at www.twitter.com/IPLpower, www.facebook.com/IPLpower or www.linkedin.com/company/IPLpower.