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                                                                                                                                                                 Brandi Davis-Handy

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2009 IPL 500 Festival Parade Floats Win Honors

 

 

INDIANAPOLIS (May 22, 2009) – Among the 12 floats scheduled to appear in the 2009 IPL 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 23 at noon, six have been awarded honors for design. A panel of out-of-state judges reviewed the floats today for this year’s competition.

 

The floats are honored on a mere recognition factor only and no monetary prizes are awarded; however, the annual “competition” brings prestige to the IPL 500 Festival Parade, the float designers and sponsors.

 

Floats are judged on the following criteria:

Interpretation of theme, animation, humor, attention to detail, balance and symmetry, use of color, creativity of design, excitement generated from float presentation, eye appeal to audience, originality, floral design and overall beauty.

 

The 2009 IPL 500 Festival Parade float honors go to the following:

 

SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY: Most outstanding in the Parade (MVP)

Title: “A Salute to Legendary Heroes”

Sponsor: Eli Lilly & Company

Description: This year’s Eli Lilly & Company float reflects the power of the military. Lilly’s support in the ‘’Give an Hour’’ program is the reaching out to military personnel, their families, and their communities when they return home. Each character is 10’ tall and is made of steel substructure and between them contains over 800 feet of fabric.

 

THEME AWARD: Best Development of 500 Festival Theme “Laps, Legends & Legacy: Honoring the 100^th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway®”

Float: “Legend”

Sponsor: Firestone

Description: Wow! A 36’ long Indy Car, sponsored by Firestone, which is entirely made from foam and steel structure, catches anyone’s eye. The car is a replica of Mario Andretti’s race car from his victory in 1969.  What a great victory, and of course, on Firestone tires! The tires on this float may not spin like a real race car, but they spin nonetheless.

 

 

CHECKERED FLAG AWARD: Best craftsmanship

Float: “Legends Drink Milk”

Sponsor: American Dairy Association

Description:  Supporting the tradition of the 500 Victory Lane bottle of milk, the American Dairy Association’s float holds car number #8 which was driven by Louis Meyer in 1933. Louis Meyer began the tradition of drinking cold milk in victory lane. This 48’ long float represents a traditional farm with the red barn, white fences, and a milk bottle large enough to fuel many champions.

 

QUEEN’S AWARD: First Runner-up

Float: “First Race at the Track”

Sponsor: Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL)

Description: The history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a long legacy of great racing spectacles. But a little known fact is that the first race at the track was not a competition of motorized vehicles; but actually a balloon race that occurred 100 years ago in 1909. The 500 Festival Parade sponsor, Indianapolis Power & Light, celebrates the 100^th anniversary of the track and this first race by showcasing the balloons and the scenery around the track in the year 1909. This historical tribute is 18 feet wide and 60 feet long, with some of the balloons towering 19 feet in the air. The float took over 2,000 man hours to complete, with the initial planning taking place last January.

 

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Best display of humor

Float: “Anthem Angels, Honoring Everyday Heroes”

Sponsor: Anthem

Description: The Anthem float is one of the longest floats in this year’s 500 Festival Parade. The harp is over 14’ tall. The angel is over 12’ tall and is waving the checkered flag and has motion in his wings. This float, with its many curves and added textures took over 600 hours to complete. The Anthem Angels represent community members who have given outstanding service to the community through his or her profession.

 

PRESIDENTS AWARD: Most original

Float: “100 years of Laps, Legends and Landmarks”

Sponsor: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Description: This year’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway float is built for the commemorative 100^th Anniversary era of the facility. It showcases the two different styles of pagodas, the first competitive event in the gas filled balloon race, and the first motorized race with the representation of the motorcycle. This float pulls together the excitement of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the energy it brings to Indianapolis.

 

The IPL 500 Festival Parade will be televised nationally on VERSUS from 5-6:30 p.m. EDT; and locally on WISH-TV from 8-10 p.m. For more information on the IPL 500 Festival Parade visit www.500festival.com.

 

The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests. These events and programs, produced largely by volunteers, enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational, and social benefits to the world.

 

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 52 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

 

Last year, nearly 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini, 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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