What We Saw: 500 Festival Parade, 2013 Take 1

Indianapolis transformed into a mobile red carpet today, as modern-day princesses, mayor Greg Ballard, Indy 500 drivers, and even IMS legend Mari Hulman George cruised through the fan-lined streets. The drivers kicked off this otherwise relatively dreary Saturday with a celebratory breakfast at 10:30 a.m. Without time to spare for digestion, they settled into their designated convertibles with significant others, family, and—in Helio Castroneves’s case—buddies. Pleased, Ms. Judd?

At this time, I was running (read: trotting) to that Central Library location for a chance to interview the wives, girlfriends, and any possible boyfriends of the racers. Naturally, I missed it, but was told to stick around for the celebrities. Appearances were made by notables including rocker Eddie Money and Colts punter Pat McAfee.

The prop- and poop-filled parade began at noon. Drivers waived. Fans yelled “Good luck tomorrow” to their favorites, who more often than not responded right back to them. Everyone in Indy is a polite Hoosier, at least on this day.

Photos by Jonathan Scott and Jennifer Burnham