500 Festival princesses

“The princesses have an unofficial motto: ‘Don’t sleep until the Month of May is over,’” DeWitt says. “But it’s totally worth it.”

Saturday in downtown Indianapolis, the 500 Festival Parade featured floats, fans, celebrities, and plenty of excitement as the city gets in the mood for the 2015 Indianapolis 500. Notables in attendance included Pacers Paul George and Frank Vogel, Indy 500 drivers Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon, and former Colt and restaurateur Gary Brackett.  

IM staff photographer Tony Valainis was on hand to capture the moments.

“It is so nice to have a virgin experience at this stage in my life,” says Michael Feinstein. “And so I will be coming with great expectations but no attachment to any particular driver.”

Among more than 200 applicants, Allison Jacob was crowned this year’s 500 Festival Queen at the Breakfast at the Brickyard on May 18. The three-month process whittled down those applicants to 32 princesses and a queen who serve as ambassadors of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500. The young women selected represent 21 Indiana communities and nine Indiana colleges and universities.

After the January interviews, the girls wait nervously for results that same evening from the judges. Good news is given to 66 finalists, who are scheduled for a final interview in early February.