| Year | National Anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" | Invocation | "Back Home Again in Indiana" | Starting Command "Gentleman, start your engines" |
| 2009 | Major Lisa Kopczynski | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2008 | Julianne Hough | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2007 | Members of U.S. Armed Forces | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | 300,000 spectators | Mari Hulman George |
| 2006 | Members of U.S. Armed Forces | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2005 | Members of U.S. Armed Forces | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2004 | Jessica Simpson | Monsignor Joseph F. Schaedel | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2003 | Daniel Rodriguez (NYPD) | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2002 | Josephine Holmon (West Point Cadet) | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2001 | Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 2000 | Jessica Andrews | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 1999 | CeCe Winan | Reverend Billy Graham | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 1998 | Elizabeth Burch | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 1997 | Florence Henderson | Archbishop Joseph F. Schaedel | Jim Nabors | Mari Hulman George |
| 1996 | Florence Henderson | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1995 | Florence Henderson | Archbishop Daneil M. Buechlien | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1994 | Florence Henderson | Archbishop Daneil M. Buechlein | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1993 | Florence Henderson | Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1992 | Sandi Patti & Voices of Liberty | Father Michael Welsh | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1991 | Sandi Patti | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1990 | Sandi Patti | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1989 | Tom Hudnut | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1988 | Sandi Patti | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1987 | Sandi Patti | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1986 | David Hasslehoff | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | John Davies | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1985 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Voices of Liberty | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1984 | Indianapolis Opera vocalist | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1983 | James A. Huber | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1982 | Louis Sudler | Rev. James Bonke | Louis Sudler | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1981 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara | Phil Harris | Mari Hulman George |
| 1980 | Dr. Richard Smith | Mary F. Hulman | ||
| 1979 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Rev. James Bonke | Peter Marshall | Mary F. Hulman |
| 1978 | Jim Nabors | Mary F. Hulman | ||
| 1977 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Rev. Oral Roberts | Jim Nabors | Tony Hulman |
| 1976 | Tom Sullivan & Up With People | Rev. Ray Montgomery | Jim Nabors | Tony Hulman |
| 1975 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Rev. Ray Montgomery | Jim Nabors | Tony Hulman |
| 1974 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | Rev. Ray Montgomery | Jim Nabors | Tony Hulman |
| 1973 | Purdue University All-American Marching Band | none | Jim Nabors | Tony Hulman |
National Anthem performers (2005-2007)
The 2005 National Anthem was performed by the following members of the U.S. Armed Forces:
Senior Airman Edward "Justin" Allen, U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Mark Roberts, U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Remayl Shaffer-Hardy, U.S. Marine Corps.
Petty Officer (MU3) Sharalee Wirt, U.S. Navy
The 2006 National Anthem was performed by the following members of the U.S. Armed Forces:
Staff Sgt. Edward "Justin" Allen, U.S. Air Force
Sgt. Jennifer Castle, U.S. Army Guard
(MU1) Lisa Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard
Gunnery Sgt. Remayl Shaffer-Hardy, U.S. Marine Corps
Petty Officer (MU3) Landon Crissup, U.S. Navy
The 2007 National Anthem was performed by the following members of the U.S. Armed Forces:
Senior Master Sergeant Angela Burns, U.S. Air Force
Petty Officer Lisa Williamson, U.S. Coast Guard
Staff Sergeant Colin Eaton, U.S. Army
Petty Officer J. David Sigmon, U.S. Navy
Sergeant Terri Kopetzki, U.S. Marine Corps
The 2009 National Anthem was performed by Major Lisa Kopczynski of the Indiana National Guard.
Invocation
The Most Reverend Edward Thomas O'Meara (d. 1/10/1992) was the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Daniel M. Buechlien is the current Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel is from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Father Michael Welsh was the pastor at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Edinburgh, Indiana.
Rev. Ray Montgomery was the pastor of Speedway Christian Church (Speedway, Indiana)
1946: James Melton (New York Metroplitan Opera Company)
1947: James Melton (New York Metroplitan Opera Company)
1948: James Melton (New York Metroplitan Opera Company)
1949: Frank Parish
1950: James Melton (New York Metroplitan Opera Company)
1951: Frank Parish
1952: Morton Downey, Sr. (singer and songwriter)
1953: Morton Downey, Sr.
1954: James Melton (New York Metroplitan Opera Company)
1955: Dinah Shore (singer and talk show host)
1956: Brian Sullivan
1957: Jerome Hines & Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1958: Brian Sullivan
1959: Purdue University Glee Club
1960: Dennis Morgan (actor and singer)
1961: Mel Torme (singer and songwriter)
1962: David Cochard
1963: Brian Sullivan
1964: Vic Damone (singer)
1965: Johnny Desmond
1966: Ed Ames (music and stage actor)
1967: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1968: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1969: Mack Shultz
1970: Saverio Saridis (professional tenor)
1971: Peter DePaolo (1925 Indy 500 winner)
1972: Jim Nabors (singer, television and film actor)
1973: Jim Nabors (originally scheduled race day, Monday May 28th)
1974: Jim Nabors
1975: Jim Nabors
1976: Jim Nabors
1977: Jim Nabors
1978: Jim Nabors
1979: Peter Marshall (from "The Hollywood Squares")
1980: Dr. Richard Smith (from Purdue Glee Club)
1981: Phil Harris (radio and music personality)
1982: Louis Sudler (Chicago Civic Opera)
1983: Jim Nabors
1984: Jim Nabors
1985: Walt Disney World Voices of Liberty
1986: John Davies (Artist in Residence, Indianapolis Opera) & the 74th Army Band of Ft. Benjamin Harrison
1987: Jim Nabors
1988: Jim Nabors
1989: Jim Nabors
1990: Jim Nabors
1991: Jim Nabors
1992: Jim Nabors
1993: Jim Nabors
1994: Jim Nabors
1995: Jim Nabors
1996: Jim Nabors
1997: Jim Nabors (Recording from the 1993 performance due to rain delay)
1998: Jim Nabors
1999: Jim Nabors
2000: Jim Nabors
2001: Jim Nabors
2002: Jim Nabors
2003: Jim Nabors
2004: Jim Nabors
2005: Jim Nabors
2006: Jim Nabors
2007: 300,000 race fans & the Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2008: Jim Nabors
2009: Jim Nabors
The running of the Indianapolis 500 has created much tradition over nine decades. Perhaps one of the most famous, and most popular, is the annual singing of (Back Home Again In) Indiana. The song, which incidently is not the official state song of Indiana (that distinction belongs to On the Banks of the Wabash), was first believed to have been played at the race in 1936. As Louis Meyer (a New York native!) pulled into victory lane as the first three-time Indy 500 winner, it has been said that the Purdue Band played the song in celebration of his feat. Others believe that a rendition of the song may have been played as early as 1919, two years after it was composed, by a trackside band as Indiana-native Howdy Wilcox completed his final laps to victory. The first pre-race preformance of 1946 was actually not planned. In the minutes before the race, Speedway President Tony Hulman, who had bought the track just six months earlier, had been spending time with auto enthusiast, James Melton of the New York Metroplitan Opera Company. A last-minute invitation to sing the song brought him much applause as it was heard on the public address system around the track. Hulman invited Melton to return and sing the song for several years, and eventually the song became quite a tradition, with several famous composers.
In 1955, Hollywood movie star Dinah Shore became the first female to perform the song. She was also invited to "kiss the winner" in victory lane after the race, a tradition the race had at that time. Shore surprized those in attendance by preceding to sing the song a second time, inviting the crowd to join in with her for that second rendering.
By the mid 1970s, the song, was quietly becoming a tradition for Hawaiian resident Jim Nabors to compose, and the Purdue University All-American Marching Band to back-up. Nabors, an accomplished singer, was best known for his role as "Gomer Pyle" on the television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, and later Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.. Nabors first attended the race in 1972, at the invitation of Bill Harrah, of the Harrah's Las Vegas resort (where Nabors was performing at the time). Speedway President Tony Hulman asked Nabors the morning of the race if he was interested in singing "Back Home Again in Indiana," and Nabors gracioulsy accepted, without rehearsal. Through the years, Nabors has acknowledged that he does not rehearse beforehand, and has been known to err or ad lib some of the official, original lyrics. His performances, however, are accepted by fans throughout as entirely acceptable artistic license.
Nabors deep baratone and ballad-style version of the song differed from the up-tempo "hot" number as the song was normally composed. After a few skipped years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Nabors returned to his position in 1983. A marketing contract with the Walt Disney Company in 1985 saw the "Voices of Liberty" do the honors that year, a group who still appears today at the Epcot park in Florida. Mickey Mouse stood on a platform, and "conducted" the group. Nabors was expected to return in 1986, but a week-long rain delay preventd him from being able to stay. John Davies, the artist in residence at the Indianapolis Opera Company sang, backed up by the 74th Army Band of Fort Benjanmin Harrison. Spectators and competitors alike were rather taken back by the pace and brevity of the rendering, since Davies performed it as the up-tempo song that is used to be. After only 30 seconds, the song played as a medium-paced military march, was over.
In 1997, the race was rained out on Sunday, and the start was moved to Monday. Nabors and the Purude Band were only able to appear at the track on Sunday. Both the band and Nabors were unable to be present at the track on Monday morning. Though Nabors was not able to perform, he arranged for the Speedway to play a previously recorded rendition of the song for the fans. It appears to be his performance from the 1993 Indy 500.
In 2007, Nabors was scheduled to perform the song again, which would have been his 30th year in-person. The week of the race, however, Nabors fell ill, and decided not to make the trip. Instead of naming a replacement, the Speedway decided to have the race fans in attendance sing the song in unison, along with the Purdue University All-American Band. The gesture would be to honor Nabors, and a "Get Well Soon" message appeared for Nabors on the video screens afterwards. Nabors had recorded a greeting for the fans that was to be played on the video boards, but a technical glich prevented the Speedway from doing so. After the race, the Speedway posted the greeting on their website.
As far as tradition, the singing of (Back Home Again In) Indiana at the Indianapolis 500 rivals that of such other events, such as the singing of My Old Kentucky Home at the Kentucky Derby. Since the beginning of the tradition, the chorus of the song is the only part performed, leaving the individual verses widely unknown. The state song of Indiana, On the Banks of the Wabash is not ignored though. It is traditionally played by the Purdue University All-American Marching Band as the cars are being wheeled to the starting grid an hour before the start of the race.
verse 1 I have always been a wand'rer, over land and sea. Yet a moonbeam on the water, casts a spell o'er me. A vision fair I see, again I seem to be. chorus Back Home Again, in Indiana And it seems that I can see, The gleaming candlelight Still shining bright Through the sycamores for me. The new mown hay Sends out its fragrance, From the fields I used to roam. When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash, Then I long for my Indiana home. verse 2 Fancy paints on mem'ry's canvas, Scenes that we hold dear We recall then in days after, Clearly they appear, And often times I see, a scene that's dear to me.
CHIEF ANNOUNCERS
Tom Carnegie: (1946-2006) Retired from full-time work June 9, 2006 after 61 years.
Dave Calabro: (1985-2009) Active chief announcer.
Bob Jenkins: (2003-2008) Pit area and interviews.
Jim Phillippe: (1958-2003) Died December 15, 2003 at age of 84 after 56 years as Carnegie's main assistant.
John Totten: (1965-1996) Died 1997 after 30 years at the Speedway.
GUEST ANNOUNCERS
Michael Buffer: (1999) Boxing announcer, best known for his signature "Let's get ready to rumble."
1948-1952: Seth Klein or John Francis "Irish" Horan (unconfirmed)
1950-1952: John Francis "Irish" Horan
1953-1954: Wilbur Shaw
1955-1977: Anton "Tony" Hulman, Jr. (d. 10/27/1977)
1978-1980: Mary Fendrich Hulman (widow of Tony Hulman, d. 4/10/1998)
1981: Mari Hulman George (daughter of Tony & Mary Hulman)
1982-1996: Mary Fendrich Hulman (widow of Tony, d. 4/10/1998)
1997-2009: Mari Hulman George
Seth Klein, the official starter in 1925-1926, and from 1934-1953 is thought to have made, in some years, an informal "Start your motors!" command to teams. Eventually it is thought to have evolved into an official "Gentemen, start your engines" comman by 1953.
1966: Tony Hulman (restart after multi-car crash on the frontstrech at the start)
1967: Tony Hulman (lap 19 restart on the second day after rain postponement)
1973: Tony Hulman (restart on second and third day after Salt Walther crash, and after rain delays)
1982: Tom Carnegie, public address announcer (restart after Cogan crash at the attempted start)
1986: Tony George (restart after Tom Sneva pace lap crash)
1997: Mari Hulman George (lap 15 restart on the second day after rain postponement)
2001: Race officials (restart after red flag for rain)
2004: Tom Carnegie, public address announcer (restart after red flag for rain)
2007: Race officials (restart after red flag for rain)
1938: Tazio Nuvolari
1993: Nick Fornoro (Longtime CART/PPG Indy Car World series flagman)
1994: none
1995: none
1996: none
1997: Ronald R. Fogelman, U.S.A.F. (Celebrating the United States Air Force)
1998: Mark Page (Sr. VP of Store Operations for Pep Boys)
1999: Jim Postl (President and CEO of Pennzoil)
2000: Howard Katz (President of ABC Sports)
2001: none
2002: none
2003: none
2004: Nick Lachey (singer from the band "98 degrees," TV personality)
2005: Reggie Miller (Retired Indiana Pacers basketball player)
2006: Sugar Ray Leonard (Retired professional boxing legend)
2007: Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Super Bowl XLI MVP)
2008: Kristi Yamaguchi (professional skater, 1992 Olympic gold medalist)
2009: Allen Sirkin (COO of Phillips-Van Heusen, owner of IZOD clothing, an IndyCar Series sponsor)
Note that in 2004, Nick Lachey was married at the time to Jessica Simpson, who sang the National Anthem minutes prior to the start. The two were co-starring on the hit MTV reality show Newleyweds
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (professional boxer, WBC welterweight champion) was scheduled to serve as honorary starter in 2008. A death in his family prevented his attendance, and he was replaced by Kristi Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi had just days earlier, won Dancing With the Stars on ABC.
Bryan Howard is currently the official starter of the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500, a position he has held since 1997. Paul Blevin was his assitant from 1999-2007. Since 2008, Tom Hansing from the USAC Silver Crown series, has served as assistant.
1989: United States Vice President Dan Qualye
1990: United States Vice President Dan Qualye
1991: U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf (Operation Desert Storm)
1999: David Wolf (NASA Astronaut)
With the race falling on Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the Speedway chooses to honor those who have died for their country, and remember those who have lost their life in racing. For many years until his death in 2003, Speedway Public Address assistant announcer Jim Phillippe delivered a moving preamble, followed by the rendering of "Taps." Dave Calabro revived the preamble once in 2008.
For many years in the 1960s, and 1970s, a combined U.S. Armed Forced Color Guard band from a nearby installation would be invited to play the song. In later years, the Purdue University Band would play it in a full chorus, echo-style rendering. In 1986, the race was rained out and held the following Saturday. The Purdue Band (present during the rainout) did not return for Saturday. Instead, the 74th Army Band from nearby Fort Harrison was invited. Two buglers (one in the pits, and one in the grandstands) performed "Echo Taps." In 1997, the race was rained out on Sunday, and by Monday morning, the Purdue Band had once again, already left the premesis. A lone bugler was used as a substitute. Starting in 2000, the Speedway began inviting noteworthy military leaders to offer remarks or tributes. In 2006, the Speedway invited the talented Sgt. Byron Bartosh to perform "Taps," reverting to the lone bugler rendering. He was well-received, and was invited back to the track on several occasions, including a solo trumpet perforance of the national anthem at the 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
In 2009, "Taps" was preceded by a three-volley salute.
"Taps"
1960s-1970s: Combined U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard
1983: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1984: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1985: Combined U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard
1986: Ron Blomberg and Robert A. Nixon (74th Army Band of Fort Benjamin Harrison)
1987: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1988: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1989: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1990: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1991: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1992: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1993: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1994: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1995: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1996: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1997: Larry Wiseman (Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra; Purdue University faculty)
1998: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
1999: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2000: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2001: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2002: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2003: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2004: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2005: Purdue University All-American Marching Band
2006: Sgt. Byron Bartosh (Indiana National Guard)
2007: Sgt. Byron Bartosh (Indiana National Guard)
2008: Sgt. Byron Bartosh (Indiana National Guard)
2009: Sgt. Joseph Young (Indiana National Guard)
Memorial Day Tribute/Remarks
2000: U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen
2001: U.S.M.C. Gen. James L. Jones
2003: Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. Jack Keane
2004: U.S. Air Force General Bill Begert
2005: Former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell (also drove the pace car)
2006: Former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell (televised remarks)
2007: Retired U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf (televised remarks)
2008: Gen. Victor E. Renuart, Jr. (Commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM)
2009: Gen. Craig McKinley, USAF, Chief, National Guard Bureau
Traditional Preamble to "Taps" by P.A. announcer Jim Phillippe/Dave Calabro:
"On this Memorial Day weekend, we pause here, in a moment of silence to pay
homage to those individuals, who have given their lives unselfishly, and
unafraid to make it possible for us, as free men and women, to enjoy the
world's greatest sporting event. We also pay homage to those individuals,
who have given their lives, unselfishly, and unafriad, to make racing the
world's most spectacular spectator sport."
1999: "I'm Proud to Be an American" by Lee Greenwood
2003: "Have You Forgotten" by Darryl Worley
2003: "What the World Needs Now" by Wynonna Judd
2004: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
2005: "Let Me Go" & "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down
2006: "Right Here" by Staind
2007: "It's Not Over," "Home," by Daughtry
2008: "The Mixed Tape" by Jack's Mannequin
2009: Two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers ("Special Delivery" and Take Off Time")
2008: Two F-16 Vipers and two F/A-18 Hornets (from the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center; Fallon, Nevada)
2007: Four F-22 Raptor jets (from Langley AFB, Virginia)
2006: Historic Aircraft, Four F-16 jets
2005: B-2 Stealth bomber
2004: Four F-16 jets "The Black Snakes" (122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard)
2003: B-2 Stealth bomber "Spirit of Indiana"
2002: B-2 Stealth bomber "Spirit of Washington"
2001: Four F-16 fighters
2000: Two AV-8B jets
1999: B-2 Stealth bomber & four F-14 fighters
1998: None
1997: B-2 Stealth bomber
1996: None
1995: B-17 bomber, led by Gen. Chuck Yeager
1994: Four B-51 Mustangs, led by Gen. Chuck Yeager
1993: Four F-16 fighters
1992: The Black Aces (four aircraft)
1991: Four A-10 fighters
1946: F-80 Shooting Stars (56th Fighter's Wing of Southridge Field)
1947-1959, race winner in parethesis
1947: Carole Landis (Mauri Rose)
1948: Barbara Britton (Mauri Rose)
1949: Linda Darnell (Bill Holland)
1950: Barbara Stanwyck (Johnnie Parsons; Stanwyck was filming scenes for the film To Please a Lady at the race)
1951: Loretta Young (Lee Wallard)
1952: Arlene Dahl (Troy Ruttman)
1953: Jane Greer (Bill Vukovich)
1954: Marie Wilson (Bill Vukovich)
1955: Dinah Shore (Bob Sweikert; Shore also sang "Back Home Again in Indiana")
1956: Virginia Mayo (Pat Flaherty)
1957: Cyd Charaisse (Sam Hanks)
1958: Shirley MacLaine (Jimmy Bryan)
1959: Erin O'Brian (Rodger Ward)
2000: Smashmouth
2001: Collective Soul
2002: Better than Ezra (Nine Days opened)
2003: Cracker (Kenny Brack and the Subwoofers opened)
2004: *Live (Kenny Brack and the Subwoofers opened)
2005: The Black Crowes (The 22-20s opened)
2006: B-52's & Third Eye Blind
2007: Kid Rock
2008: Stone Temple Pilots
2009: 3 Doors Down
*Blues Traveler scheduled, but cancelled due to illness
1958 Spectacle of Speed 1959 Freedom... the American Way 1960 Festival of Firsts 1961 50 Golden Years 1962 Music, Yesterday and Today 1963 Happy Holidays 1964 The Big Fifty 1965 Showtime, U.S.A. 1966 150 Years of Progress 1967 The Wonderland of Books 1968 The Wonderful World of Art and Music 1969 The World of Sports 1970 Moments to Remember 1971 International Storybook 1972 Those Wonderful Years 1973 Down Memory Lane 1974 Through the Eyes of Children 1975 The Magic of Music 1976 America Is 1977 Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera 1978 The Wonder of America Set To Music 1979 It's a Good Life 1980 Something Old, Something New 1981 Reflections of Great Moments 1982 Previews: A Look at Tomorrow 1983 America, You're Beautiful 1984 Salute to Heritage 1985 The Wonderful World of Disney 1986 Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 1987 Fiesta 500 - In the Spirit of the Pan American Games 1988 Zoobilee '88 - The 500 Festival Salutes the New Indianapolis Zoo 1989 The American West; From the Frontier to the Future 1990 Explorations - "Journey Through Time" 1991 A Time to Remember - A Salute to the 75th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race 1992 20th Surprise Party - Walt Disney World's 20 Magical Years 1993 Learning Comes Alive 1994 Catch a Dream 1995 A Trip to the Track 1996 Fast Friends 1997 Here's to the Winners 1998 Creating Magic Moments 1999 Victory Gardens: Celebrating 20th Century Heroes 2000 Back Home Again in Indiana 2001 Home of Champions 2002 One Track Mind 2003 Art in Motion (theme announced 10/16/02) 2004 Lights! Camera! Traction! (theme announced 10/15/03) 2005 Accelerate your senses (theme announced 10/19/04) 2006 Celebrate the Spectacle (theme announced 1/19/06) 2007 Spirit and Speed (theme announced 11/14/06) 2008 Fuel the Dream (theme announced 2/20/08) 2009 Laps, Legends & Legacy (theme announced 12/18/08)Since 2002, the theme has applied to both the "500" Festival and the race itself. The theme in 2009, Laps, Legends & Legacy: Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway began the highly touted three-year "Centennial Era" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From 2009-2011, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will celebrate the 100th anniversay of the opening of the Speedway (1909), and the 100th anniversary of the first Indy 500 (1911.)
Since 1957, the marquee event of the 500 Festival has been the parade downtown. Regarded as one of the largest annual parades in the U.S., it has been reported to attact 200,000-300,000 spectators.
At its onset, the race was still typically being held on the fixed date of Memorial Day (May 30) rather than on the weekend. This often required the parade to be held during the week, and thus in the evening. A 7 p.m. start, usually two nights before the race, was when the parade would be held.
Starting in 1971, the race itself was moved to the weekend. At the urging of festival and civic leaders, a more convenient schedule was devised for the parade. For 1973, the race was scheduled for Monday. This allowed the parade to be held Saturday afternoon, the public drivers' meeting to be held Sunday, and the race Monday. Rain and a tragic accident, however, delayed the race running until Wednesday.
For 1974, the weekend schedule was revised once more. The public drivers' meeting was moved to Saturday moring, the parade was firmly scheduled for Saturday around noon, and the race would be held Sunday. The drivers would attend the public meeting, then be immediately transported downtown to participate in the parade. Unlike the race, the parade is held rain or shine. While attending the parade itself is free, there are many reserved bleacher seats assembled along the parade route.
Previous Parade Sponsor Names
2005-2009: IPL "500" Festival Parade
2003-2004: Flagstar Bank "500" Festival Parade
1998-2001: IPALCO "500" Festival Parade
1997: Moonsoon "500" Festival Parade
1993-1996: Delco Electronics "500" Festival Parade
1989-1992: Hardee's Indianapolis 500 Festival Memorial Parade
*-denotes parade was held at night
Day Date/Year Grand Marshall(s) and Special Guest(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/ /1957 Lt. Gen. G. W. Arnold
Thu 5/29/1958 Shirley MacLaine headed list of celebrities
5/ /1959
Sat 5/28/1960* Gen. David Shoup, USMC
5/ /1961 Lt. Gen. Joseph W. Kelly
Mon 5/28/1962* Gen. Herbert B. Powell
5/ /1963 Lt. Gen. Charles G. Dodge
Thu 5/28/1964*
Sat 5/29/1965 James Stewart (11 a.m. start)
Sat 5/28/1966* Walter Cronkite- television anchor (10th anniversay parade)
5/ /1967 Lorne Green, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon ("Bonanza")
Tue 5/28/1968* Ambassadors from Peru, Boliva, and Equador
5/ /1969 Manueal Fraga Iribarne
Thu 5/28/1970* Edie Adams
5/ /1971 Hon. George W. Romney, Hon. John A. Love, Hon. Carl B. Stokes
5/ /1972 Phil Harris
Sat 5/26/1973 Col. James H. Kasler- former POW
Sat 5/25/1974 Mickey Mouse
Sat 5/24/1975 Peter DePaolo- 1925 Indy 500 winner
Sat 5/29/1976 Tony Hulman & Bob Hope
Sat 5/28/1977 William Hanna & Joseph Barbera
Sat 5/27/1978 Roy Clark
Sat 5/26/1979 Former President Gerald R. Ford
Sat 5/24/1980 Mike Douglas
Sat 5/23/1981 Joyce Dewitt
Sat 5/29/1982 Merlin Olsen- Former football player and actor
Sat 5/28/1983 Joseph Allen
Sat 5/26/1984 David Hasselhoff- actor
Sat 5/25/1985 Mickey Mouse
Sat 5/24/1986 Lt. Col. Jerry L. Ross
Sat 5/23/1987 Mario Vasquez Rana
Sat 5/28/1988 Garfield & creator Jim Davis
Sat 5/27/1989 Gene Autry
Sat 5/26/1990 Vice President Dan Quayle
Sat 5/25/1991 A.J. Foyt & Mary Fendrich Hulman
Sat 5/23/1992 Mickey & Minnie Mouse
Sat 5/29/1993 Larry Bird- former baskeball player & Indiana Pacers coach
Sat 5/28/1994 Mario Andretti & Bonnie Blair
Sat 5/27/1995 A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser, Sr. (three 4-time Indy 500 winners)
Sat 5/25/1996 Garfield & creator Jim Davis
Sat 5/24/1997 Cam Cameron, I.U. � Bob Davie, Notre Dame � Joe Tiller, Purdue
Sat 5/23/1998 Dr. David Wolf � NASA Astronaut
Sat 5/29/1999 Medal of Honor Recipients
Sat 5/27/2000 Jim Nabors
Sat 5/26/2001 5 Public Safety Agencies of Indianapolis
Sat 5/25/2002 Jim Caviezel- Actor & 2002 Indy 500 Pace Car Driver
Sat 5/24/2003 Wynonna Judd- Five-time Grammy Award winning recording artist
Sat 5/29/2004 Jane Pauley- NBC-TV personality
Sat 5/28/2005 Reggie Miller- Indiana Pacers basketball player
Sat 5/27/2006 Lance Armstrong (7-time Tour de France winner) & Rachel Ray (celebrity chef)
Sat 5/26/2007 Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Super Bowl XLI MVP)
Sat 5/24/2008 Patricia Heaton (actress, "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Back to You")
Sat 5/23/2009 Dick Vitale (college basketball analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer)