Parade and Community Day Brings Smiles to Speedway(posted Sept 23) "Words can't describe how great this is," said Speedway resident Joe Maxson, describing Speedway's Main Street Parade and Community Day that took place yesterday afternoon. The event even captured the attention of Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson who came out to meet Speedway residents and hear about their local concerns. "I am really excited about the community pride that is taking place in Speedway. Speedway is only going to get better. I am really proud to be in the first parade," the Mayor said. He said it is important for him to come to community events and to stay in touch with the local community newspapers so he can be apprised of more defined issues. The Mayor also thanked the veterans for serving our country. Pat Phillips was able to round up 29 legion motorcycle riders to represent American Legion 500 Post in the parade. VFW Post 1587, located on 10th Street, also participated in the parade. "I got to shake hands with the Mayor," Julia Pratt, one of the parade organizers, said with a huge grin on her face. Susan Luebbert of the parade committee was able to have her picture taken with Mayor in the heart of Main Street during the parade. Luebbert was impressed with his interest in Speedway. City County Councilor Cherrish Pryor, representing District 7 in the northern part of Speedway, said "It's wonderful. There are a lot of people. It is a great community. I am looking forward to next year." Joanne Sanders, who is running at Large for City County Council, said "the parade distance was perfect." City Councilor District 14 Marilyn Pfisterer described the event as very festive. "I hope this is a yearly affair." State Representative District 92 Phil Hinkle said "I am impressed with the enthusiasm and spirit. It's great." He speculated that next year's parade will be even bigger and better. He indicated that he plans to be back for next year's parade. Traci Lipp, running for Speedway Town Council, explained "the people are wonderful here, and it makes me want to fight for them that much harder" if elected this fall. Lipp is running against incumbent Lu Hillmer who watch the parade from a spectators' position. Hillmer described the parade as great and she was thrilled to see a good community turnout. Republican Mayoral Candidate Greg Ballard called the event " a good parade." He stayed after the parade to talk with people and booth exhibitors about Speedway's Redevelopment plans and how its future could be changing soon with the proposed $63 million infrastructure plan. Coca-Cola enthralled the spectators with shooting t-shirt out into the crowd and handing out free ice cold Vault. Tina Neeb, Special Events Account Manager / Indianapolis Coca-Cola Event Coordinator, was impressed with the parade turnout especially since it was the first year of the event. Spectators continued to talked about shooting the t-shirts into the crowd and the free Vault even after the parade was over. Allison Transmission supported the parade with a donation and would like to be more community involved since they are located at the intersection of 10th Street and Main Street. Liz Glover, owner of Charlie Brown's gave thumbs up for the parade as she walked down Main Street's sidewalk wearing a "We Love Speedway" button. The Junior High Students that are traveling to Motegi, Japan plan to pass out "We Love Speedway" buttons when they arrive in Japan this fall to share the culture of Speedway with the Japanese students. The Gordon Pipers added to the parade atmosphere with their traditional bag pipe music that was sponsored by Chocolate Gallery. The Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association delighted the crowd with its horse drawn wagon and a bit of humor with Don Katterhenry walking behind with a trash can. The Speedway High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders were able to showcase their talents to an audience beyond those attending high school functions. Speedway High School Key Club also marched in the parade. Kiwanis Mentor Marie Hall said over 40 students attended their Tuesday morning meeting, showing enthusiasm of wanting to volunteer in the community. HIP (Healthy Imaginations Possibilities) Studio's Sabrina Gossett is recruiting youth for the Speedway location in the Speedway Super Center. HIP's mission is to teach children the importance of community. The community day also allowed vendors to show highlight to showcase their services and merchandise. A vendor of Main Street Attraction Mall said the public exposure she received was well worth her time of participating. Speedway Public Library Director Darsi Bohr explained she had a good number of people stopping by her table that allowed her to explain the library's services. Former Speedway High School Basketball Coach Morris Pollard received an applause from the crowd as he and retired faculty member Frank Hamilton drove down Main Street displaying a banner about Pollard's lucky red socks. Pollard was known for wearing red socks for luck at the high school basketball games during his tenure. The forty minute inaugural parade was taped by WSCA with Tim Walters serving as the parade's emcee. The parade committee was able to entice more participants with this added community feature. The parade's broadcast schedule will be available here when the WSCA publishes its weekly schedule on Wednesday, Sept 26. |
more parade photos here
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