Latest news with #500Festival
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
'It turned heads at first:' She's a 500 Festival princess. She's also an Eagle Scout
INDIANAPOLIS -- Nat Restivo says she was "very much a tomboy growing up" with an older brother and an older sister and plenty of hand-me-down clothes to choose from. "But of all the clothes that I got passed down to me, I always opted for basketball shorts and a T-shirt," said Restivo, "instead of her Aeropostale jeans." By the time she was 10, Restivo was tagging along with her brother's Boy Scout troop. She went hiking and camping, roughing it up with the boys. Then one day as an unofficial Boy Scout, Restivo was at a troop service day setting up seating for the 500 Festival Parade downtown. That's when a princess waved at her. "I didn't really know what it was. I saw 33 women wearing tiaras and I thought, 'Oh, that's so cool,'" said Restivo. "One of them waved at me. (I thought) they must be famous." But that 10-year-old Restivo didn't turn into a princess right then. Instead, she went on to become a founding member of one of the first female troops in Scouting America, formally the Boy Scouts of America. And she went on to become a female Eagle Scout. Restivo knows how to tie seven distinct knots, the square knot, two half-hitches, taut-line hitch, sheet bend, bowline, clove hitch and timber hitch. She has 21 merit badges earned in categories such as emergency preparedness and medicine. She worked hundreds of community service hours. And she renovated an entire playground for her final act of service. Then last year, that 500 Festival Princess idea reappeared when Restivo was a sophomore at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. Restivo applied and landed a spot in the ring with 32 other princesses. "It turned heads at first," said Restivo, 20, who is a nursing major with minors in medical humanities and social work. "I don't look like a traditional Scout. People are surprised that I am an Eagle Scout and then I'm also a 500 Festival princess." Restivo grew up in Plainfield in a family that focused on service. Restivo's mom, Melanie, was always heavily involved in the community. And her grandparents were involved with the local church and Meals on Wheels. "So my mom, whenever there was a service opportunity, she packed all three kids up," said Restivo. "And we were at it." Scouting was a big part of the family's life. Restivo's brother, Dominic, gave his little sister the scouting bug and let her tag along. "I was just young enough to be able to go to all the trips but not old enough to be able to stay back on my own," Restivo said. "So I'd go to all the campouts with them. I remember I was so young that I was like learning almost everything on these camp outs. I learned how to tie my shoes on a camp out." She soon earned the troop nickname of their Boy Scout buddy. And it was Restivo's brother who first alerted the family that the rules had changed. Girls were officially allowed to join all Boy Scouts of America programs in 2019. "And my mom said, 'Are you interested in this?'" Restivo said. "I was kind of hesitant at first. I was in middle school, and I was kind of shy. I didn't know if I wanted to join. I didn't know if my friends would follow me in joining. But I've been so grateful that my mom kind of pushed me and she was like, 'This is going to benefit you. Let's try it out.'" On Feb. 1, 2019, the first day a female troop could be chartered, Melanie was at the office at 8 a.m. And the Plainfield Troop 308G was born, made up of five girls, including Restivo. It was one of the first female troops created in Indiana. Restivo went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in 2022, joined the Order of the Arrow, served as a camp counselor at Ransburg Scout Reservation and earned Firecrafter. "Being a scout, I'm not sure honestly, where I would be without it, because it did teach me so much leadership," said Restivo. "It taught me resilience and also taught me all these morals and values that I still carry with me." It also gave Restivo the confidence to apply to be a 500 Festival princess. After seeing a college friend serving as a princess, Restivo started researching the program. "That's when I learned it's more about community service and education than it is a pageant," she said. "And that was eye opening to me." Her friend encouraged her to apply. "And it was majorly outside my comfort zone. I'm one that I like to do things in the background. I'm kind of in the background of leadership," she said. "But I'm so glad I was able to step outside my comfort zone because I never would have met these 32 other amazing women and then everybody I've met through my outreach." Some of those people, including the princesses, were surprised to find out Restivo is an Eagle Scout. "It turned heads at first. And I think it's nice to turn heads sometimes," she said. "It's bringing awareness to this program and to scouting." And it's nostalgic for Restivo, thinking back on how her journey began as an "unofficial boy scout" with that princess waving at her all those years ago. "She made me feel seen in a sea of thousands," Restivo said. "That moment stuck with me. Now, I get to be that person for someone else."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Indy 500 Parade, Indiana Fever game to overlap Saturday in downtown Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis could be the place to be this weekend — or the place to avoid, depending on your plans. The Indy 500 Festival Parade, a highlight of Memorial Day Weekend downtown, starts at noon May 24. Shortly after that, at 1 p.m., the Indiana Fever will take on New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here's a look at the schedule. The New York Liberty play the Indiana Fever starting at 1 p.m. on May 24, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Festivities for the 2025 AES 500 Festival Parade kick off at 11:45 a.m. and the parade begins at noon on May 24. A large swath of the downtown area north of Monument Circle will have roads closed starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Meters close on May 23 for Vermont Street between Pennsylvania and Delaware Street; and on May 24 for the parade route. Find more details at With so many roads closed for the parade and the addition of WNBA fans, don't expect things to be easy. Parade organizers suggest arriving early and relaxing during peak exit times. They also recommend entering downtown from the side on which you plan to park, and parking facing the direction you plan to depart. To look for parking in advance, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 parade, Fever vs. Liberty pose challenge for downtown parking
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
500 Festival Parade returns. What to know about parking, performers and tickets
A tradition since 1957, the downtown Indianapolis parade celebrating the Indianapolis 500 marches on. 2025's AES 500 Festival Parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators to watch floats, giant helium balloons, bands and all 33 Indy 500 what to know about one of the most anticipated events of the year: The parade will take place on Saturday, May 24. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon. WTHR, Channel 13, will broadcast the parade live for the Indianapolis audience, while Peacock will stream the event live. WTHR will re-air the broadcast at 8 p.m. on May 24. NBA champion and former Indiana Pacer star Scot Pollard is this year's grand marshal. Kelsey Hart is the featured performer for the AES 500 Festival Parade Opening Production. The Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders and Pacemates will also perform. Hart will perform a post-parade concert at Turntable starting at 8 p.m. The general admission show benefits the 500 Festival. Use code PARADE to get tickets for $10 at 38th Infantry Division Band, Indianapolis – Director, Catherine Maloney Centerville High School Blue Regiment, Centerville, Indiana – Director, Johnathan Lucy Chartiers Valley Showband, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania – Director, Traci Kelly Goshen High School Crimson Marching Band, Goshen, Indiana – Director, Tom Cox Indianapolis Public Schools All-City Marching Band, Indianapolis – Director, Josh Goodman Jimtown High School Marching Jimmies, Elkhart, Indiana – Director, Kathy Baughman Belleville West Marching Maroons, Belleville, Illinois – Director, Michael Pond-Jones Eastern (Pekin) Musketeer Brigade, Pekin, Indiana – Director, Matt Lindley National Band Association Indiana All-Star Band, Zionsville, Indiana – Director, Mickey Stisher New Prairie Marching Cougars, New Carlisle, Indiana – Director, Jared Jaggi Purdue University "All-American" Marching Band, West Lafayette, Indiana - Director, Matt Conaway NorthWood High School Red Regiment, Nappanee, Indiana – Director, Eric Criss Speedway High School 500 Regiment Band, Speedway, Indiana – Director, Amy Mohl Warren Central Gold Brigade Marching Band and Color Guard, Indianapolis – Director, Ed Meckes The parade starts at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North streets and goes south to Washington Street, east to Meridian Street, and then north on Meridian to end at North Street. See the parade route at The 2025 theme is 'Connected Through May,' celebrating how the 500 Festival unites with local organizations and community members through its diverse events and programs, especially in May. AES 500 Festival Parade tickets are on sale, starting at $25, at Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization's free education, health, and fitness initiatives for Indiana youth. Organizers suggest arriving early to find parking, as many downtown streets will be closed to traffic and public parking in preparation for the event. Several parking facilities will be open for event parking, but due to street closings, not all routes into the various parking locations will be available. 500 Festival Parade recommends drivers: Arrive early and relax during peak exit times. Enter downtown from the side on which you plan to park and park facing the direction you intend to depart. Plan where you will park ahead of time. Plan your route ahead of time and carpool if possible. Prepare to park away from the event site. Plan to use a parking garage or lot. Metered parking is limited around special event areas. Book parking in advance through SpotHero. Visit for street close on May 23 for Vermont Street between Pennsylvania and Delaware streets; and on May 24 for the parade route. The event is coordinated by 500 Festival, a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 events and programs while celebrating the Indianapolis 500. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When is the 500 Festival Parade? What to know about the 2025 event
Indianapolis Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
500 Festival Parade returns. What to know about parking, performers and tickets
A tradition since 1957, the downtown Indianapolis parade celebrating the Indianapolis 500 marches on. 2025's AES 500 Festival Parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators to watch floats, giant helium balloons, bands and all 33 Indy 500 what to know about one of the most anticipated events of the year: The parade will take place on Saturday, May 24. Festivities kick off at 11:45 am, and the parade begins at noon. WTHR, Channel 13, will broadcast the parade live for the Indianapolis audience, while Peacock will stream the event live. WTHR will re-air the broadcast at 8 p.m. on May 24. NBA champion and former Indiana Pacer star Scot Pollard is this year's grand marshal. Kelsey Hart is the featured performer for the AES 500 Festival Parade Opening Production. The Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders and Pacemates will also perform. Hart will perform a post-parade concert at Turntable starting at 8 p.m. The general admission show benefits the 500 Festival. Use code PARADE to get tickets for $10 at The parade starts at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North streets and goes south to Washington Street, east to Meridian Street, and then north on Meridian to end at North Street. See the parade route at The 2025 theme is 'Connected Through May,' celebrating how the 500 Festival unites with local organizations and community members through its diverse events and programs, especially in May. AES 500 Festival Parade tickets are on sale, starting at $25, at Proceeds from all 500 Festival ticketed events help support the organization's free education, health, and fitness initiatives for Indiana youth. Organizers suggest arriving early to find parking, as many downtown streets will be closed to traffic and public parking in preparation for the event. Several parking facilities will be open for event parking, but due to street closings, not all routes into the various parking locations will be available. 500 Festival Parade recommends drivers: Visit for street close on May 23 for Vermont Street between Pennsylvania and Delaware streets; and on May 24 for the parade route.
Indianapolis Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
'We are all richer for having had him in our lives': Patrick Holden dies after 500 Festival run
Patrick Holden, 29, was a rising star in the world of pharmaceutical medicine and had just started a new life in New York City. Holden had recently been promoted to Eli Lilly 's newest director of health outcomes liaison, a feat he was able to accomplish within five years of being with the company. His family would attribute his success to his 'rare combination of kindness, intelligence, and unwavering integrity,' which were a driving force in how he operated his life and were highlighted in the work he was doing at Eli Lilly. He led an initiative at Eli Lilly to uncover and address care gaps for patients battling cancer, reflecting his passion for helping others through his pharmaceutical work, specifically focusing on breast cancer research, according to his obituary. He was recently promoted to the position to advance patient care in the Allegheny region. However, his life abruptly ended on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest while visiting his hometown of Indianapolis. The Marion County Coroner's Office identified Holden as the man who died after the 500 Festival mini-marathon on May 3. Holden died at Methodist Hospital, according to the coroner. The suddenness of his death came as a shock to many within his family, friends and the community, primarily due to his age. Days after his death, a GoFundMe was posted to help his wife with the funeral expenses, relocation costs and paying off the remainder of Patrick's student loans. Within hours of being published, it achieved its $20,000 fundraising goal. Who was Patrick Holden? Holden had accomplished a lot in the 29 years he had in this world. He grew up in Indianapolis, graduating from Brownsburg High School as valedictorian before starting his undergraduate degree at Butler University. While studying at Butler, he became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and eventually served as the fraternity's president. In 2020, Holden graduated from Butler University with an MBA and PharmD. Holden's work ethic and personal philosophy were noticed by not just his professors but also by his academic colleagues, according to Craig Caldwell, dean of the Lacy School of Business at Butler University. 'Normally, the MBA students didn't have a lot of respect for the PharmD MBAs like Pat,' Caldwell said in a Facebook post about Holden. 'Every semester, I would survey the class with this question: Which one of your peers was the most influential on your thinking? Despite his limited work experience, Pat Holden won in a landslide. Student 10 plus years his senior with a lot of work experience benefited from his wisdom.' After graduating from Butler, Holden started his career at Eli Lilly and Co., inspired by his mother's battle with breast cancer, according to a fundraiser honoring Holden's work against cancer. Holden started at Eli Lilly as an associate consultant and quickly climbed up the ranks, going from manager, to associate director of U.S. oncology, to associate director of health outcome liaison before ultimately settling in as the director of health outcomes in March of 2025. Similar to his time in college, Holden's work ethic and passion were felt by many who worked with him at Eli Lilly. 'His unique gift was the ability to encourage and motivate others while keeping them completely at ease,' Bill Pilat said about Holden in his obituary memory board. 'There are many important things Patrick was able to advance through his work that impacted lives of people he didn't know, and he leaves a lasting impression on all of us who got to work with him. I will never forget his positivity and his ability to make you feel simply feel better.' 'We are all richer for having had him in our lives. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact was deep and enduring. His presence will be profoundly missed, and his memory will stay with us always,' said Logan Schwering, senior director of HR at Eli Lilly. Holden's family willhold a service for him at Connection Point Church, located at 1800 North Green Street in Brownsburg, on May 9, 2025. His memorial visitation will start at 9 a.m. and his service will go from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
