Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v07n11)
Random Rippling - American Village 500 parade
posted: May 28, 2010
On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, Mayor Greg Ballard and Indiana's first lady were on hand to help American Village with their mission of kicking off the Village 500. Close to 100 people were in attendance to hear the pastor invocation, enjoy breakfast and see Mayor Ballard, the guest speaker, officially kick off the events.
(L to R) Albina Mazza, Mrs Winnie Ballard, Mayor Ballard at the American Village breakfast.
image courtesy of American Village
Previous Village 500 queens from 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were recognized. Mayor Ballard announced the Queens of 2010 while Indiana's First Lady crowned the queens. On May 7, Winnie Ballard served as the Grand Marshall for the Village 500 parade. Others participating in the Village 500 parade were Gary Lee, announcer for ESPN, 7 official "500" Princesses, The Murat "500" midget cars, IMPD Motorcycle Division, bag pipers, horses, the Indiana Guard Reserve with color guard, and Red Hat and Purple Chaps horses, to name a few.
Announcer Gary Lee
It all started in 2004 with an idea of having a race around American Village that would involve employees so the residents could enjoy the month of May in Indy, even though they were unable attend the Indianapolis 500 race. The "Village 500" was born and now in its 7th year. It includes a parade, queen's court, singing of the National Anthem and Back Home Again In Indiana, playing of taps, releasing balloons, the invocation, and the official "Ladies and Gentlemen Start Your Engines". The green flag drops and the employees and their push carts are off racing around the oval track, with one lucky team landing in the winners circle with the official wreath, bottle of milk and of course the kiss from the Queens!
Team #1 Cooper's Queens the "Ladies" from American Village
American Village, a member of American Senior Communities, is located at 2026 E 54th Street. For more information call 317-253-3950 or visit www.AmericanSrCommunities.com .
Race cars in the parade
Tina McIntosh of Joy's House
Team #111 Buck and the Pink Ladies
Winnie Ballard drops the green flag to start one of the races.