INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A tradition dating back to 1957, the AES 500 festival parade is here.

This year is the 69th running of the parade. Leaders are expecting about 200,000 people to attend.  The parade will include 14 bands, 3 balloons, 10 floats, and 33 IndyCar drivers. 

500 Festival Leaders talked about putting on the parade and events all month long. 

“It takes a community for us to put on all of the events and programs that we do,” Lindsay Labas, 500 Festival vice president of marketing and communications, said.

The parade is a significant tradition for Indianapolis, marking the culmination of the 500 Festival activities leading up to the Indy 500 race.  

“We’ve got people who have been coming for years and years, this is our 69th one, so a lot of history and tradition here.” Labas said.

In addition to the parade, the 500 Festival includes other major events such as the Mini-Marathon, which attracts 20,000 participants.

The festival’s activities are designed to engage the community and celebrate the city’s rich racing heritage.