Together on Tuesday: The Main Event

This week on "Together on Tuesday" we are writing about an annual big event that happens in your area that really has had an impact on your life.  This is in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby last week, and also (for me) the upcoming Indy 500.  Is there a big local event in your area that has impacted your life? If so, what is it, and how? What kind of memories do you have of this event growing up? Do you make it a point to celebrate or attend this event now? Are there certain traditions you have shared or started with your family involving this event? If you ever had to move, would you come back to attend this event and why?  Living in Indy all my life, I would be remiss if I did not recount my memories surrounding "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,"  The Indianapolis 500.

The month of May in Indy is amazing. The race (if you don't know) is on Memorial Day weekend.   The city has really built up a lot of different activities leading up to the race to get the community and tourists excited.  In my memories growing up, this hasn't always been the case, but I'm really glad to see this happening, or maybe I should say glad I've discovered everything happening around town in my adulthood.  There are so many neat events we have attended both as a family or as a couple.  I'm not going to name them all (because let's face it- you don't want to read about them all).  If you are interested in looking into them further just check this out. I'm just going to hit on a few of the things we have made into family traditions, and also recount memories of race weekend growing up.

I don't have many individual memories of race weekend growing up.  It is more of a feeling of happiness and relaxation.  There was usually a big cookout with my mom's family or my dad's family.  Race time reminds me of cookouts with hamburgers, corn on the cob, and watermelon.  It seemed to be the first official start to summer.  While no one in my family was a huge race fan, it was always on the radio during these get togethers.  There is nothing quite like the sound of an Indycar going around the track.  It is so unique.  Sometimes we would cut out the drivers names and pictures from the Indystar and draw them out of a hat, just so we would have someone to root for during the race.  I just remember it as a guaranteed time to spend having fun with my family. I never actually attended the race, or even went to the track until after I graduated from college.

Sam in the 11 car at Community Day

There is nothing like your first Indycar race.  I was fortunate enough to attend my first race in style. My husband worked for a local insurance company that owned a suite at the track.  His company sponsored an up and coming rookie driver.  They had a big event at the Marriott on the north side.  We got to meet the driver, and his famous grandfather (also a driver). I was so excited come race day.  The company had set up a motor coach escorted by police officers to take us from the north side to the track.  This was amazing.  No waiting at all to get to the parking lot and into the suite.  From the suite we had a great view, and also free food and drinks throughout the entire race. Oh, and the AC...how could I forget the wondrous miracle of the AC? Thankfully, I didn't have to sweat through my clothes in front of my husband's clients.  lol.  I can remember all of the cars lining up for the start and the pomp and circumstance at the start of the race like it was yesterday.  Once all of those engines started, I felt like a firecracker went off inside of me.  It was electrifying. It was amazing, and I was hooked.  I think I've only missed two races since that first time, and one of those races was because I was pregnant.  (I love the race, but come on-seriously).  Even though we don't get the "royal" treatment that we used to-the race is still something I look forward to every year.  Even if I do have to sweat through my clothes or battle a tornado on the way home (long story for another time).

Yes, this is also another great reason to go to the race. You see it all. The people watching is the best.

Another 500 festival event that I have participated in several times is the Indianapolis One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  13.1 miles, and they still have the audacity to call it "mini."  I've ran this race three times.  Each time is a different experience.  The crowd is gigantic.  It's almost a little too much if you are a serious runner, and want to achieve a time goal.  If it's your first long distance event, then it's a great one because there is so much to see and look at.  Plus, part of the race runs on the motor speedway track.  Amazing.  In the spirit of running, my son has participated in the rookie run the last two years. The first year was a train wreck.  He was three-maybe a bit too young.  Daddy ran it with him, and it's half a street block in length,but it was hot, and I mean hot. He tried to bite my husband's hand to get him to stop running.  Seriously.  I have video.  Last year was much better.  I'm sad to say he will miss it this year because of a friend's birthday party. 

Sam at the Rookie Run

Two other events we have attended are Bump Day/Armed Forces Day.  This is great for kids.  The armed forces have tanks, helicopters, huge trucks, and all sorts of other vehicles I won't even pretend to know the name of. It's also the last day of qualifying, so it's exciting to see who will get "bumped" from the field.  Last year, we went to the American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day.  Although it was a looooooooooonnnnnnnnnggg wait to get onto the track, it was worth it.  The kids thought it was so cool to drive on the banked curves of the track.  My husband had goosebumps.  We also waited in line to get autographs from our favorite drivers.  There is a kids play area with bounce houses and carnival type games, too. 

Sam in the car when we were driving on the track

Sam at Armed Forces/Bump Day in 2010

If you are not into racing, I urge you to try it just once for the experience of the event that is the Indianapolis 500. Now, if you have the time (after reading this huge post) go check out Danielle, Nancy, Sarah, and Charlotte's main events.