The 2011 500 Festival princesses represent 11 Indiana colleges and universities and 24 cities and towns across the state. The young women were selected from 278 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance, and community and volunteer involvement. The 500 Festival has narrowed the field to 33 princesses who will serve as ambassadors for the 2011 500 Festival.
In this blog series we will introduce you to the 500 Festival Princesses, share what they are doing in Indiana communities and their tips for the month of May. We will also share their dream line-up of 33 drivers from TheGreatest33.com. Want to earn bragging rights by sharing your line-up with friends and family too? Be sure to click the “share” feature after finalizing and submitting your line-up!
With 40 days remaining until the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, we’re pleased to introduce you to Lindsay and Alyssa!
Name: Lindsay Condon
Hometown: Indianapolis
School: Purdue University
Number of Years you’ve have been to the Indy 500? 0 To the 500 Festival Parade? 10
Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:
Go to all the festival events! Experiencing the atmosphere is what makes the 500 more than just another race. There’s always something to see or do and a lot of it is free! On Race day leave early, my family members always leave early in the morning to get good parking at the track and to beat the traffic. Pack some patience. There are tons of people from all of the world! While that can be very exciting and cool it can also make things quite hectic. My most important tip is to bring your sun block and umbrella. If it isn’t raining you’re probably getting fried. Nothing says race day like tan lines where your shades were!
Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:
The most important rule of thumb for the parade is to get there early. There are always tons of people and if you want a good seat up front you’ll want to beat the crowd. Also bring a camera, all the drivers and tons of celebrities are in the parade and you won’t want to miss out on the photo opportunity!
This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program: To help out my community I am organizing a group of princesses to help out at this years Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. We will help raise awareness by educating participants on breast cancer and help put on smile on everyone’s face by passing out prizes! I also will be making trips to local elementary schools in Lafayette and Indianapolis to educate children on the 500 festival and the Indy 500.
Click here to see my dream Indianapolis 500 line-up on TheGreatest33.com!
This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: Pace Car Reunion
Let us know when you spot the 500 Festival Princesses in your community!
Name: Alyssa Elaine Hollowell
Hometown: Roanoke, In
School: Purdue University
Number of Years you’ve have been to the Indy 500 ? Twice To the 500 Festival Parade? I have been to the Indy 500 twice, and this will be my first year to attend the 500 Festival Parade. I am looking forward to this new experience!
Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time: Expect loud noises/bring ear protection. Be prepared for the weather. Sunny- sunscreen/hat/water bottle. Rainy- rain gear/dry set of clothing. Temperature- dress in layers to keep warm or shed clothing if temperature increases. Make the most of your experience. Watch the pre-race concerts. Check out the pits. Keep an eye out for celebrities. Explore the shops. Walk around the inside of the track. Enjoy the food!
Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time I will be attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time this year! I have experienced many other parades, and my advice for any parade would be to arrive early to get a good seat, take your camera to get lots of pictures, and by all means cheer loud for your favorite float.
This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program: Volunteer work is a very large part of this program! In my college community, I will be attending multiple elementary schools to read to and share the Indy 500 information with the students. At Purdue’s Spring Fest, I will be assisting young girls in making their own sashes, and I will be a participant in the Purdue Grand Prix Parade. I also hosted a “100th Anniversary Party” for the Indy 500 for the ladies on the 8th floor of Shreve Hall, where I currently live. I baked cupcakes and brought milk (an Indy 500 tradition). Pizzas and pop were provided as well.
In my hometown area, I have been in contact with my local hospital, elementary school principal, town officials, and librarian. I will read to the children and/or participate in activities as they become available. I have also been interviewed by my local newspaper and provided information that I am available for volunteer work and guest appearances.
My Line-up on TheGreatest33.com: Click here to view my dream Indianapolis 500 line-up on TheGreatest33.com! I selected these drivers because some names I recognized from past races or past wins. Others I just enjoy watching during the race. The website contains a significant amount of information about many of the top drivers. You can learn about each driver, compare them with other drivers, view pictures, and share your stories with other fans.
This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: World’s Largest Autograph Session
We are soooooo very proud of you Alyssa Elaine!! You have been our princess since the day you were born =) Can’t wait to share all of the upcoming Indy 500 events with you
Special thanks to all the people who make this program possible!!!
So proud of you!!!!! What an exciting event to be a part of!!! You look gorgeous and are an inspiration to Paige and Haleigh and all young women!!!!! Enjoy the upcoming events and hope to see you soon!!!
We are so proud of you! Enjoy all the time that you put into this event. You are a beautiful young woman, inside and out! What a great event to be a part of. Have fun!
Lindsay!!! This truly is an awesome experience for you! We are so proud of you! It will be exciting to see you at all of the upcoming 500 festivities! Xoxo
You are my favorite princess. Very, very proud.
Very cool Lindsay. You are my favorite Princess
Alyssa … you continue to shine not only with outward achievements and beauty, but within, as well. You’ve remained grounded and a true example of what beauty truly means. Enjoy this venture!
Good luck from Pennsylvania!!!!!
Lindsay, Congrats to making it to the final 33. Good luck and enjoy the experience of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.You will make a great role model for girls wanting to follow in your footsteps.
Come on Lindsay!!! you can do it…All the best.. we are with you..
Good Luck Lindsay. Enjoy the experience.
Lindsay, Congrats!!! All the very best. I can see the joy on your face. You made proud not only your parents but also people like me. You are the true role model for the younger generation.
Lindsay Congrats! Enjoy race day and all the festival activities, what an experience.
Congratulations, Lindsay! What an awesome experience!!
Congratulations Alyssa! I really hope that you get to be the queen. I know you are a great example to many and are the perfect candidate!
Good luck Lindsay. (I am a friend of your mother).
Good job Alyssa and congratulations for how well you’ve done!
You’re fantastic in every way possible and I hope you win!
Alyssa, Congratulations! I lived in IN for 55 years and never knew a 500 Festival Princess. This is really great! You have made Roanoke proud.
Good Luck Lindsay. I am Bala. Want to know more about me Ask Lynda. Enjoy race day and all the festival activities.
Alyssa, I am so excited for you! You are a very special young lady! You are beautiful inside and out! Enjoy the festivities. You will make such a great Queen.
Good Luck Lindsay and congratulations for coming so far. You are talented and we hope you win
Congrats Lindsay! Cheer up , beat the crowd and get the crown.
Good Luck Lindsay!!
Congratulations Lindsay! What a great honor (and a terrific Boilermaker representative!)
Congratulations Lindsey! I hope you enjoy every minute of this amazing experience!
Lindsay, Congratulations on being chosen as a 500 Festival Princess for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race! I know that your Mom and Dad are very proud of you. My best wishes!
Very Cool Alyssa. You should be very proud of this as I know your dad is. I really liked your top 33 drivers – all except Emerson as I recalled when he complained about drinking our milk (he wanted to drink orange juice as that is what he grew on his farm). Congratulations and enjoy your experience.
Lindsay is my favorite Princess!!!