The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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  16 days remaining until the Indy 500, we’re pleased to introduce you to Brooke!

Name: Brooke Gilbert

Hometown: Fairland, Indiana

School: Franklin College

Number of times you have attended the Indy 500? 1  The 500 Festival Parade? 0

Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:

Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water!

Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:

I have unfortunately never been able to go to the 500 Festival Parade.  This year will be my first year, and I’m actually in it.

This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:

I am meeting with the 4^th graders of Triton Elementary and Hendricks Elementary to talk to them about the 500 Festival and Race.  I am meeting with Shelby County Junior Leaders to talk to them about these events.  I am also going to the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin to do race arts and crafts with the residents.

Your Greatest 33 Line-up: To see Brooke’s Greatest 33 click here.

This May, I’m most looking forward to seeing: The Celebration of Automobiles!