The Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day, made possible by Chase, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, AAA Hoosier Motor Club, Indianapolis Colts, and The Indianapolis Star, is moving from Sunday to Saturday this year because of Mother’s Day. The state’s largest free outdoor festival for children will take place Saturday, May 12, 2012 from noon to four.
New this year, kids can ride a free 70-foot Ferris wheel, race remote-controlled cars, and test their skills in a race car simulator. Families will have the opportunity to interact with local mascots, bounce in giant inflatables, and create arts and crafts. Children can also visit with nationally-known characters and make sashes with the 500 Festival Princesses. Dozens of exhibitors will fill Monument Circle and surrounding streets with food, fun, educational games, and more than 10,000 prizes.
As part of the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day, all kids ages 3 – 12 are invited to join in for the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run at 1 p.m. It is a non-competitive fun run where everyone goes away a winner. Kids ages three to five will run a two-block course, ages six and seven will race a 1/5-mile course, and ages eight to 12 will run the 1/3-mile course. The race takes place on Ohio and Meridian streets, just north of Monument Circle. All participants will receive a goodie bag, a runner’s bib with the number 1, and a finisher’s medal. Pre-registration is $6 and ends on May 10 at 5 p.m. Event day registration is available for $10 at the corner of Pennsylvania and Ohio streets. Sponsors for Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run include Finish Line and MHS.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.500festival.com.