“Drive fast; turn left.”
It’s an expression you may have heard about auto racing.
But for those who’ve experienced an Indy 500, the description simply doesn’t do justice to the sight – and roar – of 33 racecars lined up in 11 rows jockeying for position and reaching speeds of 240 miles per hour.
By the time the green flag waves at the world’s largest one-day sporting event, the 500 Festival, an organization celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500, has already reached hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers through its programs and services.
Regions Bank in Indianapolis has worked with the nonprofit for 25-plus years, most recently supporting the 500 Festival and Indy 500 Education Program, which served 23,000 Indiana fourth-grade students this year alone. In addition to Regions being a financial sponsor, bank associates have also guided students around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while they learn about traditional school subjects like math and science through the unique lens of auto racing.
“Students who participate in the education program learn about the significant role of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 through Indiana’s state history and culture,” said Jamie Stremming, 500 Festival program and event manager. “The study trip experience then brings those classroom lessons to life by providing students with hands-on and engaging activities. It’s a day students will remember for years to come.”
This year, a group of Indy bank associates and their families had their own experience they’ll remember for years, riding on and walking alongside the Regions Big Bike float in the 500 Festival Parade. The parade is one of the nonprofit’s longest-running events and the nation’s third-largest parade.
What’s it like celebrating with 200,000 parade-goers while rolling down Indy’s busiest downtown streets? We caught up (literally) with associates to ask about their experience:
What did you enjoy most about riding on or walking alongside the Regions Big Bike float?
Steve Frey, Consumer Banking manager: “Ever since I moved to Indy 20 years ago, the 500 Festival Parade has been an event I look forward to each year. It gives thousands of people the opportunity to connect with the drivers in a personal way. You’ll hear parade-goers shout words of encouragement to the drivers. It was so much fun to see all of the folks who recognized the Big Green Bike, shouting things like, ‘I bank there’ or ‘I love Regions!’ I felt like a driver! It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
Stephen and Jacob Pena, sons of Schiela Pena, Community Relations officer:
Stephen: “My favorite part of riding the Big Bike was feeling like a celebrity and waving from the float.”
Jacob: “I liked being able to see the different parts of the city. The Big Bike is huge!”
Michele Shepherd, Consumer Banking assistant:
“Walking in the middle of the major streets that had been blocked off! All kidding aside, it was very exciting to be part of something I have watched every year of my 50-plus years as a Hoosier.”
Melissa Zapata, Treasury Management officer:
“What a crowd! I loved the seeing the attention the Big Bike received! We definitely heard the cheers from the crowd and the energy was amazing, but I am not gonna lie – it was a lot of smiling and waving!”
Caleb and Adelyn Zapata, children of Melissa Zapata:
Caleb: “It was entertaining, I took pride in being able to do it.”
Adelyn: “It was a cool and fun experience! I loved waving to the crowds!”
What did it mean to you to have the Regions Big Bike travel to Indy to be part of the 500 Festival Parade?
Steve Frey: “I think it showed Regions’ commitment to Indy at an event that people around the world have cherished for over 50 years. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with our customers, the community, and people from all over the world. It gave me an immense sense of pride in the company I work for to allow me to represent our bank in an event that means so much to me personally.”
Amy Klus, Treasury Management officer: “Seeing the Big Bike in person is so much better and more fun than just seeing the pictures. It was awesome to see our brand on display with thousands of parade watchers recognizing it from commercials, smiling and waving. It reminded me of the pride I have in working for Regions.”
Michele Shepherd: “It shows Regions cares about our Indianapolis market and is willing to invest resources to help promote our brand. It was nice to see attendees recognize our trademark symbol and the delight on the faces of others who were thinking, “Wow, that’s a big bike!’”