Porch Party Initiative Kicks Off May 5

INDIANAPOLIS — The Harrison Center for the Arts joins with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the 500 Forward community partnership initiative to invite Hoosiers to celebrate the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. The kickoff celebration will take place on the “porch” of the Harrison Center’s City Gallery during the May 5 First Friday event from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a festive porch atmosphere, live acoustic music, race-themed activities, giveaways and more.
The Harrison Center has been promoting porch parties in urban Indy neighborhoods for the past three years in an effort to activate the streets and promote a movement of neighborliness, encouraging Indy residents to open their porches and welcome friends and neighbors. Last year, in partnership with the 100th Running Host Committee, the invitation was extended to the entire Hoosier state to host Porch Parties as a way to foster civic pride and engagement in Indiana’s signature event, the Indy 500. Building on the momentum from 2016, with over 500 porch parties registered across the state during the Month of May alone, we again invite Hoosiers to join in the porch party movement.
Porch Party hosts are encouraged to register online at  www.eventbrite.com and hostbetween April 28 and May 28 to be eligible for special surprises including appearances from racing and local TV personalities, as well other special deliveries and décor. Hosts may also be eligible for tickets to the INDYCAR Grand Prix qualifications and race, Indy 500 practice days, and other IMS events.
Individuals and families throughout the community are encouraged to deck their front door or porch in checkered décor and embrace a spirit of celebration, unity and pride for the Month of May.