Porch Party Invites Fans to Get Creative Ahead of Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, IN — It's May, which means it's race time in Indianapolis. The green flag is flying, welcoming Indy car drivers and race fans from across the country to the town of Speedway and central Indiana.

A tradition in the area is to decorate porches and have parties to celebrate the upcoming Indy 500. "It's why we live here. It's what we look forward to all year long. It's like Christmas," said Michelle Lidy.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway decorations excite Lidy every year. "My husband gets nervous when I say, 'oh, I have an idea!' We built a six-foot scoring pylon and it lights up at night and so it's extra cool at night to see that," she said.

Driving through Speedway, you'll find homes decorated on every block. "There's people crowding the streets having fun, and it's closest thing you'll get to Mardi Gras," said Ryan Buster.

"We're here, people that camp out in their backyard will hang out in my front yard. People that camp out in my front yard we go hang out in their front yard. It's just what we do," said Buster.

The town wants other locals to have a chance to soak it all in before the big day. "This party is for us to kind of sit back and celebrate and before things get too hectic," said Lidy.

Another major event bringing thousands of other racers is the mini marathon. On Saturday, runners like Rachael Gregory will pack this area. "This is my first time running the mini. I'm running it with my mom. This is her third time. We start downtown and then you run through Speedway. You come through Main Street and then you actually run a lap at the track," she said.

Speedway Town Council President Nick Sturgeon said the month of May brings an economic boost to businesses. "It's also tradition and history being passed down from generation to generation, so it's in our blood," he said.

"Be on the lookout for that. But also rocking on Main, May 23rd. It's right after carb day, so it's another way to get out and celebrate and interact with the residents and the visitors," he said.