Be on the lookout for the Glassmen this Saturday on ESPN2, as they lead the IPL 500 Festival Parade which is one of several kickoff events prior to the 91st Indianapolis 500 race. The Glassmen will be taking a break from their pre-season rehearsal block and forming a parade block as they head to Indianapolis, Ind. this Saturday, May 26, to perform as the lead unit in the 2007 IPL 500 Festival Parade. Started in 1957, the 500 Festival is a series of civic events organized to celebrate the Indianapolis 500 race. The IPL 500 Festival Parade has grown to be one of the signature events in the U.S. each year. It consistently ranks among the top three parades in the nation including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
"This parade is a huge deal in Indiana and it's a great honor for the Glassmen to be a part of it and to represent Drum Corps International," said Glassmen Executive Director Brian Hickman. "The opportunity for an early season performance like this is crucial and beneficial for us as we prepare for the start of this year's drum corps season." The Glassmen are scheduled to lead off the parade which will be covered on the ESPN2 network on Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. EDT. In addition to the group's parade tune, "Men of Ohio," Glassmen also will perform selections from their 2007 program during the two minute performance opening of the show. More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the two-mile parade route. Learn more about the IPL 500 Festival Parade at 500Festival.com.