Photos: 500 Festival Parade 2014

Stars aligned and drivers rolled out for the latest edition of the annual event, which featured a “dragon” with a smoking problem, marching bands, floats, and more.

It’s only by winning a national TV singing competition that one forces Andrew Luck to play second fiddle during the 500 Festival Parade, but that’s just what Josh Kaufman did today.

Athletes made up the bulk of the celebrity roster, including Sochi 2014 Olympic medalists Gracie Gold, Steve Langton, and the Hoosier State’s own Nick Goepper. Of course 32 of 33 drivers in this year’s Indianapolis 500 race were also on hand, parading three-wide in accord with their starting rows for Sunday. (Only the double-duty–pulling Kurt Busch was missing.)

Rolling through to the greatest applause were the likes of Kaufman, Luck, and perennial favorites Florence Henderson and Jim Nabors. The latter is on tap to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” for the final time in his illustrious career at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

DJ Lockstar, who will spin at tonight’s Snakepit Ball, also appeared in the parade, as did the likes of public figures ranging from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard to a pair of U.S. military generals and singer Josh Kelley.

Photos by Tony Valainis