Stars Talk and Walk Snakepit Ball's Checkered Carpet

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On the heels of their star turns in the 500 Festival parade today, celebrities in for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” took to the checkered carpet outside the Indiana Roof Ballroom. On the docket: the 2012 Snakepit Ball, with headlining performer Rick Springfield.

>> PHOTOS: See our gallery of Snakepit Ball celebrity walk-ins.

Highlights and tidbits from our carpet conversations:

+ Music icon Gladys Knight said that she has dined this weekend at Indy’s P.F. Chang’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. She also had breakfast at the Central Library this morning before the parade with Mayor Greg Ballard. The lady knows how to rock those purple shades.

+ After her conquest of Kilroy’s downtown during Super Bowl XLVI, TV star Maria Menounos (Extra, Dancing with the Stars, more) said she likes Indy’s downtown RAM brewery and restaurant and would later hit up the Slippery Noodle. She wore a white dress with black pipingshe has a thing for B&W attire—and yet again sported DWTS partner Derek Hough on her arm. Folks, this is not an ugly couple.

+ Country singer and actress Jana Kramer remarked that she just drove up from Nashville, Tennessee, the night before. Very down-home of her, and she was vivacious and sweet. Beautiful brown eyes.

+ Decked out in gold, Olivia Newton-John stepped out after her 500 Festival parade grand-marshal duties with husband John Easterling, with whom she will celebrate four years of marital happiness in June.

+ WISH-TV’s “Indy Style” host Andi Hauser rocked a red sleeveless gown by local designer Nikkie Blaine, as well as an up-do of her blonde locks, smart on this balmy evening.

Photos by Tony Valainis