Grand Prix Night Parade Lights up Central Avenue

, fans and supporters take part in the festivities. Thursday night's Festival of States night parade gave an unofficial boost to the popular sporting event. 

Over the years, the night parade has become a sort of welcoming party for the drivers and the event itself.

Families lined the streets along the parade route, which started out on Central Ave and Fifth St before heading northeast to end at Beach Dr. and Fifth Ave. N.E. Kids jumped up and down in hopes of receiving beads or candy, while adults cheered and clapped. 

March brought clear skies and warm temperatures to set a perfect scene for the annual parade.

Indy drivers, bands and illuminated floats made up the showcase. and the Budweiser Clydesdales were among favorites.

With the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in full swing, practices and qualifiers are being held all day on Friday. The first official race of the Grand Prix will be on Saturday morning at 11:10 a.m.