When you are a kid in school, you look forward to May because that means the school year is quickly winding down and you have summer vacation just around the corner.
Since I am a fan of storms, and also a meteorologist, May is also a great month because I get to see/hear thunderstorms. This month produces more tornadoes than any other month. This is the time when storm chasers are in their element. Chasers spend the entire year getting ready for this month.
Finally, the month of May means a lot to Hoosiers. Yes, I am a Hoosier and proud to say it. haha Not the "hoosier" that people around Missouri like to call others, but I am originally from Indiana.
It doesn't get much better than May in Indiana. Temperatures are starting to warm up; flowers are blooming, and cars are zooming around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for "the greatest spectacle in racing", the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy 500 takes over central Indiana during the month of May. Drivers and teams move in to the track and spend the month fine tuning their cars for the big race. (In recent years the preparation time has been cut two just a couple of weeks.)
It is hard to describe to people what it is like in central Indiana around the Indy 500. There is just a vibe/energy that slowly builds.
Along with the Indianapolis 500, the end of May brings my official start to summer. No, it doesn't show it on the calendar. It isn't published in any books. Summer for me can start after I hear Jim Nabors sing "Back Home Again in Indiana" during the pre-race ceremonies at the Indianapolis 500.
I guess a big part of it for me is that ever since I can remember Jim Nabors has been singing that song before the start of the race. He has done it for over 30 years. (He missed one year due to illness.)
The countdown is on. The race is Sunday, May 29 at 12:00pm CT. "Back Home Again in Indiana" should be sung around 11:45am CT. So set your watches. Mark your calendars. "John Dissauer summer" begins in a little over a week.
1 comment:
Had to write and say your blog is very interesting. I am an aussie who travelled through your country and stayed in Hanibal, Missouri in my travels as well as visiting St Louis. A beautiful part of the world you have there, lots of memories for me..
Post a Comment