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Marion County

As of July 2007, Marion County's population was estimated at 876,804 making it the largest county in the state and 55th most populated county in the country, greater than the population of six states.

County Government Website:  http://www.indygov.org/
County Seat: Indianapolis

Cities in Marion County

Indianapolis

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana. It is Indiana's largest city and is the 13th largest city in the U.S. For much of its history, Indianapolis oriented itself around government and industry, Presently, Indianapolis has a much more diversified economy, contributing to the fields of education, healthcare, and finance. Tourism is also a vital part of the economy of Indianapolis. The city plays host to numerous conventions and sporting events such as the annual Indianapolis 500 race, the Allstate 400, and the Men's and Women's NCAA Basketball Tournaments..

Annual festivals and parades

Indy 500 Festival
Known as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indy 500 is an event unto itself, but don't miss the slew of festivities afterward. The annual Flagstar Bank 500 Festival Parade draws 250,000 people to Indianapolis. They come to watch The Indy 500 Festival Parade, The Purdue University band, a fashion show and a mini-marathon. The Indianapolis 500 Auto Race Day is generally in late May.

Circle City Classic
The Circle City Classic is one of America’s top historically African-American college football games. This annual football game, held during the first weekend of October, is the showcase event of an entire weekend. The weekend is a celebration of cultural excellence and educational achievement while showcasing the spirit, energy and tradition of America’s historically black colleges and universities.

Gen Con
In 2003, Indianapolis began hosting Gen Con, the largest role-playing game convention in the nation (record attendance thus far being numbered in excess of 30,000), at the Indiana Convention Center. Future expansion of the convention space is expected by many to further increase attendance numbers in coming years.

Bands of America (BOA)
Indianapolis is home to Bands of America (BOA), a nationwide organization of high school marching, concert, and jazz bands, and hosts several BOA events annually.

DCI World Championships
Indianapolis is now also the international headquarters of Drum Corps International, a professional drum and bugle corps association, and beginning in 2008 will host the DCI World Championships in the new Lucas Oil Stadium.

Kiwanis International   
Indianapolis has been the headquarters of the Kiwanis International organization since 1982. The organization and its youth-sponsored Kiwanis Family counterparts, Circle K International and Key Club International, administer all their international business and service initiatives from Indianapolis.

Indy International Wine Competition
The Indy International Wine Competition, the largest U.S. wine competition outside of California, is held in Indianapolis every July at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Other Festivals and Parades include:

  • Music for All
  • Inergy
  • Indy's Official Musical Ambassadors
  • Percussive Arts Society
  • International Violin Competition of Indianapolis
  • American Pianists' Association
  • Indy Jazz Festival.
  • Indiana State Fair
  • Heartland Film Festival
  • Epilogue Players
  • Indianapolis International Film Festival
  • Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival
  • Indianapolis Alternative Media Festival
  • the Midwest Music Summit
  • Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival
  • Broad Ripple Art Fair
  • Talbot Street Art Fair
  • Carmel Arts Festival
  • Penrod Art Fair

Resources

Chambers of Commerce

Universities