Shelbyville, IN — This weekend Mayor Scott Furgeson joined 86 fellow Indiana mayors at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 67th Annual 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. With record-breaking attendance from mayors across the state and over 900 Hoosiers in attendance, the event served as a powerful example of unity, tradition, and civic pride.

Hosted annually in celebration of the Indy 500 and Indiana’s vibrant communities, this year’s event featured remarks from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, a ceremonial milk toast from 500 Festival President and CEO Bob Bryant, and moving words from the 2024 500 Festival Queen Scholar, Lissania Perez Diaz. The program also included the formal introduction of the 2025 500 Festival Princess Class,  a distinguished group of young leaders representing the next generation of Indiana’s civic spirit. 

The highlight for many was the parade of 87 Indiana mayors, the largest showing in the event’s storied history. Mayor Furgeson represented the City of Shelbyville with pride, joining peers in celebrating the spirit of regional collaboration and civic leadership that drives Indiana forward.

“As we continue to invest in infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life in Shelbyville, events like these remind us that we’re not doing this work alone,” said Mayor Furgeson. “We’re part of something bigger—an interconnected region where cities lift one another up.”

Mayor Furgeson’s regional leadership continues this summer at the “Meet the Mayors: A State of the Region” event, hosted by the Indy Chamber on June 18 from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Gallagher Pavilion at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This gathering of mayors from the Indy Metro region—including the vital “donut” counties surrounding Indianapolis—will feature three panel discussions centered on the core pillars of a thriving region: People, Place, and Business. Mayor Furgeson will speak on the Business panel, moderated by ZeNai Savage, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for the Indy Chamber, alongside Mayor Matt Gentry (Lebanon) and Mayor Scott Willis (Westfield). The panel will dive into how cities like Shelbyville are supporting new and existing businesses, attracting investment, and driving long-term economic vitality.

Additional panels will include:

• People: Mayor Chris Jensen (Noblesville), Mayor John Stehr (Zionsville), and Mayor Deb Whitfield (Lawrence), moderated by Blaine Zimmerman of the Indy Chamber

• Place: Mayor James Coffman (Beech Grove), Mayor Sue Finkham (Carmel), and Mayor Joe Hogsett (Indianapolis), moderated by Taylor Hughes of the Indy Chamber
   

The City of Shelbyville continues to earn its seat at the table, not just as a proud community with deep history, but as an active voice in shaping Indiana’s future. While some may underestimate our city, Mayor Furgeson is ensuring Shelbyville is recognized regionally as a forward-thinking community with a clear vision for progress.

As he puts it, “We’re not just watching from the sidelines—we’re right in the middle of the action.”

About the City of Shelbyville

Located just southeast of Indianapolis, Shelbyville is a thriving community with small-town values and big-city aspirations. Through bold leadership, regional collaboration, and a people-first approach, Shelbyville is redefining what it means to be a next-level city—Next Door. Next Level.

Media Contact:

Jenna Martin, Director of Public Relations, City of Shelbyville, IN

jmartin@cityofshelbyvillein.com | (317) 995-0010