You, like millions of others, might be developing presbyopia and need reading glasses. If you’re hesitant about whether or not you should start wearing readers, here are a few other reading glasses indicators that might convince you.

We’ve made it easy to figure out your reading magnification, also referred to as your reading power, if you’re new to reading glasses and aren’t sure where to start.

Why Is Testing Vision Important?

You’ve probably heard terms like “20/20” vision, reading glasses diopter, nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, and more when talking about vision. These terms describe common changes that can occur with vision over time, in early development, and as you use your eyes more and more. 

While it can be intimidating to hear these terms, they’re completely normal conditions that can occur. Plus, they’re easy to keep up with if you have the right tools like eye exam charts that can help you figure out where your vision is at and whether you need glasses. This guide breaks down how you can use eye exam charts to test your vision.

As we get older, it’s common to experience changes in our vision. These changes are due to a condition known as presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. You may notice difficulty focusing on words and small details up close, needing to squint, or needing to hold menus and reading material at arm’s length in order to see. 

This condition is a refractive error and takes place due to the hardening of the lens muscles in the eye. Luckily, farsightedness can be temporarily remedied with a pair of reading glasses.

Reading glasses enlarge the text, making it easier for your eyes to focus without needing to hold reading material far away. Why test your vision with an eye chart in the first place? It’s important to test your vision regularly so you can address these changes when they start and find the eyewear you need to help. 

Let’s take a closer look at how eye exam charts work to test your vision and what the results mean. 

How Does an Eye Exam Chart Work?

If you’ve ever been to an eye doctor like an ophthalmologist or an optician, you’re likely familiar with the various eye charts on the wall. While they may look random and confusing, these eye charts work based on specific principles about vision. 

Eye exam charts are tools that help eye doctors compare your vision to others’ vision. They’re used at a specific distance so your eye care professional can get an idea of where you can see from and what kind of glasses you might need. Even if your vision is perfect, using an eye chart can help you keep up with any changes and your vision preferences. 

Test Your Vision With These 3 Eye Exam Charts

Most eye exam charts follow the same basic principles with some variations. An eye chart or “optotype” uses letters or words of various sizes to measure how well you can see them from a specific distance. However, it’s important to know the differences between eye charts and how they work.

Here are two of the most popular eye exam charts and how to use them. 

1. Snellen Eye Chart

Developed in the 1860s by Dutch eye doctor Hermann Snellen, the Snellen chart is the traditional chart used by many doctors and represented in the media. Starting with the letter “E” at the very top, it lists 11 rows of capital letters that start out larger on the top row, and the letter sizes get smaller as you move to the bottom row of letters. 

These rows of letters get progressively smaller. The further you get from the top of the eye chart; it may become more difficult to read them. Keep track of the lines that you can read clearly and those you can’t. 

This is a great eye test to keep track of your visual acuity or how sharp you can see things at a normal distance to help you know whether you need glasses.

For this test, if you wear contact lenses or glasses to help with your distance vision, keep them on when performing this test. 

2. Tumbling “E” Eye Exam Chart

The Tumbling “E” eye exam chart was also created by Dr. Snellen. This chart uses the same general concept to test vision in a slightly different way. The Tumbling E Chart is primarily for younger children who haven’t learned to read yet or who aren’t familiar with the English alphabet. 

This chart uses a single letter E but the various “E”s face in different directions-hence the term tumbling. To use this chart, you would ask a child which direction the fingers or lines of the “E” are pointing. If they aren’t sure, the line may be too blurry from where they’re standing, and they may need eyeglasses.

3. Use a Printable Diopter Reading Test Card

Another eye testing chart, the diopter test chart, has rows of words ranging in text size that correspond to reading glasses strengths. If you’re purchasing reading glasses online, you can use our printable diopter chart below.

With the printed sheet 14″ away, attempt to read the top line (the smallest line of letters) without reading glasses. Continue down the chart until you find a line you can read with clarity without your glasses on: This is the diopter (power/magnification) you need.

• Tip: Make sure to remove your glasses when you use the diopter test. If you have different vision needs in your right and left eye, simply cover up one eye at a time to test each uncovered eye individually.

You’ll notice that the diopter chart only goes up to a +3.25 magnification. We have found that our printable chart is a helpful tool to aid in finding your power up to the +3.25 strength. If you believe that your reading power is higher than a +3.25, we recommend contacting your local optometrists’ office for assistance to find the corrective lenses with the strength you need.

Use Our Power Finder Tool

Our PowerFinder quiz can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to finding your reading power.

If you have your current reading glasses prescription handy, select the “Reading and Distance” option and enter your information. You’ll need to have an “Add” power listed on your prescription for our tool to work properly.

If you have your current readers with you, even if you think they’re too weak or too strong, select “Reading Only” on the first page. Then based on some additional information, we’ll suggest a new reading power for you.

Test Various Reading Magnifications

Prescriptions for reading glasses increase by 0.25 diopters, such as +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, and so on. However, for simplicity, some diopter charts may increase by 0.50 or by the whole number.

Start by trying on reading glasses in the power that your test results yielded. If you’re trying on glasses at a retailer, you’ll want to test out several pairs that are both weaker and stronger than your test results. Narrow it down to two magnifications — both of which you see well with — and always choose the lower of the two powers.

Now, Time To Purchase

Once you’ve found the reading glasses strength you need, it’s time to start exploring your options. So, get shopping! 

There are tons of options to choose from. Whether you want Reading Sunglasses, Multi Focus options, or regular Fully Magnified Readers, there’s a pair of glasses for you. 

At Readers.com®, you’ll find readers in the following magnifications:

Are you looking for something more specific? Maybe you’re in need of computer glasses, bifocal style glasses, or high power reading glasses but aren’t having any luck at the dollar or drug stores. All of these and more can be found at Readers.com®!

When To See an Eye Doctor

Using an eye chart at home is an excellent way to figure out your reading glasses strength without having to go to the eye doctor. However, there are some cases where you need help determining the strength of readers you require or need a prescription rather than an over-the-counter strength.

Reading glasses for presbyopia are available over the counter, and you can use these charts at home to find your strength. However, if you have a nearsighted refractive error, you will need a pair of prescription glasses from your eye doctor to correct your vision. 

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor can make any diagnosis needed for other types of vision impairment like depth perception or issues with peripheral vision. They will also examine your retina, look for cataracts, glaucoma, and other types of eye disease. 

You can also see a doctor if you have trouble finding the right reading glasses strength for you. These eye exam charts are easy to use, but if you still can’t seem to find the right pair of reading glasses, it may be a good idea to pay your doc a visit. They’ll be able to help you find the best strength to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Sources:

 All About the Eye Chart | AAO 

You sure can, but the ease of doing so depends on the type of adjustment and frame material. Our optical experts will take you through adjustments that you safely try at home.

MeMetal frames onlyPlPlastic frames only

The Easy Fixes

These glasses adjustment methods are safe to try on your own with little risk. Your glasses are fragile, so be sure to use caution any time you’re making an adjustment.

The Problem: Your glasses are sitting too high.
The Fix: Hold your glasses with your non-dominant hand and use your thumb on your dominant hand to gently push out on the plastic nose pad. Do this to both sides until they sit comfortably on your nose.

The Problem: Your glasses are sitting too low.
The Fix: Hold your glasses with your non-dominant hand and use your thumb on your dominant hand to gently push in on the pad arm (behind the nose pad). Do this to both sides until they sit on your face comfortably.

The Medium Fixes

These adjustments are rated as medium difficulty. You can try them at home, but you’ll need to be extra cautious.

The Problem: Your glasses are sliding down your face.
The Fix: Run the earpieces under really warm water (not boiling, but as hot as you can get it from the faucet) for a few minutes. Gently bend the earpieces slightly downwards to add curve.

The Problem: Your glasses are too tight on the backs of your ears.
The Fix: Run the earpieces under really warm water (not boiling, but as hot as you can get it from the faucet) for a few minutes. Gently bend the earpieces upwards to relax the curve.

The Problem: Your glasses are too wide on your temples.
The Fix: Secure the lens with your non-dominant hand and softly push in on the end piece with your dominant hand. Do this to both sides to tighten the fit of your glasses on your head.

The Problem: Your glasses are squeezing your temples.
The Fix: Secure the lens with your non-dominant hand and softly pull out on the end piece with your dominant hand. Do this to both sides to loosen the fit of your glasses on your head.

The Hard Fixes

CAUTION You’ll be better off leaving these adjustments to an optician. Trying these at home without the proper tools and skills can damage your glasses.

The Problem: Your distance vision isn’t quite right. You might be able to find a focal point but not for long.
The Fix: Your lenses likely need to be moved further away from your eyes to adjust your focal point. See an optician to add retroscopic tilt to your lenses.

The Problem: You’re having trouble reading up close.
The Fix: Your lenses likely need to be moved closer to your eyes. See an optician to add panoscopic tilt to your lenses.

The Problem: Your glasses are either too tight or too wide on your temples.
The Fix: With plastic frames, you should see an optician to make this adjustment.

Hope this helps!

Our team would be happy to walk you through an adjustment over the phone or to simply give you more advice! Give us a call at 1-800-210-3975

About Dr. Holly Vaught, OD

Dr. Holly J. Vaught, is the eye doctor at Vaught Family Eye Care in Franklin, Indiana, where she provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages. In 2009, she graduated with honors from Indiana University School of Optometry. Her training includes the areas of diagnosis and treatment of common ocular diseases, primary care, contact lenses, and pre- and post-op care for refractive and cataract surgeries. Dr. Vaught is a member in good standing of the American Optometric Association, the Indiana Optometric Association, and Women of Vision.

Disclaimer: Readers.com® is not liable for damage that occurs while adjusting your glasses or readers at home.

To help you find that pair of glasses you swore you had a few minutes ago, we created this guide and flowchart on places you may have left your reading glasses. We also share tips on preventing losing your glasses again. Let’s get started:

1. On Your Face.

Gotcha! You should have seen this one coming. It happens in all the movies, but not to anyone real. Now move on to the rest of the possible locations.

But seriously, are they on your face?

2. By a Book.

Where do you read? In your bed? On a La-Z-Boy? Outside? Check there. It’s very likely that you took your glasses off to read, especially if you’re nearsighted and are thus comfortable with images at close distances. If you wear reading glasses, you might have left them at this scene of the crime once you were done. Check there, and then check inside the book. Slim reading glasses can double as bookmarks.

3. On Your Shirt Pocket.

You have two pairs of glasses: reading and regular. When you use one, you store the other clipped on your pocket, because you haven’t gotten around to getting a glasses case. And it just so happens…you changed shirts earlier today. Or it escaped you to remove them from your shirt last night. Go, ravage your wardrobe, scrounge your room, and dig through the hamper. Your glasses are in there somewhere, they’ve gotta be.

4. In The Bathroom.

If you’ve washed your face or showered in the past 24 hours, and hopefully you have, you presumably didn’t do it with your glasses on. You left them in the bathroom.

5. At Your Computer.

Youre reading this, so you’re at your computer. Are they right by your fingertips? Or perhaps you’re reading this on a mobile phone — hurry, check your computer. If you’re like me, nearsighted, taking your glasses off when using the computer can be a good rest for the eyes.

6. On Your Dog.

Do you have a dog? Do you like cute things? If so, you’ve put your glasses on your dog. It might have been today that you did that. Or maybe it wasn’t today, but your glasses have been growing on your dog, and he’s taken the initiation to improve his eyesight. Good for him, but how did he know his prescription?

Lost My Glasses Flowchart

How did you do? If the above ideas didn’t solve the problem, try using our “Where did I leave my readers?” flowchart below to track down those glasses. Because we understand glasses struggles.

If you found your readers, good for you! If not, check out our huge selection of reading glasses and snag a pair for every room in the house.

How to Not Lose Reading Glasses

Now that you’ve located your missing glasses or readers, let’s cover a few tips on how to avoid losing your readers again in the future:

• No matter where you think you’ve put them, always check the top of your head first! Even if they’re not there, at least you don’t feel silly when that’s the 5th place you’ve checked. There’s nothing worse than asking someone if they’ve seen your glasses when they’re sitting atop your head, or worse, on your face.
• For those who are just as forgetful as me in this area, you may want to invest in a reading glasses chain. They’re inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and styles. You can get a basic black nylon strap or a more feminine beaded chain that can serve as an accessory to an outfit.
• A less conspicuous route would be to train yourself to keep them in their case, which more specifically should be kept in the same place every time. Designate a pocket in your purse or a place on your nightstand to keep the case where it is convenient. I am often too tired to get up and put my glasses away before falling asleep so I just leave them out on my nightstand. A better idea is to keep the actual case right there as well so that if you read or watch television in bed, you can just reach over and put your glasses away.
• Another helpful idea when using your glasses case is to choose a glasses case that stands out. Look for one with a distinctive pattern or color so that you don’t have to dig through a large purse or search all over your room to find it.

What hobbies do your reading glasses help you with?

Buy From Sites That Have SSL Certificates

Check to see if a website is secure when shopping online. Sites that are trustworthy, or secure, have what’s called an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. SSL-certified websites begin their URLs with “https”(the “s” stands for “secure”) instead of “http.” Secure websites also have a green padlock to the left of the URL. The difference between an HTTP website and an HTTPS website is how they transfer data. SSL certified sites (https) encrypt important data, such as credit card numbers, email addresses, and personal information so that outsiders cannot steal your information. This is why you should only trust online vendors that use an HTTPS URL when entering any valuable information.

The vast majority of websites that process payments have an SSL certificate. If you encounter a site that is not, you should not trust it.

The red arrows above point to the areas in the URL you should check for SSL certificates.

Research the Company

One way to validate if you can trust a website is by looking for proof the company exists. When browsing the website, look for information about the company, including their physical address, phone number, and fax number. It’s a good sign if you are able to find a lot of information about the company. Other ways you can tell if a site is secure is by checking their privacy statement and verified icons. Privacy statements typically disclose that the company will not share your information, while verified icons mean that a company meets certain standards, depending on the logo.

Look for privacy statements and verified icons when deciding if a site is legitimate.

Give the Company a Call

If you’re still unsure about whether or not you can trust the website, look for a phone number and give them a call. No phone number? Leave the site. If you get an automated voicemail or the number is no longer in service, this is also a good indication that the site should not be trusted. Finally, make sure to call during business hours, as many companies do not have a 24/7 call center. If you still do not get a response during the day, exercise caution and leave the website.

Use Familiar Sites

The safest way to shop online is to shop at places you know, or places that have been recommended to you by a friend. If you can’t decide whether or not to trust a site, play it safe and go with what you know!

Although the internet makes purchasing goods quick, simple, and convenient, it’s critical that you pay attention to where you shop. Look for signs that the site is secure (SSL certificate / “https”), company information, and valid phone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses. Happy shopping!

One great way to capture (and taste) the end of summer is with a homemade popsicle. Not only can you customize it with your favorite flavors, making your own popsicle is surprisingly easy. With just a store bought mold and some popsicle sticks, you’re only a few hours away from this classic summer snack. While you may need some patience waiting for each recipe to fully freeze (we recommend a minimum of four hours), pass the time in the cool A/C with a favorite book and our bestselling glasses. We’ve rounded up eight of our favorite, most unique homemade popsicle recipes that are both easy to make and perfect for the last days of summer!

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Stretching also comes with a few benefits that you might not know about. Read on to learn about how stretching can positively impact your work life, and which exercises you can do at your desk.

Stretching will refresh you.

Even though stretching takes time away from work, it can actually improve productivity in the long run. This is because it’s good to take small breaks throughout the day in order to revitalize your mind.

Stretching makes you less tired.

We all suffer from the post-lunch drowsiness. But good news: there is a cure (that’s not coffee)! Stretching increases blood flow to tight joints and muscles, something that also occurs while working out. In the past, exercising was thought to make a person more tired, but today we know that the opposite is true. Therefore, stretching can put a little pep in your step when you’re feeling drowsy.

Stretching feels good.

There is no doubt that the less flexible people of the world may find the act of stretching to be uncomfortable. But, after stretching various muscles, your body typically feels better. We also do not advise stretching to the point of extreme discomfort. You especially need to be careful when stretching in the office because you are loosening cold muscles, which are more susceptible to injuring than those that are warm.

9 Desk Stretches for the Work Day

1. The One Arm Hug

Take one arm across your body and place it on the back of your opposite shoulder. To get a deeper stretch, use your other arm to push back on the elbow. You should feel this stretch on the outside of your arm and shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times each arm.

2. Office Chair Back Stretch

While sitting, reach both hands behind your back and around the office chair. One you have a good hold, arch your back and move your chest forward. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 5 times.

3. Reach for the Sky

To stretch your back, interlock both hands above your head, palms facing the ceiling. Sit straight up, then push your palms upward and elongate your spine. You should feel a nice stretch in your back. Make sure to keep your shoulders loose and relaxed. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 5 times.

4. Calf Raises

Take a break from sitting, stand up and try 20 calf raises. Keep your legs straight and raise yourself by rolling up onto the ball of your foot while tightening your calf.

5. Hamstring Chair Stretch

While sitting, straighten your legs and fold your body towards your toes. Make sure to keep your back straight. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3-5 times.

6. Seated Lat Stretch

To get a nice lat stretch, raise one arm above your head and bend it slightly across your body. Grab your wrist with the opposite arm and gently tug down to get a deeper stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3-5 times per arm.

7. Seated Spine Twist

Cross one leg over the other, then twist your body toward the leg that is on top. You can use the arm of the chair to push yourself into a deeper twist if need be. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times each side.

8. Seated Tricep Stretch

Put one arm up and bend your elbow so that the under side of your arm is facing outward. Next, use your opposite arm to push your elbow backwards so that you feel a stretch in your triceps. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3-5 times per arm.

9. Wrist Stretch

Press your palms together in front of your chest and hold for 15 seconds. Next, push the backs of your hands together for a reverse stretch and hold for another 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

Note: these stretches are merely recommendations. If you feel pain, stop and contact a medical professional.

The Best Apples for Baking (and Pie)

There’s nothing better than a slice of warm apple pie topped with some vanilla ice cream. It’s okay to let your mouth water a little bit.

When baking, you need to pick an apple with the appropriate texture. Spending time on perfecting a fall apple dish only to take a bite of mushy apple is, to say the least, quite a disappointment! To avoid this, make sure that you pick an apple that is crisp enough to withstand the oven, and that has a good balance of sweet and tart taste.

Remember, you can also mix multiple types of apples to create a variety of flavors — it never hurts to experiment a little!

Recommended Apples —

• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Honeycrisp
• Cortland
• Empire
• Jonathan

The Best Apples for Cider

One of our favorite parts about fall is when we see cider hit the stands in the grocery store. The sweet and spicy combination that’s unique to apple cider is the perfect companion to a crisp fall day. This year, we challenge you to make a batch of your own!

In order to get all the right flavors for a balanced cider (sweet, bitter, sharp), apple cider typically requires a blend of apples. This chart shows a standard ration of the three flavors to use when making a hearty cider. If it’s your first time making cider, try this simple recipe.

Recommended Apples —

• Gala
• Fuji
• Winesap
• McIntosh
• Cortland
• Honeycrisp

The Best Apples for Applesauce

You can really use any apples you would like when making applesauce, but for convenience we recommend soft apples. Not only will they be easier to cut, but they’ll also cook faster than harder apples.

Applesauce is one of our favorite fall treats because you can adjust your recipe as needed, adding more cinnamon here, a little nutmeg there. Make a big batch, refrigerate, and enjoy!

Recommended Apples —

• Cortland
• Jonagold
• Winesap
• Fuji
• Granny Smith

The Best Apples to Eat Raw

There’s nothing worse than biting into a subpar apple. Although fall is the time in which apples are in season, some are more tasty when eaten raw, whereas other apples might be better in applesauces or pies.

The first thing to remember is that certain apples are in season during certain months. So, for the freshest taste, pick apples that are at their peak.

Recommended Apples —

• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn
• Fuji
• Gala
• Golden Delicious
• McIntosh
• Empire

Apple Varieties by Season

We all know that apples are in season in the fall, but what some might not know is which part of fall. Some varieties are best in late August, whereas others are at their peak in November. Below are different apple varieties, organized by when they’re in season.

Summer Apples (poor storage apples) —

• Earligold
  • In season:mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Hawaii
  • In season: mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Rambo
  • In season:mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Akane
  • In season: late July to late August
  • Flavor: tart
• Mollie’s Delicious
  • In season: mid-August to mid-September
  • Flavor: sweet

Fall Apples (good storage apples) —

• Gala
  • In season: mid-August to late October
  • Flavor: sweet
• Honeycrisp
  • In season: mid-August to late September
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Empire
  • In season: late August to mid-October
  • Flavor: sweet
• Jonathan
  • In season: early September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Cortland
  • In season: early September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Red Delicious
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Jonagold:
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet

Winter Apples (best storage apples) —

• Melrose
  • In season: mid-September to late October
  • Flavor: tart
• Ida Red
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Turley Winesap
  • In season: late September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Mutsu
  • In season: late September to late October
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Stayman Winesap
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Fuji
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Granny Smith
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sour
• Black Twig
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart

Mouth watering? Check out our Holiday Cookbook for over 40 recipes >>

In the past few years, adult coloring books have soared in popularity, and many people use them as a way to de-stress or as a form of meditation. For many people, coloring in patterns helps clear their mind and gives them a creative outlet after a long day at work. But coloring doesn’t always have to be used as a stress reliever—you can also just color because it’s fun!

If you want to give coloring a try, check out these free adult coloring book pages based on classic novels. You can pick out a few of your favorites to work on, or you can color them all. When you’re ready to bring out your artistic side, download and print out some of our coloring pages for adults. Then, pick up your colored pencils, crayons, or markers and begin your coloring adventure!

While you’re coloring, make sure your eyesight is at its sharpest to achieve the most detail. Try one of our bestselling reading glasses so you can become the next Matisse!

Catch 22 – Download

Dracula – Download

The Great Gatsby – Download

Little Women – Download

Lord of the Flies – Download

Moby Dick – Download

The Indy 500, also known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, is celebrating its 100th running on May 29th. If you’re not from the Hoosier State and don’t know about the long list of traditions that surround Memorial Day weekend, we’re here to help. With over a century of history, we’ve put together a list of things that might surprise you about the Indianapolis 500. And if you are an Indiana native, you may still be surprised about the foundation of some of the infamous traditions seen on race day.

1. The race wasn’t always on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

In fact, race day always took place on Memorial Day proper (May 30th) until the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1971) moved the holiday to the last Monday of May. Before 1971, the Indy 500 always took place on May 30th, no matter which day of the week the holiday fell. The one exception? The race would not be run on a Sunday. Today, it’s always run on Sunday unless poor weather forces the race to be postponed.

2. A headlining concert has performed on Carb Day since 1998.

Carb day, short for Carburetion Day, is the Friday before the race. When cars still used carburetors (over 40 years ago), this day was used for drivers and their teams to make adjustments. Although the cars no longer use carburetors, the name “Carb Day” stuck, and today it represents the last day of practice for the drivers. Since 1998, Carb Day has featured a headlining musical artist. This year will feature Journey.

3. There is a non-profit dedicated solely to celebrating the spirit and legacy of the race.

The 500 Festival hosts events throughout the year to build excitement for the race. Two of their biggest events include the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon and the 500 Festival Parade.

4. A variety of songs and a parade are part of the pre-race festivities.

Actually, there are a plethora of pre-race songs that play before the infamous exclamation, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” The most notable of these traditions are the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” with a ballon release, and the Purdue All-American Marching Band’s performance of “On the Banks of the Wabash” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” About two hours before the race there is a parade around the track featuring the 500 Festival Queen and Princesses, celebrities in attendance, and basically anyone else that is important.

5. Winners drink milk.

Forget champagne, we want milk! This obscure tradition began in 1936 when driver Louis Meyer asked for buttermilk after winning the 500. The Milk Foundation took advantage of this bizarre drink choice on a hot day and photographed the scene to try and bump sales. Milk was not available from 1947-55, but the tradition was brought back to the track in 1956.

6. There are multiple trophies.

Well, kind of. There’s the famous Borg-Warner Trophy that features relief sculptures of all the past winners along with numerous stats. The trophy itself is valued at over 1 million dollars and weighs roughly 110 lbs. Because the actual trophy is not given to the winner (it remains in Hall of Fame at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), winners receive an 18-inch replica affectionately called the “Baby Borg” trophy.

7. This is the first time you can watch the race live in Indianapolis in 50 plus years.

The race, which you can watch live pretty much anywhere else in the United States, had to be watched by Indianapolis residents on Sunday afternoons until this year. The reasoning for “blacking out” the race was to get more people out to the track on race day. But because the race sold out for the first time in a long time (possibly ever, as the IMS never releases their attendance numbers), they have decided to lift the blackout, allowing Indianapolis folks the ability to watch the race live for the first time since the 1950s.

8. 100th running is not the same as the 100th annual.

Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th running of the Indy 500, not to be confused with 100th annual. Although the first race took place in 1911, the race was actually canceled from 1917-18 because of World War I. During that time the Speedway was used as an airstrip serving as a fuel stop for the Air Force. That race was again suspended from 1942-45 because of World War II.

9. Winners kiss the bricks.

The Speedway was originally made up of 3.2 million paving bricks. Over the years, the track has been updated and since 1961, the only bricks remaining are the 36-in strip at the start / finish. The first driver to kiss the bricks was Dale Jarrett in 1996, who began the tradition. Since then, victors kiss the bricks to pay tribute to the IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway).

Did you learn something new? We hope so! If you have any other traditions you want to share, let us know in the comments section or give us a shout on our Facebook page. Get ready for Memorial Day weekend, it should be a hot one!