Fort Wayne Woman Selected as 2026 500 Festival Princess

Hannah Dietel, a University of Saint Francis senior, is the only woman from Fort Wayne and Allen County chosen for the prestigious program.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Hannah Dietel, a University of Saint Francis senior, has been selected as one of 33 women statewide to serve as a 2026 500 Festival Princess. The 500 Festival Princess Program recognizes college-aged women for their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. As a princess, Dietel will serve as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, volunteering and appearing at major events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 race day on May 24, 2026.

Why it matters

The 500 Festival Princess Program has a long history, dating back to 1959, and has selected more than 2,000 women across Indiana over the years. Being chosen as a princess is a prestigious honor that highlights Dietel's accomplishments and community engagement.

The details

Dietel, a health and exercise science major, will graduate from the University of Saint Francis in May. She has attended the Indianapolis 500 for nine years and describes the opportunity as a full-circle moment. The selection process was competitive, beginning with roughly 700 applicants before being narrowed through multiple rounds to 33 finalists.

  • Dietel will graduate from the University of Saint Francis in May 2026.
  • The 2026 Indianapolis 500 race day is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The players

Hannah Dietel

A University of Saint Francis senior and the only woman from Fort Wayne and Allen County selected as a 2026 500 Festival Princess.

500 Festival Princess Program

A program that recognizes college-aged women for their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement, and selects 33 women statewide to serve as ambassadors for the Indianapolis 500 Festival.

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What they’re saying

“All of us women have something really similar and in common. We really love community work, we are all in school, and it's just a very important thing for us. It was amazing to meet all of these women for the very first time.”

— Hannah Dietel (WANE)

“I would tell them to jump in and just chase their dreams.”

— Hannah Dietel (WANE)

What’s next

As a princess, Dietel will serve as an ambassador for the 500 Festival, volunteering and appearing at major events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 race day on May 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Being selected as a 500 Festival Princess is a prestigious honor that highlights Dietel's academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. The program has a long history of recognizing outstanding college-aged women in Indiana, and Dietel's selection is a testament to her hard work and dedication.