Fireworks will go on . . .
For the first time in 44 years, the popular Carmel 4th of July parade will not be held this year due to health concerns. In recent years the parade has attracted huge crowds along its entire two-mile route.
The parade was part of a two-day Carmelfest patriotic celebration that included a festival on Civic Square featuring food, music, commercial and civic organization displays, capped with fireworks.
City officials have yet to decide whether to go ahead with the festival. But, the fireworks will definitely be displayed as usual at 9:45 on July 4, according to city spokesmen.
The big parade began as part of the national Bicentennial celebration in 1976. It grew in size and popularity, eventually involving hundreds of participants and thousands of observers.
Military units, high school bands, floats and celebrities were among the 100 or so units making up the lengthy parade.
A local tradition involved placing lawn chairs, blankets and even small tents along the parade route days before the parade. This resulted in a move last year to curtail the practice of ‘staking out’ claims for good locations to see the parade. But, the move was discarded.
Officials said a decision on the festival at Civic Square will be announced in the near future.