Annual Independence Day celebration, July 4-5 with parade, fireworks, new music, kid zone at Carter Green
The City of Carmel and the Carmel Rotary Club have announced the return of the CarmelFest celebration this July 4-5 with a few new twists on the annual traditions.
For the first time in more than 10 years, the Fourth of July holiday falls on a Sunday, so the CarmelFest parade will now take place on July 5, the federal observance of the holiday. This year’s event will feature a new layout at two locations; music will return to the Gazebo, but this year there will be new features at an expanded adult and kid zone at Carter Green to reduce congestion and make it easier to maintain a healthy physical distance.
For the first time ever, CarmelFest will feature two nights of fireworks – July 4 shows on the east side and west side of the City and a July 5 show over the skies of downtown Carmel. In 2020, the city launched fireworks at three locations on the same night and received positive feedback, prompting the decision to offer multiple locations again this year.
Worrell
“Not only will this give fans of fireworks more opportunities to enjoy that tradition, we believe it will promote less congestion during the traditional downtown show,” said City Councilman Jeff Worrell, who oversees the fireworks.
Ongoing growth throughout the city’s central core, in addition to the popularity of CarmelFest, has created an increasingly congested event footprint the past several years. This, in conjunction with construction projects at two key locations – the gardens south of City Hall and the area north of the Carmel Fire Department – prompted organizers to rethink event logistics.
With 2020’s CarmelFest canceled due to the global pandemic, and 2021’s festival including physical distancing considerations, the decision to use Carter Green and areas around the Palladium to stage additional event zones came to fruition. This new configuration will allow for a second stage for music, additional vendor booths, kids’ games and adult beverage booths. At the same time, the traditional CarmelFest music at the Gazebo will be enjoyed by those wanting to picnic and watch the fireworks.
Brainard
“I am happy to see that we will return to the Gazebo and a familiar sense of normalcy for this cherished summer celebration,” Mayor Jim Brainard said. “I am also excited to see the new set up and activities at Carter Green. Both locations should be ideal for family-friendly fun and excellent locations to watch the fireworks.”
Food booths and vendor booths will be at both locations and will be spread out more to lessen congestion. The Rotary Club is currently seeking vendors interested in booth space at the event as well as volunteers to work the event. Go to CarmelFest.net for more information.