CarmelFest kicks off Friday

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - More than 50,000 people are expected to pack downtown Carmel this weekend. The two-day CarmelFest kicks off Friday afternoon.

The event has been a part of the city's history for almost 30 years now. Organizers say with every year it continues to grow.

Everything begins Friday at noon. There will be a slew of vendors at the site this weekend, everything from food vendors to arts and crafts.

Friday will also kick off the first ever CarmelFest has talent show. Friday will be followed by Saturday morning's parade, 24-Hour News 8's Eric Halvorson will serve as Grand Marshall.

This year there will be 90 entries: including marching bands, clowns, celebrities and themed floats. Plus, there will be a very special opening ceremony with F-16 fly over.

“Every year we have a different slogan and a different name. This year we wanted to salute the military, and show our support for various folks serving in all aspects. And we also do have several World War II veterans that are going to be in the parade, so it's to kind of honor those folks," said Cindy Roberts-Greiner with CarmelFest.

Here’s a look at when things get started this weekend:

• Friday July 3rd, and Saturday July 4th
• Friday 12 p.m. -10 p.m.
• Saturday 12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
• Parade on Saturday 10:30 a.m.
• Fireworks on Saturday night 9:45 p.m.