Carmel holds annual CarmelFest parade

CARMEL (WISH) — The city of Carmel held CarmelFest on Monday, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration.

The parade kicked off at 10:30 a.m. at AAA Way and Carmel Drive. The route went north on Rangeline Road and east on Main Street. Roads on the parade route closed at 9:00 a.m.

The grand marshals for the parade will be the Carmel High School Girls’ Swim Team.

One thing that will not be at the parade this year is candy.

“During the past several years, there have been multiple incidents of small children running into the street to pick up a single piece of candy directly in front of a moving float or parade vehicle. Fortunately, they have all been rescued by a bystander, parent or a Carmel police officer,” a post on CarmelFest’s Facebook page said.

In addition to the parade, the outdoor festival at Carmel’s Civic Square is from noon to 10:00 p.m. There will be a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks show will also go on rain or shine. If there is severe weather, an emergency plan is in place.