July 30, 2015

June 30, 2015

A tribute to Nancy Blondin ⁄ P7 Strawberry Fest back for another year ⁄ P11 McClure brothers, war veterans, named grand marshals ⁄ P13

(Submitted photo by Zach Dobson courtesy of the CarmelFest committee)

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June 30, 2015

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CarmelFest: A labor of love

By Mark Ambrogi • mark@youarecurrent.com

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the area and the largest and best fireworks display in the area.”

Sexton said the position is basically Gary Sexton can pinpoint where his passion year-round. for CarmelFest developed. In fact, it was a “As you get closer to the event Kodak moment. there are lots of details, emails and “It began with my kids sitting along meetings to attend to so the time the curb on Range Line watching the commitment escalates,” Sexton said. parade,” Sexton said. “One of our fam“I plan to be at the event from sun ily pictures has the girls wearing red, up to tear down. By the morning white and blue T-shirts and wearing of July 5th, we will have cleaned up sunglasses. So we’ve always had a and it won’t look like we were on the spot in our heart for the parade.”

Sexton grounds of Civic Center at all.”

While his three daughters are older Along with his love of the parade, Sexton now, CarmelFest remains a family tradition. said he enjoys watching the live entertainThe 50-year-old Sexton, who has lived in Carment with a cold Sun King. mel for 18 years and been a volunteer for Car“Our tradition is to watch the fireworks as mel for five years, has succeeded Jeff Worrell a family in the North Zone,” he said. as the CarmelFest chairman this year.

Sexton and his wife Beth have three daugh“Jeff has been a fantastic mentor and obviters, Kim, Kelly and Kate. Kim is a graduate of ously left very large shoes to fill,” said Sexton, University of Dayton and lives in Columbus, who had been in charge of facilities. “I’ve Ohio. Kelly will be a senior at Indiana Univerlearned a lot of working with different groups sity and Kate a Guerin Catholic High School we have to work with. He’s helped me learn senior in the fall. how to work with sponsors, volunteers and Sexton owns four Sport Clips shops, includwork with our community members and city ing one in Carmel on 12570 Gray Rd. The othto bring all the different groups on the same ers are in Noblesville, Indianapolis (Geist) and page for an event that has 50,000 people that West Lafayette. runs and has the largest and best parade in

CSO to hold Sinatra tribute

By Mark Ambrogi • mark@youarecurrent.com

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Carmel Symphony Orchestra artistic director David Bowden has a full 90-minute program planned for CarmelFest.

It is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. on July 4 and will play up until the fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. In between, there is a lot of variety.

“I try to do a full dinner,” Bowden said. “I don’t have everything be appetizers.”

So in addition to patriotic songs, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, and an alto saxophonist, there will be a medley from “The Sound of Music” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the movie.

“I wanted to focus on something everyone loves,” Bowden said. “Everyone loves ‘The Sound of Music.’”

The CSO’s tribute to Sinatra recognizes his 100th birthday year (Dec. 15, 1915). Sinatra died in 1998.

“We are going to be doing a birthday party for Frank,” Bowden said. “We are doing a lot of his songs that are very up-tempo.”

Rick Vale will be the vocalist accompanying the orchestra.

“Rick is a terrific singer,” Bowden said. “He imitates Frank as far as his artistry. But he

Carmel Symphony Orchestra artistic director David Bowden during last year’s CarmelFest.

(Submitted photo)

doesn’t try to make it sound like Frank. He tries to set up like a great artist doing it and at times like Frank Sinatra would sound.”

Some of the songs will be “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” There will also be a “Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes” by the orchestra only.

Bowden estimates there will be about 10 Sinatra songs.

“If the speakers go a little longer or shorter, I have to adapt,” Bowden said.

June 30, 2015

Current Publishing

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Rock out at CarmelFest news@currentincarmel.com CarmelFest has lined up entertainers for the July 3-4 Independence Day Celebration.

Each year, the entertainment committee is inundated with inquiries from musicians all across the country. CarmelFest has become a desirable venue for performers to gain significant exposure in front of engaged festival-goers.

“I’m very excited about CarmelFest 2015’s entertainment line up, which includes bands such as Midwest Rhythm Exchange - a very talented local bluegrass group - along with CarmelFest veterans like My Yellow Rickshaw and The Wright Brothers, plus our famous Guitar-mel Fest show,” stated Brian Carriger, entertainment director.

Noteworthy newcomers to the North Zone stage performing on July 4 include Dwight Lightning and the Conch City All-Stars (a new band appearing on stage just before the Guitar-mel Fest show), The Cosmic Situation, Vicky Richmond and Midwest Rhythm Exchange. The Cosmic Situation, from Brownsburg, performs classic rock and blues influenced by Hendrix, Prince, Nugent, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. Singer/songwriter, Vicky Richmond, is known for her well-rounded collection of pop, rock, light jazz, country, and classic rock. Her critically acclaimed CD is a six piece jazz album entitled “Heavenly Mambo.” Midwest Rhythm Exchange is a unique high-energy, acoustic quartet that branches out into a variety of musical styles including jazz, blues, bluegrass and reggae. Their band has been featured at the Green Apple Music Festival in Chicago.

Another new addition, The Dopacetics, known for their original soul classic “Just Sayin’” will perform on the Gazebo stage July 4 (5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) prior to the Carmel Symphony Orchestra presentation.

Returning headliners for CarmelFest include The Wright Brothers and My Yellow Rickshaw.

The Circle City Bucket Drummers. “I’m very excited about CarmelFest 2015’s entertainment lineup,” stated Brian Carriger, entertainment director. (Submitted photo)

Always a crowd-pleaser, The Wright Brothers Band will perform on the Geico Gazebo Main Stage July 3, (7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), offering a variety of rock ’n’ roll Americana songs, including their patriotic hit “Made in the U.S.A.” On July 4 at 7 p.m., the North Zone Stage will bring back local favorite, My Yellow Rickshaw, an Indianapolis-based cover band with a strong following of dedicated fans.

“Having been a volunteer for CarmelFest for 10 years now, I’ve come to admire the musicians that play at our festival. I can tell that they give 100 percent of their energy and show the love for their craft when playing CarmelFest because they greatly appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful community event,” Carriger stated.

The CarmelFest Entertainment committee, led by Carriger, includes Sue Westermeier, Steve Greenberg, Emily Westermeier, Matt Groff and Dan Kramer.

All concerts will be held on the grounds of CarmelFest; 1 Civic Center, Carmel. Admission and parking for the events is free. CarmelFest is organized by the Carmel Rotary Club. More information can be found on-line CarmelFest. net and Facebook/CarmelFest.

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Blondin, creator of CarmelFest, remembered

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com If there’s a legacy left by CarmelFest’s late co-founder Nancy Blondin, it’s one of “can-do” spirit and making the impossible happen. Blondin, born March 2, 1942 in Fort Wayne, died May 21.

Blondin began service as the Carmel Chamber of Commerce director in 1986 and served for 14 years, while also serving on a number of other boards, including the Carmel Symphony and St.Vincent Carmel Hospital.

That business-leadership experience would come in handy, when, in 1988, Blondin happened to be sharing a drink with then-future Mayor Dorothy Hancock. It was then that the two originated the idea of a community celebration to compete with ‘Indianapolis envy’, and CarmelFest was born.

“We had no idea what we were getting into,” Hancock said.

“Some people would roll their eyes.”

CarmelFest would see orchestration all over the community, beginning with a small lot that would eventually become City Hall. Hancock remembers the level of dedication Blondin displayed during those first tenuous years.

“The very first year, Nancy was out there. She was running it,” Hancock said. “I’m sending the Police Department or Fire Department to help. She’s sweaty, I’m in the office. Later she told me ‘If I didn’t love you, I’d shoot you.’”

Jeff Worrell, fireworks director for CarmelFest for the last 22 years, remembers Blondin’s strong spirit fondly.

“One year we were at the football stadium and it was raining.

We were trying to get these food trailers up this hill that had turned to mud,” Worrell said. “She calls someone up and within

The CBS4 Hometown Team is made up of Debby Knox, Chris Wright and Bob Donaldson. (Submitted photo)

CBS4 TV partners with CarmelFest news@currentincarmel.com

Hancock and Blondin (right) in the CarmelFest parade. (Submitted photos)

no time ends up with a dump truck full of gravel put on that hill.

Now I think, ‘Who else could make this happen?’ Without that we wouldn’t have been able to operate.”

In 2013, the long road to CarmelFest’s most recent success culminated for Blondin and Hancock with their inclusion as grand marshals in the parade.

“It brought us both to tears to see the car had our names on it,” Hancock said. “You get lost in the years. That we started this feels incredible.”

WTTV channel CBS4 has signed on as a media sponsor for CarmelFest 2015. Television promotional spots for the festival, featuring Debby Knox and Bob Donaldson, have been airing. The CBS4 Hometown Team ( Knox, Donaldson and chief meteorologist Chris Wright) will also take part in the CarmelFest July 4th parade. Since FOX59 and WTTV CBS4 are the exclusive broadcast partners of the Indianapolis Colts – parade spectators can expect to see some spirited Colts Cheerleaders marching alongside the CBS4 Parade entry.

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June 30, 2015

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Ready, set, boom! Fireworks to be bigger than ever

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com Ask your neighbors if they thought there’s any way the CarmelFest fireworks celebration could get any bigger, and they’d probably say no. The celebration already has evolved from a mishmash of rain tarps and running pyrotechnicians to a computerized, synchronized symphony playing in time with a local radio station. It’s so big, last year’s shipment of fireworks even required an escort from local law enforcement to arrive safely.

And yet, it’s still growing. At 23 minutes long and 4,500 pounds of explosive weight (that’s without packaging), it’s set to be the largest fireworks display in Carmel by a small, yet significant margin.

Jeff Worrell, former CarmelFest committee chairman, has coordinated the fireworks celebration for the past 22 years.

“My job was to man the tarp that covered the shells to be loaded,” Worrell said, referring to the first years of CarmelFest. “That way if we had an accident we wouldn’t explode anything.”

There’s been little worry for an incident in recent years, as CarmelFest began to utilize Melrose Pyrotechnics, a Chicago-based, award-winning fireworks company. Melrose

(File photo)

coordinates with clients to produce largescale productions seen across the Midwest and as far as Japan.

“A lot of the product is stuff others won’t see, because it’s made specially for us,” said Garry Poe, event producer for Melrose Pyrotechnics. “It’s one of the top 12 shows in the state and well worth getting there early.”

For Worrell, there’s one major feat he hopes CarmelFest attendees accomplish.

“I really challenge people to see the smileyface shell,” Worrell said.

The CarmelFest fireworks celebration will begin at 9:45 p.m. July 4, rain or shine, north of the Palladium. Music is provided by tuning into Carmel High School’s WHJE 91.7FM. Any news of time changes will be made via CarmelFest social media.

KidsZone back for family fun

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com The CarmelFest KidZone will once again play host to a variety of games, rides, and entertainment for families and young attendees.

Chief among KidZone attractions is the entertainment stage, where a number of live performances are scheduled to take place.

Performances include a magic show by CR Ryan, a demonstration from Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, the International Talent Academy, School of Rock’s Junior and Senior houses, and more.

Ryan Demler, otherwise known by the stage name CR Ryan, began performing magic at the age of 10. Now, many performances later, he’s involving his 10-year-old son in the act.

“It’s really fun to spend time with him and watch him blossom into a performer,” Demler said. “I think the audience likes that there’s someone their age there. It helps because magic is a vanishing art.”

Magic puns aside, Demler has made a career out of performing at parties and festivals like CarmelFest, his first time in 2001 as a high

school senior.

“A new twist we’re rolling out for CarmelFest this year involves an audience member’s iPhone and Pringles chips,” Demler said.

“That’s about all I can say about it, but it’ll be a fun one.”

Demler is scheduled to kickoff the KidZone stage performances with his act “Magical Moments with CR Ryan” at 4 p.m. July 3 and 2 p.m. July 4.

Younger attendees can ride ponies and interact with other animals at the KidZone petting zoo, as well as ride in paddleboats.

Older children may take part in a Eurobungy attraction, which includes a number of bungee-tethered trampolines. Other high-flying attractions including the velcro wall.

“The underlying thing is that Carmel Rotary Club is sponsoring,” said Tom Blessing, organizer for the CarmelFest KidZone. “It’s intended to benefit the community. The stage is going to have a lot of cool acts that appeal to a wide variety of kids and adults. Effectively one half of CarmelFest is things kids can jump on.”

June 30, 2015

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June 30, 2015

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Semi-finalists announced for CarmelFest Has Talent news@currentincarmel.com After conducting four audition sessions, the CarmelFest Has Talent vocal competition judges selected the 15 contest finalists who will move to the next round of competition and perform on the Geico Gazebo Stage at CarmelFest on July 3. The 15 finalists (five from each age category) are as follows: 12 and under age group: Ellie Buening, Caroline Hatfield, Jillian Hogan, Anjali Rooney and Reese Walker; 13-17 age group: Alexandra Burgess, Grace Eckelbarger, Sydney Greene, Blake Kimmel and Morgan Koontz. In the 18 and older group: Mike Boo, Gary Gillespie, Jayson Hofmeister, Kimberly Lowe and Ashley Nicole.

The CarmelFest Has Talent semi-finalists’ competition round set for Friday, July 3, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. will showcase a wide range of singing styles and song selections. Each contestant will have three minutes to impress the judges (and the audience) with their vocal skills as they perform the song of their choice.

During the July 3 performance, judges will select the top three finalists from each category to move to the final competition round set for July 4 on the Geico Gazebo Stage at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place winners in each age category. First place winners $500, second-place winners $250, and third-place winners $100.00. For more information on CarmelFest, visit www.CarmelFest.net.

Foods of CarmelFest: Island Noodles

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com The Fourth of July is more than hot dogs and hamburgers if CarmelFest has anything to do with it.

From noodles and crepes to the revived popularity of shwarma, dining options are vast, varied and even healthier than standard fare.

Island Noodles, the product of founder and native Hawaiian Hale Lake, serves a simple dish inspired by Lake’s mother’s Yaki-Soba noodles recipe. The company, which has expanded from West Coast origins to reach across the map, caters to health-conscious eaters by combining the simple Yaki-Soba noodles with 21 vegetables on a fire stove, with the option to add chicken.

“In the last few years you’ve really seen people become more aware of what they eat,” said Brad Esposite, owner and managing member of Island Noodles’ Florida branch. “In the event business, you always have staples, but there are a lot of people looking for healthier options. I’d say 60 percent of our customers come back and ask if we have a restaurant.”

Island Noodles is often found at baseball parks and community festivals, but Carmelfest will be one of its first outings in Indiana, including the Indiana State Fair in August and GenCon in late July.

Soulshine Market, an Indianapolis-based food truck catering service, has been serving healthy and educational opportunities in eating for the last year. The food truck features dishes such as lobster rolls, pork belly

One of the many options for dining at CarmelFest is Island Noodles, a healthy option for families and CarmelFest visitors. (Submitted photo)

steamed buns and pan-seared salmon Greek salad.

Kelly Kimpton, owner and chef of Soulshine Market, previously worked at an Arizona spa and Indiana University Health hospital where she says she grew to appreciate an atmosphere of health-conscious community.

“I enjoyed the atmosphere of everyone trying to be healthy,” Kimpton said. “I wanted to use the truck to teach about cooking and health and about all the food we have in Indiana.”

Kimpton is also partnering with Fall Creek Gardens, an urban gardening resource group, to help teach patrons about the basics of garden cultivation and cooking.

For more information, visit IslandNoodles.com or search “Soulshine Market” on Facebook.

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June 30, 2015

Current Publishing

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CarmelFest favorite: Strawberry Festival continues into its 32nd year

By Jylian Vigar news@currentincarmel.com

After 32 years of selling shortcake the Lions Club Strawberry Festival is without a doubt a CarmelFest favorite.

On July 4 the Lions Club will sell strawberry shortcake, ice cream, whipped topping and bottled water at their Club house on Main Street. The event lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last year the event raised $1,900.

Money from the event goes toward charities such as Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Indiana Eye and Tissue Bank and many others.

Along with benefitting charities, some of the proceeds go toward the upkeep of the Lions Club house, which is used not only by the Lions Club but also by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H clubs.

David DeVilbiss, 10-year Lions Club member, has led the Strawberry Festival efforts since 2010.

DeVilbiss said the Strawberry Festival has had a gradual increase in popu-

larity, which has led to longer hours and better sales.

“Over the last few years we’ve had a steady flow of customers before the parade because it’s a nice way for people to meet up with their friends, “ DeVilbiss said. “So we’ve opened earlier and we serve customers until nearly 1 p.m.”

Between 15 and 20 Lions Club members volunteer for the Strawberry Festival. DeVilbiss said the most rewarding part of his job is not only working with his fellow Lions Club members but also serving the community.

“It’s a way for us to serve the public and raise money for all the things the Lions Club does. It’s just all around good for everyone,” DeVilbiss said.

Rick Dossey, Lions Club secretary and six-year member, said people look forward to the annual event.

“People like to come and get strawberries and then sit in front of the club and watch the parade. It’s not just family fun, it’s a family tradition.”

Floyd Jaquay serves strawberries. (Submitted photo)

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Buttons now on sale news@currentincarmel.com Spark Buttons – the colorful buttons that show your support for CarmelFest – are now on sale to help pay for the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

Jeff Worrell, a newly elected member of the Carmel City Council and former chairman of CarmelFest, is leading the effort this year to sell the buttons, that are available both lighted for $6 and regular for $3.

Worrell is helped by his wife Shari, Gary Hubbard, president of Xtreme Graphics, and Adam Aasen, reporter at Current in Carmel and co-owner of Donatello’s Italian Restaurant.

The city’s annual two-day Independence Day celebration has been going on since 1988 and Worrell introduced Spark Buttons in 1994. Longtime volunteer Jack Badger was helping sell the buttons for many years before stepping down this year.

The majority of the buttons are sold the week of July 4 during the parade or at CarmelFest itself, but supports can pre-purchase their buttons by stopping by Donatello’s Italian Restaurant during business hours.

A large bag of coupons is given with each Spark Button purchase with more than 30 companies represented. Add up the savings and the $3 or $6 cost is easily recouped.

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June 30, 2015

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Woolley crafts cat products for purchase at CarmelFest

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com

CarmelFest always plays host to a variety of vendors, whether it’s toy bows and arrows or custom soaps and oils. Even four-legged members of the family have something to look forward to receiving this year.

Elaine Woolley is one such crafter, featuring her handmade cat toys, “Kitty Kickstix.” The toys, a simple fabric-covered tube the length of an average house cat are layered with organic catnip, and have proven popular with pet owners. The product has been sold across the country, garnering 75,000 ‘likes’ on Facebook in just less than five years of operation.

Woolley’s business began as the result of her decades of experience fostering cats. Her first year’s worth of proceeds went to the Spay-Neuter League of Terre Haute, which sponsored her.

“My heart goes out to all animals, especially those not treated well,” Woolley said. “I think the worst thing in life is an animal that doesn’t know a kind touch.”

Both Woolley and her husband retired from active duty in the Navy in San Diego, California in the early 1990s before moving to Indiana.

Woolley estimates she’s fostered more than 1,000 animals since beginning in 1991.

“You know how people can pick out a baby crying from a ways away? I can hear kittens cry and I’m like, ‘Where is it? Give it to me,’” Wooley said.

Woolley estimates 3,000 Kitty Kickstix toys were sold last Christmas to her home state of California.

Ellen Woolley sews a Kitty Kickstix. (Submitted photo)

“I think it was the public who saw the uniqueness of it,” Woolley said. “I kind of thought there was a need for more cat toys.

There’s so many for dogs. The public is what inspired us the most.”

Vendors for CarmelFest are located surrounding the Carmel Fountain south of the Carmel Fire Station. Additional vendors are on Gradle Drive and in the CarmelFest North Zone. Vendors are open during all festival hours including July 3 from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and July 4 from noon to 10:30 p.m.

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An I-beam salvaged from the World Trade Center after 9/11 will be back as part of the Fourth of July Parade at CarmelFest. As part of the parade entry, firefighters in dress uniform and an honor guard will walk alongside the trailer supporting the I-beam. (Submitted photo)

June 30, 2015

Current Publishing

www.youarecurrent.com

13

Parade pays tribute to McClure brothers’ service

By Mark Ambrogi • mark@youarecurrent.com The Band of McClure brothers, as Dick McClure has dubbed them, will be on prominent display during the CarmelFest parade on July 4.

Two of the brothers, Jim and Bob, served in World War II. Youngest brother Dick served in Korea. The three, who served in the Army, will be part of the group of WWII veterans serving as Grand Marshals for the parade. But officials asked Dick to take part as well. They will celebrate Jim’s birthday as he turns 94 on Independence Day. Jim lives in Carmel while his brothers live in Indianapolis.

Dick, 84, also joined his brothers on an honor flight in September 2014.

“This glad-hand business has been going on for a year now,” Bob said. “I’ve had all lauding that I need. It’s time they concentrated on Vietnam and Iraq veterans.”

Jim chipped in to remember the Korean War vets, too.

“The Korean War is not only the forgotten war. It wasn’t noticed much when it was going on,” Jim said. “Hell, Dick wasn’t inside for over a year. He was outside in that terrible cold weather they have over there.”

However, Dick does know why they are honoring the WW II vets because their number

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Front, Bob McClure, and in back from left are Dick and Jim McClure. The brothers will be part of a large group of veterans acting as grand marshals in the parade this year. (Submitted photos)

is rapidly declining. According to the Veterans Administration, there are 855,070 that were left at the start of 2015 and an estimated 492 are dying each day.

“I’m just glad that organizations we’ve taken part with have done some things for veterans,” Dick said.

Bob, 88, went into the Indiana National Guard as teenager. He was in France in 1945.

Japan surrendered after the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on Aug. 6 and three days later dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

James

Richard

Robert

“Thank God, they surrendered,” Bob said.

“Everybody in there was faced with being called to the main invasion in Japan.”

For more on the brothers, visit currentincarmel.com

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June 30, 2015

Current Publishing

www.youarecurrent.com

1. Police Chief Tim Green

65. Indy Fuel Hockey mascot

2. Carmel VFW Color Guard

66. RTV6 News Personalities

3. American Legion Post 155 Color Guard

67. Goldfish Swim School

4. Diamond Entertainment - clowns, jugglers & stiltwalkers 5. WWII Veterans Organized by the Veterans of Anthem 6. Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers 7. Carmel Rotary Float 8. Carmel Rotary Ten Person Bicycle

Parade Lineup

68. St. Mark’s UMC float 69. Indiana Spirit Group/Hollywood All Start 70. Nationalities Council of Indiana 70A. Glenda Ritz for Governor 71. Indianapolis Youth Hockey

9. World Trade Center steel Beam from 9/11

72. WISH - TV8 News Personalities

10. Carmel Fire Department Apparatus

73. Westfield High School Marching Band

11. Carmel Fire Buffs & Museum Antique Fire Truck

74. Master Yoo’s Tae Kwon Do

12. Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream Float

75. Hoosier Cobra

13. Bub’s Café Pancake Float

76. Current in Carmel

14. Indy Balloons Nine column flag display

77. City of Carmel City Attorney

15. Mayor Jim Brainard

78. Museum of Miniature Houses

16. Sponsor of CHS Marching Greyhounds

79. Ranjit Puthran Allstate Agency Boat

17. Carmel High School Marching Greyhounds

80. Job’s Daughters International float

18. Carmel High School Football Cheerleading

81. City of Carmel Clerk-Treasurer

19. Hamilton County Republican Party

82. Carmel Education Foundation

20. Miss Indiana 2015

83. Shepherd Community Center Steel Pan Group

21. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Mascot

84. Ronald McDonald

22. Mattingly Concrete Float

85. Stewart and Stewart Race Car

23. Carmel Clay Public Library

86. State Representative Donna Schiably

24. Adamson’s Karate

87. Edwin the Duck float

25. CBS4 anchors Debby Knox and Bob Donaldson, and chief meteorologist Chris Wright

45. Cub Scout Pack 197

26. Carmel Dad’s Club

46. WTHR-13 News - Scott Swan

27. Carmel Farmers Market Float

47. Jazzercize, Inc.

28. The Spirit of Broad Ripple Marching Show Band

48. Granpa’s Puppetmobile

29. Patty Spitler On-Air Talent for Boomer TV & PetPals TV

49. Grandmaster Lee’s Taekwondo

30. Norwegian Fjord horses - #3

50. Serenity Ridge Stables

31. Carmel Girl Scouts Float

51. Chateau Kitchens and Home Remodeling-25’ Elmo Balloon

32. Girl Scout Troop 523

52. Indianapolis Junior Roller Derby

33. Girl Scout Troop 587 - .

53. Indy Car Race Driver

34. Indianapolis Chinese Community Center

54. Cloverdale High School Band

35. GEICO Insurance Co. with Gecko

55. Carmel Swim Club

36. Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen

56. City Barbecue Float

37. The 18th Indiana Light Artillery

57. Carmel Porchfest 2015 float

38. Daid Najjar for Judge float

58. Guerin Catholic High School - The Walking Flag

39. Concordia Lutheran High School Marching Cadets

59. Abraham Lincoln Impersonator

40. Cub Scout Pack 124

60. 49th Indiana Civil War Historical Re-enactos.

41. Cub Scout Pack 188

61. ICE All-Star- competitive cheerleading

42. Cub Scout Pack 198

62. Indiana Farmers Pickup Truck with Garfield

43. College Wood Cub Scout PACK 132

63. A-List Dance Center

44. Cub Scout Pack 123

64. The Fishers High School Marching Band, guard and drumline

88. School of Rock 89. Carmel Community Newsletter 90. Carmel Auto Cleaning 91. Corvette Automobiles 92. Sheridan High School Marching Band 93. Spaceship on Wheels 94. Wright Bros Band 95. RE/MAX Legends Float leads the Grand Finale Military Tribute 96. HVAF Float 97. Nobelsville Navy Club 98. United States Submarine Veterans 99. Island X4 Seabees float and jeep 100. Marine League Float 101. United States Coast Guard Patrol Craft 102. Tom Wood Viet Nam 50th Anniversary car 103. Indiana National Guard Vehicle 104. USO of Indiana Jeep, 2 Mustang convertables 105. Emmanuel Drum Corp 106. MVPA Jeeps 107. Commemorative Air Force vehicles 108. Traders Point Church Military Ministry vehicles * Subject to change

June 30, 2015

Current Publishing

www.youarecurrent.com

Farmers, flags and floats: What to expect

Big balloon to make its debut

By Joseph Knoop • news@currentincarmel.com A parade brings all kinds of spectacle to American Main Streets each year, including acrobats, marching bands and mascots. No parade is complete without a legion of decorated floats, though, and CarmelFest is no exception withmore than 90 entries.

Fitting this year’s theme of “Stars & Stripes Forever,” those looking for a unique twist on classic patriotic flair can look for Karen and David Najjar’s float featuring “the many incarnations of the American flag,” which also doubles as promotion for David’s campaign for Judge.

“One of the biggest things besides his love of American history is that he loves spreading the information, teaching about it,” Karen Najjar said.

The float features an extensive history of the American flag, including points debated by scholars as to the true origin of the original design. A live homage will also be made to the Jean Leon Gerome Ferris painting depicting Betsy Ross and sewing together her design with the accompaniment of George Washington and other members of Congress.

Carmel’s very own PorchFest celebration will be making its second appearance in the parade this year as well.

15

Long-time Farmers Market volunteers Jay and Cindy Price on the market float last year.

(Submitted photo)

While other groups may bring extravagant decorations, PorchFest has become known for featuring one of the largest float displays, a small house designed by Justin Moffett and fellow contractors with full landscaping, as well as live musicians performing from the porch.

“I’ve been in the parade for 19 years, and I think it’s the best time I’ve ever had in it,” said Ron Carter, a member of Carmel’s City Council.

“It’s so visually interesting.”

PorchFest is a free public event featuring local music acts performing on various porches throughout the Arts District. The 2015 PorchFest will take place September 13.

The CarmelFest parade take place July 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Carmel Drive and AAA Way, proceeding west along Range Line Road to Main Street, and ending at Carmel High School.

This year, the committee for CarmelFest will premiere a big balloon float in the parade. Elmo, from Sesame Street, will be a part of the parade for the first time this year. (Submitted photo)

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