Mayor Jim Brainard will be the Grand Marshal leading the 2012 “St.Vincent Health 4th of July Parade at CarmelFest”. This year’s parade theme is Carmel – Celebrating 175 years. The CarmelFest Committee strongly supported the idea of tying in the festival and parade theme with the city of Carmel’s 175^th anniversary. According to Parade Chairperson, Peggy Powell, “Once this year’s theme was chosen, we knew the best choice for Grand Marshal would be Mayor Brainard. His leadership has guided our community and helped us grow.”

Mayor Jim Brainard is Carmel’s first five-term mayor. Under his tenure, Carmel has experienced tremendous growth and prosperity. It is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The population has grown from 25,000 to almost 80,000 in the last 12 years. Park land, greenspace, and trails have increased from 40 acres to more than 800, including the Monon Trail and Central Park. The creation of a City Center, Carmel’s new downtown and the Arts & Design District has breathed new life into forgotten areas of the city. All of these improvements have given the citizens of Carmel increased opportunities for recreation and cultural activities.

“I am honored to be the Grand Marshal in this year’s CarmelFest Parade. There is no better time for the community to come together to celebrate our nations freedom and Carmel’s 175^th Anniversary than CarmelFest. This event has been The City of Carmel’s annual 4^th of July tradition since 1987 and we are proud of the popularity and success that it’s gained each and every year and welcome the opportunity it provides to showcase our community,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.

This year’s patriotic parade steps off on July 4th at 10:30 a.m. starting at AAA Way and Carmel Drive and ends at Carmel High School. Over 100 entries are expected to take part in the parade including marching bands, clowns, a salute to the military, dancers, color guards and entertaining floats. There are also plans in the works for F-16 Fighter Jets to flyover Carmel signaling the start of the parade!