An estimated 25,000 spectators came out Wednesday to watch the St.Vincent Health Fourth of July Parade at CarmelFest despite near record-setting 102 degree temperatures.
The parade, which traveled from the rear of the 116th Street Marsh store to Carmel High School, featured 111 entries this year with more than 2,000 participants.
Though no serious injuries were reported, 16 members of various youth marching bands participating in the parade fainted and were subsequently treated for heat exhaustion. As a precaution, the youth were taken to area hospitals for further evaluation. As of press time, Carmel officials said the youth were all believed to be in fine condition.
With temperatures expected to remain high, CFD Fire Marshal Bruce Knott stressed the importance of not ignoring heat-related illnesses.
“Heat related emergencies sometimes are not taken seriously; if you start to feel ill or light headed, get out of the heat and have a person stay with you until you get back to normal,” Knott said. “If you do not start to improve after a short time, please seek medical attention.”
