CarmelFest returned July 4 and 5 with concerts, vendors, kids’ activities, a parade, fireworks and more after being canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, traditionally held at Civic Square, expanded its footprint to include Carter Green to help reduce crowding. CarmelFest is presented through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Carmel and the City of Carmel. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
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Carmel City Councilor Adam Aasen waves from atop a fire engine in the parade.
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Allen and Brittany Johnson of Carmel pause at their booth for Lifetime Media Preservation.
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Carmel Police Dept. Officer Scott Spillman gives fist bumps to the crowd along the parade route.
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Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer gives high-fives as he roller skates along the parade route.
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Members of the Carmel Rotary Club participate in the parade.
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A parade participant waves to the crowd.
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Carmel High School student Ireland Jones twirls batons along the parade route.
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My Yellow Rickshaw’s Nathan Klatt leaves the stage to dance with the crowd as he plays the fiddle during a July 5 performance.
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Carmel resident Riley Colbus pets a sheep as Declan Colbus looks on.
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Miss Indiana Braxton Kennedy Hiser waves to the crowd during the parade.
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Patrick O’Connell of Dayton, Ohio, works on a caricature of Tom and Patty Flegel of Indianapolis.
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Fireworks light central Carmel after sunset July 5.
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Carmel Police Dept. Officer Ashley Commodore takes a dive in the dunk tank.
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A parade participant passes out candy along the route.
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Korean War veteran Rick Olivares of Carmel salutes.
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Dancers enjoy music by My Yellow Rickshaw.
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Heartstone Crossing performs July 4 at the Civic Square stage.
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Fans sing along with My Yellow Rickshaw.
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David Padgett of Noblesville feeds a parakeet in the aviary at the KidsZone.
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A parade participant waves to the crowd.
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Runners carry flags along the parade route before the event begins.