Ready Yourself for CarmelFest 2010

Gary Frey is serving as the Chairman of CarmelFest for 2010.

Cindy Roberts-Greiner, a local Rotarian, is the volunteer Director of Public Relations & Publicity for CarmelFest.

Since I am a gregarious, fast-talking person, people mistakenly assume that I am spontaneous. But my little secret is that I am a planner and a list maker, and I love it. My seemingly spur of the moment adventures are actually well-planned, researched outings. And this year, I am taking the same approach to attending the CarmelFest Independence Day Celebration. I have scouted out the top parking spots, completed a test driving run and determined the optimal spot for my blanket location at the Carmel Gazebo. Follow my tips, and you will be sure to find something to love at this year’s CarmelFest Celebration.

CarmelFest Favorites

CarmelFest Two-Day Outdoor Festival at 1 Civic Square: Festival hours on Sunday, July 4 are noon to 10:00 p.m., and Monday, July 5 from noon to 10:30 p.m. The festival includes a multitude of vendors, arts and crafts booths, delectable festival foods, civic organization booths, an interactive KidZone (with a petting zoo, pony rides, games, and a family entertainment stage), a Civil War reenactment campground, the eclectic Americana North Zone (with zany entertainers, classic cars, Frisbee-catching dogs, a performance stage, displays and rides), CarmelFest Has Talent vocal competition, and a fabulous line-up of musical entertainment on the Gazebo Main Stage.

Tip: Pick shows before you go.

Entertainment: CarmelFest offers entertainment on three stages: the Gazebo Main Stage, Americana North Zone Stage and KidZone South Stage. The Gazeobo Main Stage will feature favorites such as Barometer Soup (Island Rock), The Wright Brothers (Southern Rock), Blair & Co (R&B) and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. The Americana North Zone Stage will offer a variety of entertainment including the zany antics of the Blue Monkey Sideshow, The Indy Dog & Disc Frisbee Dog show, along with musical performances by Celtic fiddler Emily Ann Thompson, The Elms (original rock), jazz groups and more.

Tip: Tables and chairs will be available at the Americana North Zone Stage.

The KidZone South Stage is the place to be for families with kids 12 and under. Entertainment highlights include the Silly Safari Animal Show, Comedy Sportz, Oogles & Googles Interactive Rock n’ Roll Show, and MC Axe and the Firecrew (singing fire fighters).

Tip: An enjoyable family activity on Sunday, July 4 at 3:00 p.m. – fire truck dedication ceremony at the Carmel Fire Department.

The new fire truck will be christened in true “firefighting tradition” by hosing it down. Afterwards, on-lookers will be invited to join the firefighters in drying off the equipment with souvenir commemorative towels.

CarmelFest Parade

St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana Parade at CarmelFest: The Independence Day parade, “Celebrating American Heroes,” with Grand Marshal Jason Fishburn starts at 10:30 a.m. Stepping off from AAA Way and Carmel Drive, the parade will proceed west to Rangeline Road, north to Main Street and then head east to end at Carmel High School.

Tip: Bring essential parade items.

Bring chairs, small bags to collect candy, a small flag (so you can show your patriotic pride), a camera, cold drinks, and some snacks. The best bet for parade viewing is to stake out your spot early and pick a place toward the beginning of the parade route.

CarmelFest Fireworks

B105.7 Fireworks Launched by Firestone: The fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. on Monday, July 5. Fireworks will be launched from the Monon Trail near the intersection of City Center Drive (126th St). The show will last approximately 25 minutes.

Tip: If seated outside of the gazebo area, bring your radio and tune to B105.7 FM for the radio simulcast followed by traffic updates.

CarmelFest – Packing the Essentials

Tip: Pack light, but bring some essentials with you.

For festivals, I always carry a small backpack with one water bottle, small packets of moist towelettes (for sticky fingers or just to cool off), sunscreen, three Band-Aids, two granola bars and a box of animal crackers (things that won’t melt or get crushed), cell phone, breath spray or mints (just in case I indulge in a festival food gyro), a camera, and my wallet.

Tip: CarmelFest allows coolers, but festival fare is great.

You can bring in food and drinks and picnic. Or, you can travel light and readily purchase drinks, food and treats at vendors throughout the festival.

CarmelFest Free Parking and Admission

Tip: Come and go as you please, but have a plan of attack.

The Layout: The Carmel gazebo and fountain are at the center of the festival at Civic Square (just west of Rangeline Road and north of Carmel Drive). The popular KidZone will be located on the south side of City Hall. The Civil War reenactment campground will be located in the grassy area east of City Hall. The Americana North Zone will be located north of the Carmel Fire Station.

Tip: If you plan to enjoy performances on the main stage, stake out your spot on the gazebo lawn as soon as you arrive. It’s the most crowded area – especially for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra performance on Monday night before the fireworks.

Getting to the Festival and parking: An interactive map showing the location of the festival can be found on the CarmelFest website (www.carmelfest.net). With over 50,000 attendees, finding a parking spot may be tricky. And expect traffic congestion before and after the parade and fireworks.

Tip: Park on the perimeter of the festival and walk along the Monon Trail. If you live within two miles or less from Carmel City Hall, your best option is walking or biking. Peddle & Park will offer free bike and rollerblade parking along the Monon Trail near Gradle Drive (just west of the Carmel Fountain).

If you are driving to the festival, you can avoid traffic on Rangeline Road and approach the festival from the west side by taking 3rd Avenue (north of Carmel Drive). Since many businesses will be closed on Sunday, July 4, festival-goers will find prime parking spots on 3rd Avenue and Gradle Drive – very close to the west entrance of the Carmel Fountain area at Civic Square.

Tip: If street parking is not available, plentiful free parking can be found in the new underground parking lot beneath the Indiana Design Center Building on the corner of Range Line Road and 1st Street S.W. (just south of Main Street). The lot is less than a mile north of the Carmel Courthouse with easy sidewalk access.

Whether you prepare your own backpack of essentials or indulge in spontaneous festival purchases, you are sure to find something to enjoy at this year’s CarmelFest Celebration.