CarmelFest Parade goes on despite the rain

CARMEL, Ind. — The Fourth of July had a very rainy start, but that could not stop the annual CarmelFest parade from happening in the heart of the city.

“It’s tradition and you’ve got to support Carmel and the parade,” said Jennifer Skinner from Carmel.

“It’s fun!” Dalia Wasila from Carmel said. “[We are making] memories every year

“My family has been coming to the parade every year since before I could even remember and we couldn’t let the tradition die out,” said Lola Suiter from Carmel.

The very rainy Fourth of July Parade ended up being a big success for people who call the city of Carmel home.

“This is a great community,” said John Smith from Carmel. “We love it and we will do anything to support this community.”

Several communities canceled this year’s Fourth of July celebrations but not the city of Carmel. The city is going all in to celebrate this year, no matter the weather.

“We always watch the parade, rain or shine,” said Anthony Spangler from Carmel.

“My daughter is in the parade,” said Erica Williams from Carmel. “Her first year to be in the parade so rain or shine we are here!”

“Ah man, it’s July Fourth,” Smith said. “[It’s an] important day. We have to celebrate!”

For a majority of the crowd, this was the first time anyone has sat through an entire parade in the pouring rain but that didn’t stop anyone from having a great time. Some of the kids at the parade said the rain made the celebrations even more fun this year.

It’s all about keeping a tradition alive, a tradition in Carmel that has been going on for more than 30 years.

“We come out to the parade every year since 1985 for me, and my husband [has] been here since 1972,” Skinner said.

It’s also a chance to say thank you to our veterans, those who have bravely served our country and those who are making great sacrifices now for our freedom.

{erica williams / carmelfest parade}

“I think we are all so lucky and so fortunate to be in our great country and we wouldn’t be here without everyone else who served,” Williams said.

“It’s an excellent celebration,” Spangler said. “It’s a good time to remember all of the things we have to be thankful for in this country.”

So what may have started out as a very rainy Fourth of July turned into memories to last a lifetime for this city.

“Happy Fourth of July,” said Mayor Sue Finkam. “Who doesn’t love a little rain?”

Next up for the celebrations in Carmel is the annual firework show at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday.

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