them but this weekend will probably be a different story. It's kind of a best kept secret that Hazel Landing Park in east Carmel has several tables and a grill all overlooking the White River (Hazel Dell Parkway approximately 109N). Much of this area has been under water this Spring but is primed and ready for those 4th of July picnics! You can also take a canoe or kayak and launch from this location. There's also plenty of parking, areas to walk your pets, toss the frisbee or just enjoy a bit of the serenity of the slow moving White River.
Can I digress for just a moment? How in the world did it get to be the 4th of July weekend already? At the risk of sounding like my grandfather Virgil...let's move forward.
It used to be Carmelfest was a nice little Hamilton County celebration for America's birthday. Now it boasts a fireworks celebration that is actually bigger than that of Marion County and a weekend series of events that gives everyone a chance to participate and enjoy. The Freedom Run is a little four miler on Saturday morning at 8:00 that is followed by a peewee run at 9:15. Then on Sunday and Monday for starters there will be great entertainment at both the Gazebo and the new North Stage where there will be a Beach Party and an Americana musical set. We've heard a rumor that Jeff Worrell will be demonstrating his Salsa skills Sunday at 3:00 on the North Stage during the Salsa Dance Demo. We'd absolutely pay to see that. The fireworks will start at 9:45 Monday night synched to music on B105.7. Just prior to that, famed musician Mac McAnally will be performing on the North stage at 8:00. Mac has been through central Indiana many times as a point man for none other than Jimmy Buffet. He's a remarkable singer/songwriter and worth wading through the crowd to see. One final note....if you have not yet done so, pick up a Spark Button and help support Carmelfest and the fireworks. Hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly to put on this celebration...help them out by purchasing a Spark Button at merchants in the Arts and Design District or at the Farmer's Market Saturday morning. Photo courtesy CF151/Photobucket
There will be a lot of this going on this weekend across east Carmel. From cookouts to the always entertaining neighborhood parade to the all out sensory overload of one of the state's most popular celebrations in Carmelfest, there will be plenty to keep every age occupied. Check back with us on Saturday afternoon....we'll be posting all kinds of pictures and video from east Carmel's Happy Birthday Amercia festivities.
