This past Saturday was the 23rd annual Holiday On the Lake sponsored by the Hamlet of Carmel Civic Association. The Holiday On the Lake Committee consists of 25 community volunteers dedicated to bringing the holiday spirit to the Carmel. Heading the committee is a local Carmel attorney Bill Schilling Jr., who has been the chairperson from the start.
All residents who came had a day of holiday fun and community bonding as the original tree lighting has turned into an all-day affair through the years. The original festivities have grown to include choral groups, a parade, chowder fest, hayrides with Santa, children's crafts and much more. “The atmosphere in the hamlet of Carmel on that evening is compared to “Bedford Falls” from the movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’” says Frank Chianca the President of the Hamlet of Carmel Civic Association. Even residents who have moved away from Carmel come back to celebrate this spirited event. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything, this event has always been my favorite,” Says former Carmel resident Chloe Stalker.
Holiday on the Lake has become the largest community event of the year in Carmel, with over 2000 people attending, thanks to many local busines ses,individuals and community organizations who donated to money to make this special event possible.