Good morning, Carmel.

A tornado tore off the south wall of the building at 1019 3rd Ave SW on April 2, delaying Kay Anderson's planned opening of Prana Play—a play space for neurodiverse families.

With community donations supporting the rebuild, Anderson will open the space later than expected.

The City of Carmel will host its first Cherry Blossom Festival on May 4 in the Japanese garden south of City Hall to celebrate 30 years of sister city ties with Kawachinagano, Japan.

The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and will offer traditional arts—authentic cuisine, tea ceremonies, kimono try-ons and performances by Yosakoi dancers and international violinist Yuri Horiuchi.

Indiana lawmakers passed Senate Enrolled Act 287 on April 24 that requires school board candidates to list a party affiliation + the bill now awaits Gov. Mike Braun’s signature before it goes into effect on July 1.

Supporters say the law will help voters while opponents worry it may reduce the number of qualified candidates.

On April 28, Carmel High School culinary students will work with professional chefs at the fieldhouse from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to compete for scholarships while two Huse Culinary chefs — Luke Landgrebe of Harry and Izzy’s Northside and Jason Chesky of 1933 Lounge Carmel — mentor students to perfect a signature dish; proceeds support the Cheftacular Scholarship with the Carmel Education Foundation, Carmel High School Culinary Arts, and the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.

State Sen. Mike Delph filed Senate Bill 162 to require the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to share detailed job and investment data so taxpayers can see how their dollars are spent & boost transparency in economic development.

The bill will be formally introduced in January and is expected to get bipartisan support.

State Rep. Danny Lopez said Senate Bill 1, approved April 15 with Gov. Braun’s signature, gives homeowners a tax credit of up to $300 or 10 percent of their property tax bill while gradually increasing the homestead deduction to two-thirds of a home’s assessed value.

Carmel and Carmel Clay Schools will keep their current revenue levels—even as they face a loss in projected growth—and local officials may adjust income tax rates to help offset the gap.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the 14th pick on Thursday night to fill the gap left by Jack Doyle's retirement—Warren had 104 catches, 1,238 yards and eight touchdowns last season and he will help boost quarterback Anthony Richardson's play this season.

Noblesville’s Millers stayed unbeaten at 8-0 with a 12-3 win over Western on Thursday—key plays by Haley Schatko and Maggie Kern helped secure the victory, and the team will face 4A No. 5 Penn tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Carmel Invitational.

Other games saw Hamilton Southeastern beat Lawrence North 7-0, Fishers win 6-0 at Yorktown, and Sheridan fall 18-11 to Eastern.

ONE VOICE... The Music of Manilow

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael — $25/guest — Enjoy a night of classic Barry Manilow tunes in a cabaret setting with food and beverage minimums.

One Hundred Over 31: A Supercar Gathering

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Motor District Garage Condos — Free entry — Experience an extraordinary lineup of supercars in a vibrant festival atmosphere supporting a great cause.

Mother's Day Tea Celebration

Afternoon — Tue, May 6 – Fri, May 9 — The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers — Check website for pricing — Treat Mom to a delightful afternoon with scones, desserts, and French tea.

Wine Wags & Whiskers

6-9 p.m. — 502 East Event Centre — Cost varies — Enjoy an evening of fine wine tasting, delicious bites, and support local pet programs.

Amanda's Market - Spring 2025

10 AM – 12 PM — Amanda's Exchange — Free entry — Shop from over 70 vendors offering fashion, art, vintage finds, and more.

iLuminate: Artist of Light Performance

12 p.m. — The Palladium at Center for the Performing Arts — Variably priced — Experience a dazzling fusion of dance, technology, and music with a family-friendly show that captivates all ages.

Indiana Peony Festival

8 PM – 4 PM — Seminary Park — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of peonies with local vendors and floral showcases at this annual festival.

Meet the Builders at Wild Air

6-8 p.m. — Wild Air Community — Free entry — Explore available lots and connect with expert builders to envision your future home.

Pirate Cat 5K

10:30 a.m. — Big Lug Canteen — Registration fees apply — Run or walk the scenic Monon Trail and enjoy a refreshing Pirate Cat Porter post-race.

Dine to Donate at City BBQ

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — City Barbeque — Support a great cause while enjoying delicious food.