By Mark Ambrogi
Werther’s Original officials figured there’s no better place to celebrate National Caramel Day than in Carmel.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 in the Arts & Design District. Former Carmel High School football standout Mark Herrmann, who played quarterback for Purdue and the Indianapolis Colts, and Indianapolis native Trista Sutter, who was on The Bachelor’s first season, will attend the festivities.
Meredith Suffron, director of marketing for Werther’s Original, said the idea for the event came up in a group brainstorm on how to celebrate the day this year.
“We know the word caramel is naturally spoken two different ways as ker-uh-muhl or kar-muhl,” Suffron said. “Our team even pronounces it differently based on where we are from. We were curious to see how people coast to coast say they pronounce it and end the Great Caramel Debate once and for all.”
Carmel Mayor James Brainard will officially change the town’s name and pronunciation to Caramel (ker-uh-muhl) for just the day, of course.
Suffron said last year was the first time the company celebrated National Caramel Day.
“And we did it in a big way,” she said. “We shared 1 million pieces of caramel and served it from a giant candy bowl — six foot in diameter, to be exact — in the heart of Times Square in New York City.”
A slightly smaller bowl, two feet in diameter, will be at the Carmel event.
Suffron said the celebration will feature free caramel-inspired games and activities, including a Werther’s Original-inspired bottle toss game, cornhole, face painters and a giant Werther’s candy bowl guessing game. Suffron said there will be fun prizes. Attendees can share how they pronounce caramel by casting their vote.
“We’ll also offer a wide variety of Werther’s Original treats at our candy sampling station where attendees can help themselves to various Werther’s caramel flavors,” said Suffron, who added the Indianapolis area is a strong market for the brand.
