By Chris Bavender
After three years leading CarmelFest, Gary Sexton is proud of many things as he prepares for his final year as chairman of the festival – from the event itself to the amount of money raised for charity.
“Each year we are faced with different challenges and obstacles, and we have overcome those and continue to improve and develop the greatest festival in the area,” Sexton said. “I look forward to having a strategic role in helping to determine the future footprint of CarmelFest as the City of Carmel continues to develop.”
As chairman of CarmelFest, Sexton’s No. 1 goal is to have a safe, fun event with perfect weather.
“Last year we lost July 3 due to rain,” he said. “Many of our vendors didn’t have the sales revenue they hoped to throughout the festival.”
CarmelFest is billed as one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the state, something Sexton has been mindful of since being named chair in 2015.
“As the leader of the largest Fourth of July celebration in the area, it really keeps us focused on all the moving parts to make sure CarmelFest comes off seamlessly,” he said. “Something I continually say we always need to be recruiting volunteers and committee members. Some of the roles are very large due to the amount of work that needs to get done.”
When Sexton was named CarmelFest chair, he said he was honored to be selected to represent the Rotary Club of Carmel and the City of Carmel to tens of thousands of guests.
“About five minutes later I asked myself the question, ‘How am I going to handle all these new responsibilities that come with CarmelFest leadership?,’” Sexton said. “Then the answer hit me: we have an awesome committee of many talented individuals who have years of CarmelFest experience.”
But handle it he has – all while juggling the challenges of CarmelFest with his full-time occupation as owner of multiple Sport Clips Haircuts.
“I struggle to get through all the communications every day, but strive to respond to everyone,” Sexton said. “I am blessed with a good team at work, which allows me to have a flexible work schedule. That allows me to dedicate the time to CarmelFest leadership.”
He credits his wife, Beth, for being “the best listener” and for being understanding of the number of meetings he attends.
All proceeds from CarmelFest go to local charities and food pantries. Several grants are awarded each year by the Rotary Club of Carmel to help food pantry initiatives as well. Although food is no longer collected at the festival grounds, the club gives back financially and through volunteerism.
