Carmel celebrates turning 100

Thousands of people lined Ocean Avenue and other side streets Saturday to wish Carmel a happy birthday.

“I know a lot of people come and visit,” said Lynn Mombiosse with the Carmel by the Sea Historic Resources Board. “But there are maybe 2000 of us that maybe live here full time and we love it.”

The centennial celebration’s theme ws “A Century of Memories.” Six floats paraded through town representing different eras and events in Carmel over the last century.

“It’s a small town but it’s filled with so much history,” said Carmel resident Robin Mombiosse.

Including a time when you had to have a permit to walk down the street in high heels, nor could you take a stroll in Carmel with an ice cream cone.

“What I decided to do was take and dress up some women carrying their high heels with the special permit that was oversized,” said event coordinator Tom Brocatom. “Then what we did was we also blew up some ice cream cones that are about three feet tall.”

Former mayor and actor Clint Eastwood made a special appearance. He rode atop a Wells Fargo stagecoach as the Grand Marshall.

“It feels fine to be here,” said Eastwood.

Local businesses also got in on the fun, hoping the foot traffic would bring more exposure to the area.

“This is going to make national news, so it will definitely bring people to Carmel,” said Fermin Sanchez, owner of Bruno’s Market and Deli.

As far as what’s in store for Carmel in the next 100 years, the mayor said the vision includes sticking to rules and regulations to keep it the same.

“Keeping Carmel unique, fun, exciting for the next 100 years and not changing anything,” said Carmel Mayor Steve Dallas. “Moving forward for the next generation.”

Other festivities included a luncheon and street dance.