Carlton Daze July 25th-27th!
Carlton Daze Grand Marshal
2025 Carlton Daze Grand Marshal: Cayden Ragsdale
With Co-Grand Marshal: Carrie Rice
Together Through It All: Cayden Ragsdale and Carrie Rice to Lead Carlton Daze
A Mother and Son’s Story of Strength, Hope, and Love
The Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Cayden Ragsdale as the 2025 Carlton Daze Grand Marshal, with his mom, Carrie Rice, honored by his side as Co-Grand Marshal.
Cayden, who just turned 16 on July 11th, and will be a junior at Carlton High School this fall, has shown extraordinary strength over the past four years. At just 11 years old, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. After undergoing brain surgery, 30 rounds of radiation, and four rounds of chemotherapy, Cayden entered remission, only to face a relapse in 2023. He bravely endured a second brain surgery, seven additional rounds of high dose chemo, and three stem cell transplants at Mayo Clinic. In June 2024, he completed treatment and is now in remission once again.
Through it all, Cayden has shown what it means to be a true fighter. His strength, determination, and constant smile have touched so many lives. As his mom, Carrie, so beautifully said: “Cayden’s diagnosis will never define him, but his courage and strength will.”
Cayden is more than a survivor. He’s a hometown hero and he’s also a true Carlton kid. He’s grown up here, cheered on by classmates, neighbors, and friends who have wrapped his family in love and support. It’s that kind of community spirit — “it takes a village” — that makes Carlton Daze so special and we’re so excited to celebrate him in this special way.
By Cayden’s side every step of the way has been his mom, Carrie Rice, a fierce advocate and constant source of love, strength, and hope. A kindergarten teacher at South Terrace Elementary, Carrie is known and loved by many in our community. From fighting for his care to holding their family together through unimaginable difficulty, Carrie has been a pillar of perseverance. Her unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed, and this year, we’re proud to honor her as Co-Grand Marshal, recognizing the powerful bond between mother and son and all they have overcome together.
Please join us on Sunday, July 27th at 1 PM, as we celebrate Cayden Ragsdale and Carrie Rice as they lead the Carlton Daze Parade. Their story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to face hard things with courage, and how love and community can carry us through.
