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Best Fourth of July Parades in the U.S.A.
Nothing is more American than watching a Fourth of July parade in your hometown. If your town lacks this annual event or you want to see one of the bigger productions, head to one of these cities to view some of the best Independence Day parades in the country.
Bristol, Rhode Island
The Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade on the Fourth of July is the end of almost a month of celebrating in Bristol, RI. The Celebration debuted in 1785, making it the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the nation. The events begin on Flag Day (June 14th) and include a concert series, a drum corps show, visiting ships, the Independence Day parade and much more! The 2.5 mile parade steps off at 10:30 A.M. on July 4, 2012 and consists of both commercial and non-commercial floats, bands and other parade fare.
Alameda, California
Travel to Alameda, CA to see the parade that was voted the “Best Hometown Parade 2008” by the East Bay Express. This parade boasts roughly 170 floats and 2,500 participants who travel a 3-mile route to entertain some 20,000 spectators every year. Claimed to be the second largest and longest Independence Day parade in the nation, it is the centerpiece of The Bay Area’s Fourth of July celebration. The parade steps off at 10:00 A.M. on July 4th.
Washington D.C.
You’ll find a Fourth of July parade like no other in the nation’s capital. The annual parade claims a long list of participants, including bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, dignitaries, celebrity participants and much more! The goal of the Parade National Selection Committee is to have all parts of the U.S. represented. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators to view the parade on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets. The parade steps off at 11:45 A.M.
Bessemer, Michigan
If you find yourself in the upper mid-west for Independence Day, make your way to Bessemer for a celebration brimming with small-town charm. The festivities start on June 27th and culminate with fireworks on July 4th. Throughout the week, enjoy a pig roast, golf tournament, mud run and 50/50 raffle, as well as other events. The parade starts at 7:00 P.M. on July 4th and begins with a flyover from a Duluth Air National Guard F16. The last float in the parade will announce the week’s 50/50 winner.
Arlington, Texas
Celebrate the Fourth of July Texas-style by heading to Arlington, where they claim to have the biggest, best 4th of July parade in the state. The 47-year-old event has a new parade theme every year. This year’s theme is “The Many Faces of America’s Freedom”. The parade begins at 9:00 A.M. with the National Anthem and steps off immediately after.
North, south, east or west, you’ll find a Fourth of July parade near you that’ll leave you feeling proud to be an American.
