Create Your Own Neighborhood 4th of July Parade

When you think of the Fourth of July celebration you think hot dogs, picnics and fireworks. My favorite is the 4th of July parades. This year design your own neighborhood 4th of July parade. The best part is kids of all ages can join in the fun.

6 Steps to Organizing Your Parade

Step 1. Decide where you are having the parade.

• We suggest using your neighborhood sidewalk. It’s the easiest and nearest!
• Reserve a local park with your community parks and recreation center.
• See if you can possible get use of a school race track
• Ask permission to use your local church.

Step 2. Decorate.

• Decorate the beginning and end of the parade route with balloons, banners and flags.
• Involve your kids in making decorations.
• Patriotic bunting and decorations can be found in abundance around the holiday in every store or take gander online for some truly fantastic and unique items.

Step 3. Send out invitations.

• Have your kids design the invitation for an extra-cute patriotic feel. Have them decorate the page with markers and stickers after you write in the necessary information. Then place in your neighbors mailbox.
• Email works great if your time is limited.
• Be sure to include date, time and place.
• Request that everyone wears red, white and blue.
• Ask everyone if they want to participate or be a spectator. You will need both.
• Let them know if they want to participate the rules will follow.
• Include a potluck supper or picnic at the end of the parade. Let them know what to bring because this is now an event!
• Don’t forget the RSVP.

Step 4. Pick and decorate your float.

Courtesy: Martha Stewart

• First, pick out what you’ll be using for your float.
• It can be anything with wheels: a bicycle, scooters or even a classic red wagon.
• Send out additional information to those that are joining in the actual parade.
• Make sure to tell people a size limit on their float
• List acceptable floats.
• Participants should definitely dress in a patriotic costume.
• Give out prizes for the best floats and costumes!

Check out our Pinterest board on some super easy costumes and other 4th of July fun!

Statue of  Liberty with Torch

Courtesy: Buggy and Buddy

Uncle Sam

Courtesy: Guildcraft

Lady Liberty Crown

Courtesy: Scholastic

Step 4: Tunes

• Grab an outdoor bluetooth speaker and your phone.
• Pick out patriotic music. Every 4th of July parade needs a marching band.
• Use a streaming service such as Spotify or Pandora and setup a playlist.

Step 5. Set up a photo stop.

• Arrange an area that photos can be taken.
• Have props, flags and banners available.
• Say cheese please!

Step 6. Have a back up plan if it rains.

• Check your local forecast beforehand to see if rain is a possibility.
• See if there is any indoor space where you are holding your parade.
• Move your parade indoors to a warehouse or gym.
• Reschedule the parade. This is the easiest thing to do and a day or two later won’t ruin the fun.

There are so many fun and spectacular things about a 4th of July celebration and we think this one tops the charts. I mean, besides fireworks. Get out there and have some fun! Let us know how you did with your neighborhood 4th of July parade. Send us some photos!