Please read through the parade information, rules and regulations, and liability waiver prior to filling out and e-signing the application form. Completed forms are due by Monday, June 22, at 5:00 p.m.

 

The Town of Boone is pleased to announce the annual 4th of July Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 4 at 11:00 AM. We encourage community groups, businesses, and nonprofits to participate in the parade and to help continue this Independence Day tradition. This year marks the America 250, and we hope you will help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Boone 4th of July Parade has a lot of moving parts, including staff, volunteers, and dozens of entries. In order to ensure that everything goes smoothly, it is important that everyone adheres to the rules and guidelines set forth in this packet. Remember that this a family-oriented community event, so please be thoughtful and considerate to our neighbors and visitors.

 Completed applications must be received by Monday, June 22 at 5:00 PM to be considered for participation in the 2026 Boone 4th of July Parade. The parade committee reserves the right to deny an application if the entry is deemed unlawful, unsafe, offensive, obscene, or otherwise inconsistent with our community standards. If your application is accepted, you will receive an email from a parade official confirming your registration.

 

PARADE INFORMATION

·        The parade will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The parade will proceed as planned even in the event of rain, so prepare accordingly.

·        The parade staging area and step-off location will be at the Watauga County Social Services Complex located at 132 Poplar Grove Connector off of W. King Street (across the street from Miller Industries).

·        Please arrive at the staging area no earlier than 9:00 AM to begin setting up for the parade and no later than 10:30 AM to participate in the parade.

·        Entry placement is at the sole discretion of parade officials. Typically, those entries that arrive earlier during the staging period will be closer to the front of the lineup.

·        The parade will travel east on W. King Street and conclude at the intersection of Hardin Street. Participants may return to the staging lot via Rivers Street.

·        For the safety and convenience of all participants, please carpool to the parade staging area. Parking is extremely limited.

 

PARADE RULES & REGULATIONS

·        All floats and vehicles in the parade must be registered, insured, and operated by a licensed driver who is 18 or older. Any vehicle not included in the application will not be admitted. Dignitaries must provide their own vehicles.

·        A float is not required for parade participation; groups may walk in the parade with a banner identifying their group, if they so wish.

·        Parade entries are limited to no more than two individual vehicles. Vehicles must arrive together to the staging area in order to be placed together in the parade lineup.

·        Floats should be decorated with a patriotic theme and marchers should dress festively with coordinated outfits or costumes.

·        All parade float and automobile drivers must maintain a speed of 3 MPH during the parade and keep a safe distance from other parade participants and spectators.

·        Drivers and marchers should pay close attention to the group in front of them during the parade and make every effort to prevent any large gaps.

·        Refrain from using horns, sirens, and other loud noisemakers, and do not rev engines. Any entry that does so will be noted and may not be invited to future parades.

·        Throwing of candy, toys, or other objects is strictly prohibited. Anyone found throwing items may be asked to leave the parade immediately and may not be allowed to participate in future parades.

·        Participants on foot may distribute candy or other items by handing them directly to spectators. Please designate these individuals prior to the parade.

·        The consumption of alcohol and illegal substances is prohibited during the parade. Any parade participant suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal substance will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to participate in future parades.

·        Pets are allowed, but must be guided and kept on a leash at all times. You are responsible for the cleanup of your animals in the parade staging area and along the parade route.

·        The parade is a fun and family-friendly community event. Please keep to a positive expression and theme for your entry – including music, language, and decorations.

·        No demonstrating or protesting is allowed by parade participants. The parade is not an appropriate venue for this activity.

·        Parade officials reserve the right to refuse entry and future participation for violation of the above rules.

Liability Waiver

I, the undersigned, understand that completing this application does not guarantee my entry's approval. I agree that if my entry is approved, it will meet all specifications as noted in the 2026 rules and that I will ensure that each member of my group reads and understands the rules associated with this application. I understand that I and my group will not be allowed to participate in this parade or any future parades if we violate the rules and regulations set forth by parade officials. My group is fully responsible for its actions, and it holds the Town of Boone and staff/parade officials harmless from any and all claims for damages, injuries (including death) and property damage arising from our involvement in the 2026 Town of Boone 4th of July Parade. I release the Town of Boone, the Jones House, parade officials, volunteers, and affiliates of the foregoing responsibility for any indemnity.

*A parade official will be in contact by email to confirm your application has been accepted and your entry has been added to the official participant list.