PARADE PARTICIPATION

For more than 240 years, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade has brought the community together for one of the nation’s oldest Independence Day celebrations. Now nationally renowned, the celebration attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year and features bands, drum corps, floats, community organizations, and more as participants from across the country -- making the parade a true nationwide event.

We look forward to welcoming both longtime supporters and first-time participants to the Line of March as we continue this proud tradition of excellence and pageantry and celebrate the Anniversary of American Independence.

If you’re interested in joining this year’s celebration, find everything you need to know about participating below.

Ways to Participate

Marching Bands

The Band Chairman for the 4th of July parade is Alan Palumbo. To participate, please complete the application below.

Parade Vendors

The Vending Chairman for the 4th of July parade is Chuck MacDonough. To participate, please complete the application below.

Banner Carriers

To be a banner carrier, please click here to email Heidi Vermilyea and fill out the Banner Carrier Waiver of Liability below.

Floats

Any organization interested in entering a float in the parade is encouraged to review the Parade Float Application Package, which can be found below, for complete information on the application process, requirements, and submission guidelines.

Note on Floats: Incomplete applications and applications postmarked after May 1st may not be accepted, so we ask that you please plan accordingly. All applications will be acknowledged, and acceptance will be made based upon your application and design.

In addition to participating in the parade, float entries will compete in the Bristol Fourth of July Parade Float Competition, which recognizes outstanding floats in the following categories:

Most Patriotic
Most Beautiful
Most Original
Top Military Honors
Best in the Parade

Important Parade Information for Participants

ALL parade participants MUST fill out a Parade Waiver of Liability, which can be found below.

Parade Formation: Mt Hope High School, 199 Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Participation Report Time: No later than 9:00 a.m.

Parade Start Time: Parade steps off at 10:30 AM

Before You Arrive: Participating parade acts will receive an information packet with important parade-day details, including your assigned position in the parade. The packet will include information on your designated gathering area -- either Colt State Park or Mt. Hope High School. Upon arrival, please follow directions from parade staff regarding parking and staging. When you arrive, look for your division banner on the poles lining Chestnut Street. Report to your Division Coordinator, who will direct you to your proper placement in the parade.

Notes:

Parking lots fill quickly, and some participants may need to park off-site and take a shuttle back to the parade area. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for parking and transportation delays.
There is no stopping for TV cameras or interviews during the parade.
At the end of the parade, we want all marchers to visit our cooling station at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, located at the first driveway on the right, passed the northeast corner of State Street and High Street.
Buses are available for a return trip to the Mt Hope High School lot at the corner of Bradford and High Street.
Throughout the day, if you have any questions or concerns, please find a 4th of July Committee Member wearing a Parade Staff Shirt (blue).