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Springfield's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Celebration at Washington Park
July 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Free
The parade travels through Midtown Historic District, (Springfield's largest nationally registered historic district) and ends at the Historic Washington Park Gazebo, (est.1869),1600 block of North Summit.
The 32nd annual event is open for viewing along parade route parkways for all Springfield citizens. Parade entries include local scouting troops, antique cars & trucks, Seasonal Trains, Victorian Ladies Drill Team, floats, decorated bikes & scooters, etc.
This year’s Grand Marshals are: 1st Lt. Larry Rottman, U.S. Army retired; and his son C.P.O. Eli Redstone, U.S. Navy retired.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Central and Drury Lane; heads west on Central to Benton Avenue; turns right/north on Benton, turns right/east on Calhoun by historic Drury President’s home; turns left/north on Washington Avenue & passes through renovated historic Victorian homes; crosses Division Street; and finally turns right/east on Locust to end at Historic Washington Park where the celebration continues.
The celebration at historic Washington Park follows the parade, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The national anthem kicks off the celebration with members of the Springfield Drury Community Choir. There will be music, free ice cream, and water. Plus, free children’s games! DNA BBQ food truck will offer a special for purchase at the event. Bring lawn chairs, and/or blankets to sit on. Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Best Overall, Best Theme Interpretation (Fantastic 4th!), Best Children’s Float, Best Children’s Marching Unit, Best Adult Float, and Best Adult Marching Unit.
Parade slots are still available at $10 for individuals and organizations, $25 for business entries, and $50 for political entries. Veteran groups may participate for free. If a politician does not want to be in the parade and would like a table at the park (supplied by the politician) the fee is $20. Pets are allowed to ride in/on vehicles only.
