2026 Independence Day Parade
Friday, July 4, 2026
Theme: “Anchored in Freedom: Timeless Tides & Traditions.”

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Prior to July 4 (application process):  
● Applications must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026 by visiting our website at www.chathamparade.com and completing the online application form.
● Applications will be reviewed by the Parade Committee and an email confirmation will be sent to all applicants by June 20.
● Email any questions to chathamparade@gmail.com.
● An entrants’ position number in the parade will be assigned and listed on the Independence Day Parade Committee website (www.chathamparade.com) after June 15 and appear in the late June issue of the Cape Cod Chronicle. (Entry registration dates do not factor into planning the parade order.)
● Prior to parade day, entrants are strongly encouraged to check-in and pick up their parade packs at the Chatham Police Department at 249 George Ryder Road on the following days/times:
● TBD
● TBD

The link to the form is at the bottom of this page- please read all of the important entrant information!

Entry form must be filled out completely for the application to be accepted. Please email any questions to chathamparade@gmail.com.

Applications received after the June 15, 2026 deadline may NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Rules for Participation developed in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department

Not following these rules will jeopardize your participation in future parades 

• Throwing or passing ANY item from a car/truck/trailer to the crowd, (including candy, frisbees, beachballs or flyers) is strictly prohibited. This creates a serious safety hazard for both participants and spectators alike! Handing (not throwing) small items such as small candy and small toys by walkers on the edge of the parade route is acceptable.

• No float apparatus or act can exceed 14 feet in height from street level and width must not exceed 8 feet.
• All Entries and displays must be free from images reflecting cruelty, denigration or abuse to persons or groups, because of race, creed, gender or economic status.
• Emergency vehicles must be given the right of way at all times.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited while in line before the start of and during the parade. 
• The use of helium balloons is discouraged as they pose a serious threat to wildlife in the area.
• Do not stop to disembark participants after you cross the finish line! Follow police and parade marshals’ instructions for exiting the parade after reaching the finish line. Please Do Not Stop At The Finish Line. The finish line has been moved to Lake St for this year’s parade.

These rules are for the safety of everyone. Not following them will jeopardize your participation in future parades.

This Year’s Parade Route

Parade Day Logistics:

• The parade begins at 9:00am at the intersection of Shore Road and Main Street.
• Entrants must be in parade position at the Shore Road staging area no later than 8:30am.

• For entrants wishing to park at the Monomoy Regional Middle School, shuttle buses will take you to Shore Road. This shuttle will run between 6:30am and 9:00am.
• Entrants who were not able to check-in and receive their parade packs prior to July 4 must check-in on the morning of July 4 th with a Parade Marshal stationed on Shore Road near the Chatham Town Fish Pier from 7:00am to 8:00am.
• Parade packs include the entrant’s position number which is needed for positioning at the staging area on Shore Road.
• The 8 ½” by 11” cards that identify your position number must be displayed on the LEFT side of your entry’s vehicle.
• In prior years, parade viewers have commented that they are interested in knowing the type of antique cars exhibited by some of our entrants. This year, we ask that antique car entrants put signage on either side of their cars, identifying the make, model and year of their car.
• It is essential to keep pace throughout the parade. Drivers should be instructed to stay within 3 car lengths of the vehicle they are following.
• Participants must remain grouped within parade boundaries or as directed by the Police or Parade Marshals. If the parade stops, participant groups must remain together. Unauthorized stops along the parade route are not permitted.
• This year, the parade route has been extended by approximately 300 yards, now finishing at the intersection of Crowell Road and Lake Street. Please do not stop and disembark participants before the finish line! Adhere to police and parade marshals’ instructions for exiting the parade area after reaching the finish line.

Parade Judging:

• To qualify for an award, the Entry must be consistent with the parade theme.
• All awards are determined solely at the discretion of the Judges.
• Entries are viewed by Judges along the parade route. The Judges’ reviewing stand is located on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church at the intersection of Main Street and Cross Street. Please do not stop here and delay the parade.
• Your Entry may win more than one award.
• All category award winners will receive a custom-designed engraved plaque which will be presented at an awards ceremony during a Select Board meeting later in July.

Parade Award Categories:

• 1^st Place – Overall Best Entry will be recognized by an engraved brass plaque on the Chatham Parade Trophy displayed at Town Hall.
•  2^nd Place Entry
•  3^rd Place Entry
• Best Youth Entry (participants under
  18 years old)
• Most Patriotic Entry
• Funniest Entry
• Best Family Entry
• Best Civic Entry
• Best Business Entry

When planning your entry, please keep in mind that the theme must be incorporated in a way the judges can see and understand in order to be eligible for prizes!

REGISTER HERE

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE! YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!