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Chatham Fourth of July News

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025 Chatham Independence Day Parade!

The 2025 Chatham Independence Day Parade winners, as selected by parade judges Jo-Ellen Erickson, Amy Tagliaferri, and Lucy Bates, are:

Overall 1st Place   The Phillips Farm Family

Overall Second Place  Chatham Municipal Airport

Overall Third Place   Muto Construction

Best Family Entry   The Fitzgerald Family

Best Youth Entry   Charlotte and Violet Skinner

Most Patriotic Entry   Pogo Dave

Funniest Entry   Witches on the Water

Best Civic Entry   First Night Chatham

Best Business Entry   Mahi Gold

The Phillips Farm Family name will again be added to the Independence Day Parade trophy, and the other winners will each receive a plaque at the July 22nd Select Board meeting!

The committee would also like to acknowledge the following Honorable Mentions. They were outstanding but only a limited amount of awards are presented

The Chatham Squire and Squire Mobile

Northeast Portable Restrooms

The Magner Family

The Grateful Mug

Chatham Fourth of July News

Announcing the 2025 Parade Judges, Emcees, and National Anthem Singer!

JUDGES

The Judges for the 2025 parade will be:

Jo-Ellen Erickson, who suggested the theme for this year’s parade

Amy Tagliaferri, recently retired from the Cape Cod Chronicle and prominent local personality

Lucy Bates, the valedictorian of the class of 2025 at Monomoy High School. 

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER

We are thrilled that this year’s National Anthem will be sung by Emory Hines

Emcees

We are so pleased to have Sarah Colvin and Joel Goldsmith back to emcee at the judges stand!

Chatham Fourth of July Entrants, Chatham Fourth of July News

2025 Parade Order

Chatham Police
Chatham Veterans
Chatham Veterans’ Auxiliary
USCG STATION CHATHAM
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 013-11-01
Chatham Fire Department (w/ others)
Chatham Town Flag
Chatham Select Board
The Chatham Band
Grand Marshal
1The Phillips Farm Family
2Camp Uncle Randy
3Monomoy yacht club
4Benjamin T. Nickerson, Inc.
5Chatham Athletic Association, Inc.
6Cliff Stalker
7John C Domos Carpentry
8The Hurley Family
9Chatham Fiddle Co. 
10Cape Cod’r | Craft Cocktails
11Stage Harbor Yacht Club
12Barrows Waste Systems, LLC
13Charlotte and Violet Skinner
14Chatham Elementary School
15Friends of Chatham Waterways
16Joe Smith
17The FitzGerald Family
18Chatham Yacht Club
19J Place and the Rockers
20The Moeder Family
21Joshua Ellis
22Depot Dogs
23America’s Boating Club Cape Cod
24Slightly Tuned
25Robert Carleton
26eXp Realty LLC
27Chatham Bars Inn
28The Chatham Squire & Squire Mobile
29Shore Thing Cape Cod
30Chatham Municipal Airport
31Sandy Leith
32Kelley Clemons
33nixon family
34Wayne Reslow
35Digney Fingus
36The Grateful Mug
37BROdenim
38Chatham Orpheum Theater
39Shore Things Environmental
40Witches On the Water
41Redemption Rock
42Duffy Health Center
43Pogodave candy cane car
44Cape Shark
45The Kingfish
46Ken Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree
47HardTop Hotel South Coast and Cape Cod
48Magner Family
49Dave’s Mobile Marine Service
50Chatham Democratic Town Committee
51First Night Chatham
52Summer Sitters
53Boot Camp Chatham
54Milley Trucking
55Muto Construction
56Boy Scout Troop 71
57Jetty Dog
58Chatham Hood Bikes
59Northeast Portable Restrooms
60John Martin Inc
61The Nines Art Gallery
62Chatham Yoga
63Dennis-Yarmouth regional high school marching band & color guard
64Cape Cod Daily Deal
65Mahi Gold
66The Fisher Family
67Monomoy High School Track and Field Team
68Cape Cod Wind and Weather
69Invincible Casuals

Participants: The early Parade Packet pick up dates this year are:

Chatham Police Station

Friday, June 27 5pm-7pm.

Saturday, June 28 10am-12pm

Chatham Fourth of July Parade route

Parade Route

This year, the parade route had been extended by approximately 300 yards and finishes at the intersection of Crowell Road and Lake Street.

Pre-Event Timeline from the Chatham Police Department


7/4/23 2:30 AM Parking restrictions go into effect.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary to Shore Rd. on the south side
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary Seaview St. on the north side
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St. from Tale of the Cod to Shore Rd.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Crowell Rd to Tip Cart
– No Parking – Tow zone – Hitching Post, Tip Cart, Depot Rd.
– After 2:30 am, chairs etc. can be placed on Main St. in the downtown area in the marked streetside parking areas. Anything placed prior to 2:30 am will be removed. The Town is not responsible for anything left on Main St.


7/4/23 7:00 AM Shore Rd. closed, only parade and local traffic allowed.
– Shore Rd. will be made one-way going south at 7:00 AM to allow for parade participants to line up and prepare. Officers will be in place to assist.


7/4/23 8:00 AM Main St. (downtown) from the Rotary to Shore Rd. will be closed to vehicle traffic.

7/4/23 9:00 AM Main St. from the Rotary to Crowell Rd. closes to all traffic
7/4/23 9:30 AM Parade starts

Chatham Fourth of July Entrants, Chatham Fourth of July Web site

Essential entrant information for the 2025 parade

2025 Independence Day Parade
Friday, July 4, 2025
Theme: “Seasons of Chatham”

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Prior to July 4 (application process):  
● Applications must be submitted no later than June 15, 2025 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 24 and appear in the June 24th 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:
● Friday, June 27 5pm-7pm.
● Saturday, June 28 10am-12pm

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, 2025 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 9:30am 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:

  • 1st Place – Overall Best Entry will be recognized by an engraved brass plaque on the Chatham Parade Trophy displayed at Town Hall.
  •  2nd Place Entry
  •  3rd 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!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE 2025 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE! YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!

Chatham Fourth of July News

Announcing the 2025 Grand Marshal!

We are proud to announce one of the esteemed participants in the 2025 Chatham July 4th Parade: 

GRAND MARSHAL

The Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade will be Bette Hahner. 

Bette Hahner, a long-time Chatham resident, will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Independence Day Parade.  The nominations for Bette stood out because of all of the volunteer work she has done for the town, and the way the volunteering she has done coincides with the theme of the parade, “Seasons of Chatham.” Bette is involved with First Night, actively helps with decorating and maintaining the flower boxes and Town parks with the garden club throughout the year and has been involved with floats in the Independence Day parade. In the fall, Bette is also the main designer for Pumpkins in the Park display for the Friends of Eldridge Library. We are excited to celebrate her generous volunteer work!

Chatham Fourth of July Web site

Grand Marshals of the Chatham Independence Day Parade

These fabulous people were chosen to be Grand Marshal of the July 4th parade because of their outstanding commitment to Chatham. The Grand Marshal is designated to take the lead in the processional and in the hosting of festivities. As the Grand Marshal is a position of special honor, the nominee must be a year round or summer resident of Chatham and one who has made significant contributions to our community. (Unfortunately our records are incomplete- please let us know if you know who was the Grand Marshal in the empty years below)

2024 – Karl Fehrle, a long-time Chatham resident, will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Independence Day Parade.  Mr. Fehrle is a US military veteran of WWII and a member of the Chatham Band, where he plays saxophone and is well know for his solos on “Somewhere Over the  Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World”. 

2023 –  John Whelan.  This year’s Grand Marshal truly represents “Historic Chatham”. He has been a resident of Chatham for over 70 years and is described as one of the “keepers of the flame” as he is always
willing to recount stories of Chatham both orally and through his
columns in the Cape Cod Chronicle. John is the author of the
book “I am Chatham” which is about the people who have
contributed to the rich history of Chatham. He has also served on
Chatham’s Finance Committee.
John will be driven in his own Audi Convertible by his brother.

2022 –  Tommy Doane. This year’s Grand Marshal truly embodies the spirit of a “Salty Chathamite”.  Tommy has deep family roots in Chatham and does many things for the town such as serving on the Finance Committee.  He is a friend and supporter to everyone.  He has a deep history and love for Chatham.  It is said about Tommy that he always lends a hand but never takes any credit or glory! Tommy will be driven in the parade along with his wife by his neighbor in his own Jeep!

2021 – After much input from the public, the Independence Day Parade Committee has chosen to collectively honor as Grand Marshals this year all medical workers, first responders, and teachers who worked incredibly hard under the extraordinary circumstances brought on by the pandemic. We would like to have one person from each profession represent their colleagues in the parade and ask for your assistance.

2020 – Virtual Parade due to Covid-19

2019 –  Ivan Bassett, a lifelong resident of Chatham and beloved fixture in the community.  As a signalman in World War II, Mr. Bassett served in every major battle in the Pacific, including Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and won 10 battle stars.  After the war, he returned to Chatham, married and raised a family, and worked for the local fire department and school system. We can’t think of a more perfect individual to represent this year’s parade theme, “Chatham Honors You! Service Members Past, Present, Future.”  

2018 – Hank Hyora

2017 – Spencer Grey

2016 –

2015 – Naomi Turner

2014 –

2013 –

2012 –

2011 –

Chatham Fourth of July News

Announcing the 2025 Chatham Independence Day Parade Theme!

The countdown is on!  

The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the theme for 2025:

“Seasons of Chatham”

The idea for this year’s theme was submitted by Jo-Ellen Erickson, who wanted to highlight Chatham’s year-round joy!

The committee received so many fantastic theme suggestions and it was very difficult to select a theme among the many fabulous ideas! Next year will likely be a very patriotic theme due to the 250th anniversary of the US declaration of independence, which is why the committee chose a theme that would encourage creativity this year! Chatham is a wonderful place every season of the year, so the committee hopes that each float will highlight a beloved season of Chatham!

Parade participants will use the theme for inspiration to design their entries. Entries cannot be judged for prizes if they do not incorporate the theme in their entry! Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of downtown Chatham for this year’s Independence Day Parade on Saturday, the Fourth of July.

Prize categories for float entries are posted online and the entry form will be available in Mid-April. At that time you can go to the committee’s webpage, chathamparade.com, to register online or download the form. Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal will be accepted during the month of March and the decision will be announced in April.

It’s hard to believe that the parade is a little over three months away. By announcing the theme now, we hope prospective entrants will have plenty of time to design their entries. We look forward to yet another year of clever, imaginative, and all-around fun floats.

Chatham Fourth of July News

Now accepting theme suggestions for the 2026 Independence Day Parade

WANTED: 2026 CHATHAM INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE THEME

CHATHAM, MA (January 15, 2026) – Winter blues setting in? The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee (IDPC) has just the cure. It’s time to trade that wool beanie for a thinking cap and help shape history—Chatham style—by proposing a theme for the 2026 Chatham Independence Day Parade!

With just over six months to go, the IDPC is calling on the community to help craft a theme that captures the spirit of Chatham during a truly milestone year. 2026 marks the 250th Birthday of the United States, and while we can’t promise powdered wigs or quill pens, we can promise a parade worthy of the occasion—Chatham style.

For over a century, we’ve marched to the beat of everything from last year’s “Seasons of Chatham” to “Saluting the Stars and Stripes” to “Chatham Goes Hollywood” (spoiler alert: there were no actual movie stars). You can view most of the recent themes in a post on our website, click here!

This could be the year your idea joins that proud lineup—and becomes part of Chatham’s own parade history.

The IDPC will select the winning theme based on its relevance to Chatham, the parade, America’s Semiquincentennial, and the people who make our community special. So dust off those revolutionary ideas and submit your best red-white-and-blue theme suggestion by February 18, 2026. The winner will earn the honor of serving as one of this year’s parade judges.

The committee looks forward to your entries—and to another fabulous parade as Chatham celebrates 250 years of American independence in true hometown fashion.

How to Submit:

  • Submit your theme idea at: www.chathamparade.com by February 18th
  • Include a brief description explaining why your theme will make Chatham’s parade the most talked-about event since… well, last year’s parade!

About the Chatham Independence Day Parade:

The Chatham Independence Day Parade is the longest-running, small-town parade on Cape Cod, drawing crowds for over a century. Each year, our mission is simple: bring the community together, celebrate our country’s birthday, and have a whole lot of fun.

 

For more information on the 2026 Chatham Independence Day Parade please visit www.chathamparade.com

 

All suggestions must be submitted by February 18, 2026

The 2026 Parade Theme Suggestion Form is available here: Theme Suggestion Online Form

The announcement of the parade theme will be made in March. The Parade Committee looks forward to hearing from you!

Chatham Fourth of July News

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Chatham Independence Day Parade!

The 2024 Chatham Independence Day Parade winners, as selected by parade judges Chuck Borkoski, Stuart Smith, and Yu Ying Zou, are:

Overall 1st Place   Phillips Farm Family

Overall Second Place  The Magner Family

Overall Third Place   Witches on the Water

Best Family Entry   The FitzGerald Family

Best Youth Entry   Ken Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree

Most Patriotic Entry   Chatham Bars Inn

Funniest Entry   Chatham Municipal Airport

Best Civic Entry   Chatham Elementary School

Best Business Entry   Exit Merchandise

The Phillips Farm Family name will once again be added to the Independence Day Parade trophy, and the other winners will each receive a plaque at the July 23rd Select Board meeting.