Chatham Fourth of July News

2023 Parade Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Chatham Independence Day Parade! Thank you to everyone who participated for making this year’s parade spectacular!

2023 Parade Awards
CategoryWinner
1st OverallPhillips Farm Family
2nd OverallMahi Gold
3rd OverallFitzgerald Family
Best Family EntryMagner Family
Most Patriotic EntryCoastal Cape Youth Baseball
Funniest EntryChatham Orpheum
Best Civic EntryChatham Historical Society
Best Business EntryChatham Bars Inn
Best Youth EntryKen Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree

Chatham Fourth of July News

Parade Day Parking Restrictions and Road Closures

Chatham Independence Day Parade

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 News

Announcing the 2023 Grand Marshal, Judges, and National Anthem Singer

We are proud to announce some of the esteemed participants in the 2023 Chatham July 4th Parade: 

GRAND MARSHAL

The Grand Marshal for the 2023 parade will be 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.

JUDGES

The Judges for the 2023 parade will be:

Peter Cocolis – Peter has been a member of the Planning
Board in Chatham serving as its Chair for many years.
Peter also served on the Select Board for four years,
serving as its chair. He has been the town’s
representative to the Cape Light Compact. He has also
been an active contributor to First Night and the Holy
Redeemer Church.


Lorraine Cocolis – Lorraine has been a chair of the Chatham
Women’s Club. Lorraine has also served on the Parish
Council at the Holy Redeemer Church and has been an
active contributor to First Night.
We felt it was very important to honor the Cocolises
contributions to our town before they head out to
Virginia

By now the tradition of having the Chatham High School and now
Monomoy High School Valedictorian serve as a judge is well
established.
Christie Beckley – This year’s valedictorian is Christie
Beckley. Christie is a resident of Chatham. She will
attend Harvard in the follow to study Biology!

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER

This year’s National Anthem will be sung by Haley Labdon. Haley
has performed at Radio City Music Hall before as well as

participating in the chorus at Nauset Regional High School. Haley
will start her senior year at Nauset in the fall.

Chatham Fourth of July Entrants, Chatham Fourth of July News

2023 Parade Order!

The Order for the 2023 Independence Day Parade has been Set!

Use [Ctrl]+[f] to find your name

Chatham Police Department
Chatham Veterans
Chatham Veterans' Auxiliary
USCG Station Chatham
US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cape Cod Flotilla 11-1
Chatham Fire Department (w/ others)
Chatham Town Flag
Chatham Select Board
Chatham Town Band
Grand Marshal

1 Phillips Farm Family
2 Bob may
3 Thomas Kalil
4 Roger Miller Family
5 Jean Bongiovanni
6 Hoyda Family
7 Kelley family
8 Sandy and Eileen Leith
9 The Mancini Family
10 Rico Salvi, 280 Main Street, Chatham
11 John C. Domos
12 Joseph C. Smith Jr.
13 Andrew J. Kennedy
14 Robert Carleton
15 Joshua Ellis
16 The Fisher Family
17 The Moeder Family
18 Cliff Stalker
19 Andy Hurley
20 Charlie Wallace
21 Elizabeth Michaud
22 Jody Middleton
23 Highland Light Scottish Pipe Band
24 Chatham Historical Society
25 Chatham Athletic Association – Chatham Anglers
26 Wicked wavy swim school
27 Boot Camp Chatham
28 Chatham Garden Club
29 CAPE COD BEACH CHAIR CO
30 Liam Live!
31 Stage Harbor Sailing School
32 RJ’s Beauty
33 DY Marching Band
34 The Beach Fire Shop
35 First Night Chatham
36 FitzGerald Family
37 Summer Sitters
38 Chatham Orpheum Theater
39 Coastal Cape Youth Baseball
40 Rotary Club of Chatham
41 Southern Tide
42 Myoli
43 Yarmouth Minute Men
44 South Chatham Village Association
45 Outermost Harbor Marine
46 Kelleher Family
47 The Magner Family
48 Dogs In The Office
49 MONOMOY YACHT CLUB
50 7 Sisters Florals
51 The Caep
52 Sudbury Bees
53 Squire Mobile
54 The Chatham Squire
55 Chatham Yacht Club
56 Chatham Bars Inn
57 Ken Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree
58 ExitMerch
59 Chatham Cheese Shop
60 Witches On the Water, Inc.
61 Cape Cod’r Craft Cocktails
62 The Black Dog
63 Cape Shark
64 CC Tree and Landscaping
65 Cape Smile
66 Chatham Airport
67 Barrows Waste
68 Chatham Democratic Town Comittee
69 Moments Events Decor
70 America’s Boating Club
71 Chatham Hood Bikes
72 Chatham Thread Works
73 MAHI GOLD
That’s All Folks!

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

Essential entrant information for the 2023 parade

2023 Theme –
“Timeless Chatham: Then, Now & Beyond”

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Requirements for Entry:  
Submit your registration no later than June 15, 2023 by completing the online application form. The link to the form is at the bottom of this page- please read all of the important entrant information!

All Entries will be reviewed by the Independence Day Parade Committee; if an entry does not meet all requirements, participation will be denied.  Everything must be filled out completely for the application to be accepted. Please email any questions to [email protected].

Applications received after the June 15, 2023 deadline may NOT BE ACCEPTED.


Rules for Participation (developed in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department): 

  • Throwing anything to the crowd, including candy and flyers, is strictly prohibited. This creates a potentially dangerous situation with implications for health, safety and injury.
  • 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.
  • Participants must remain grouped within parade boundaries or as directed by the Police or Parade Monitors. If the parade stops, participant groups must remain together. Unauthorized stops along the parade route are not permitted. 
  • It is essential to keep pace throughout the parade for the best experience for spectators and other entrants.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited while in line before the start of and during the parade. 
  • The Parade Committee would like to recommend that entries not use helium balloons. Balloons pose a serious threat to wildlife if they are released. Whales, turtles, seabirds and other animals have all been killed by mistaking balloons for food and swallowing them. Let’s keep Chatham healthy!

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

Logistics of Parade:

  • Entrants’ position number in the parade will be assigned and listed on the Independence Day Parade Committee website in June and in a 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 position number flags at the Chatham Police Department at 249 George Ryder Road on the following days/times:
  • Friday June 30 from 3-7pm
  • Saturday July 1 from 10am-2pm
  • Entrants who are not able to check in during the above times must check in prior to positioning on Shore Road with a Parade Monitor stationed at the Chatham Town Fish Pier by 8:30am on the morning of July 4th. 
  • All entrants must be checked in and in parade position at your numbered staging area on Shore Road no later than the times designated below:
  • Entry #1 through #25 check in between 7:00am – 7:30am
  • Entry #26 through #50 check in between 7:30am – 8:00am
  • Entries #51 and up check in between 8:00am – 8:30am
  • All entrants must be in parade position by 8:30am
  • Position number must be displayed on the LEFT side of the Entry.
  • The parade begins at 9:30am at the intersection of Shore Road and Main Street, and finishes at the intersection of Crowell Road and Tip Cart Road. Please adhere to police instructions for exiting the parade area.
  • For entrants wishing to park at the Monomoy Regional Middle School, a shuttle bus will take you to Shore Road. This shuttle will run starting at 6:30am. The shuttle will run from the end of the parade back to the Monomoy Regional Middle School.

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.

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 (new this year)

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!

All of the 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.

Ready to sign up? Click here:

https://chathamparade.com/chatham-july-4th-parade-entry-submission

Chatham Fourth of July News

2023 PARADE PRIZE CATEGORIES

The July 4 th Parade Committee has announced the prize categories for this year’s float entries.


The categories are as follows:

Overall 1st Place

Overall 2nd Place

Overall 3rd Place

Best Family Entry

Best Youth Entry

Most Patriotic Entry

Funniest entry

Best Civic Entry

Best Business Entry (New this year)

Parade Participant Entries will open on May 15 and the deadline will be June 15. Grand Marshall Nominations will open on May 1 with a deadline of June 1. We cannot wait to see the creative, fun, and “timeless” entries you dream up!

Chatham Fourth of July News

2023 July 4th Parade Theme

The countdown is on!  

The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the theme for 2023:

“Timeless Chatham: Then, Now & Beyond“

The idea for this year’s theme was submitted by Norm Hodge, who wrote:

The Chatham Historical Society is turning 100 this year and our Centennial Committee is working towards Bringing History to Life as well as telling our stories along with educating people about the Atwood Museum, our memories, collections and the history of our special town.

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 will be announced by the end of March and the entry form will be available in Mid-May. 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 May and the decision will be announced in June.

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

2022 Award Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 parade! Your creativity and enthusiasm make this parade what it is!

Here are the 2022 award winners selected by the judges:

Overall 1st Place – Phillips Farm Family
Overall 2nd Place – Monomoy Yacht Club
Overall 3rd Place – Chatham Bars Inn

Best Family Entry – The Fitzgerald Family
Best Youth Entry – EXITMERCH
Most Patriotic – Kenny Owens Memorial Cup
Best Civic Entry – Rotary Club of Chatham
Most Funny Entry – Depot Dogs
Best Use of Technology – Cape Cod Power Squadron
Most Environmentally Friendly – Stage Harbor Yacht Club

The awards will be presented at the July 12th Select Board meeting.

Chatham Fourth of July News

2022 Grand Marshal, Judges, & Singer Announcement

We are proud to announce some of the esteemed participants in the 2022 Chatham July 4th Parade: 

GRAND MARSHAL

The Grand Marshal for the 2022 parade will be 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!

JUDGES

The Judges for the 2022 parade will be:

  • Ginny Nickerson – Ginny will be returning as our “Lead Judge this year.  Ginny is a 12th generation “Chathamite” and past president of the Historical Society. It was said that “If there was a Ms Chatham, Ginny would be a hands down winner of the title.”

As you all know it is tradition for the Monomoy Regional High School Valedictorian to be asked to be a judge for the parade.  Well this year we had a remarkable occurrence at Monomoy.  Twin sisters were named Valedictorian and Salutatorian.  So we asked them both to serve as judges.

  • Nicole Peterson – Nicole was the valedictorian of the class of 2022 at Monomoy High School.  She will be studying Neuroscience at Harvard in the fall and hopes to become a doctor.
  • Victoria Peterson – Victoria was the salutatorian of the class of 2022 at Monomoy High School.  She will attend Cornell in the fall where she will study Business and Hotel Administration.

Both are lifelong Chatham residents.

NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER

This year’s National Anthem will be sung by Will Mulholland.  Will is a Chatham Resident and served as the Class of 2022 President at Nauset Regional High School.  Will is going to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall.