Parade Volunteers Extraordinaires

Thank you for your help! We really appreciate it. Please mark your calendar and attend the Wednesday July 1st 7 pm organization meeting at the Chatham Community Center in the Conference Room.

The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is deeply honored to announce that Sgt. John Zippo, U.S. Army, Ret., Chatham’s oldest Veteran, will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Independence Day Parade. At 102 years young, the South Chatham resident is Chatham’s oldest living veteran, embodying the very definition of patriotism, resilience, and hometown devotion.

This year’s parade theme, “Anchored in Freedom: Timeless Tides & Traditions” finds its perfect representation in Sgt. Zippo. His life is a testament to the extraordinary tradition of service—both to his country on the world stage and to his family right here on the Cape. Serving with the Army’s legendary First Infantry Division in Germany during World War II, Sgt. Zippo’s military service took a historic turn when, instead of being sent home, he was assigned as a guard for the Nuremberg trials. In that role, he famously stood watch over the imprisoned architects of the Third Reich.

Yet, for all his historic military exploits, John often notes that his survival in the war was a blessing meant for a higher purpose closer to home. After returning from Europe, John made a life for his family and eventually came to Chatham and became a fiercely dedicated caregiver to his special-needs son—a role he fulfilled with the same quiet strength and loyalty he gave to his country.

“Sgt. John Zippo represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said the Parade Committee. “His bravery in uniform is matched only by his kindness as a neighbor and his devotion as a father. We are profoundly humbled to have him lead our parade.”

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Sgt. John Zippo for his lifetime of service, sacrifice, and love for our community.

PACKET PICK UP:

Friday June 26th from 4 pm – 6 pm

Saturday June 27th from 9 am – 1 pm

Please make every effort to pick up your packet during one of these times. If you cannot, you must check in with a Parade Monitor stationed at the Chatham Town Fish Pier by 8:30am prior to positioning on Shore Road on the morning of July 4th. 

EARLY PACKET PICK UP:

Friday June 26th from 4 pm – 6 pm

Saturday June 27th from 9 am – 1 pm

Please make every effort to pick up your packet during one of these times.

A Historic Year Called For a Historic Theme: Chatham’s 250th Starts Now!

The Fourth of July and the nation’s Semiquincentennial are just about four months away, and Chatham is officially ready to celebrate 250 years of independence, ingenuity, and unmistakable hometown pride. After reviewing a truly impressive collection of creative and thoughtful submissions, the Independence Day Parade Committee is thrilled to announce the official theme for our Semiquincentennial Independence Day Parade!

“Anchored in Freedom: Timeless Tides & Traditions”

Submitted by Jennifer Patterson

Of all the strong entries that beautifully tied Chatham’s rich heritage with this once-in-a-lifetime national milestone, this one truly rose to the top. As noted by winning submitter, Jennifer Patterson, the theme “celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence while honoring the coastal heritage, enduring values, and guided by timeless tides and traditions that continue to shape our town today.” It perfectly captures both the patriotic spirit of the 250th anniversary while reflecting the unique coastal soul, traditions, and community pride that makes Chatham uniquely 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 MARCH 25th. At that time you can go to the committee’s webpage, chathamparade.com, to register online.

Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal will be open April 15th and the decision will be announced in May.

We cannot wait to see how this theme comes to life in this year’s parade as we kick off a historic celebration.

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