The countdown is on! The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the theme for the 2018 Independence Day Parade – Hooked on Chatham!  

As is the custom, the Committee solicited theme ideas from the public and this year’s theme was suggested by Suzanne Schneeberger, a  regular visitor to Chatham who lives in Connecticut and is looking forward to the parade. The theme represents the idea that many people who live in or visit Chatham become “hooked” on many aspects of life here, and not just the fishing, but the boating, shopping, and dining; its beauty, history, beaches, and any reason that you are “hooked” on Chatham! “Let’s face it, we are all hooked on Chatham!” is how Schneeberger put it.

Parade participants will use the theme for inspiration to design their entries and be creative with why they are “hooked on Chatham.” Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of downtown Chatham for this year’s Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, the Fourth of July. “We announce the theme this early so prospective entrants can start designing their entries. There are a lot of creative people in this town and it’s amazing what they come up with each year,” Chairman Bohannon said. 

Prize categories for float entries will be announced by the end of February and the entry form will be available in early March. You will be able to find the online form and downloadable form on this website starting in March. Forms will also be emailed to previous entrants in hopes of them joining us again.

Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal will be accepted during the month of May and the decision will be announced in June. 

The Chatham Independence Day Committee is looking for additional volunteers to get involved with planning and managing the parade activities. Interested people should contact the committee at [email protected].