Name: 4th of July Parade
Start: 2024-07-04T12:00:00-06:00
End: 2024-07-04T13:00:00-06:00
Location: Downtown Bigfork

Due to the closure of the single lane bridge in Bigfork, this years parade will look a bit different. We ask for your help in ensuring this is a safe and successful event!
If you are attending please take advantage of the free shuttle from Highway 35 and 82. Do not park on Bridge Street and attempt to walk downtown. There is no pedestrian traffic allowed on the bridge.
If you are entering a float, please make sure you understand the changes to line up this year.
Bigfork knows how to throw a party. And when it is our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate. This year we are proud to announce our Grand Marshal: Gretchen Gates of Eva Gates Preservers. In honor of their 75th anniversary the theme for this year’s parade is “Preserving” Bigfork Traditions.
Centerpiece of the celebration is the annual parade through Bigfork which begins at noon. Bring your whole family to view our great parade to celebrate the birth of our country. The 4th of July Parade in Bigfork is a Flathead Valley favorite. There will be food trucks and live music by the Fetveit Brothers in the downtown parking lot starting at 10am and continuing after the parade so head down early.
Parking for the parade will be in the field at the intersection of Highway 35 and 82. From this parking area only, free shuttle service is available to downtown from 8am-5pm. For everyone to have a clear view of the parade, there will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 am on the 4th.
Floats must pre-register. If you are planning on entering a float in the parade, you must pre-register and make sure you understand the float line up procedure. There is a fee for all entries to help cover the costs associated with the parade. Floats will be judged on Entertainment Value, Originality, Craftsmanship, and Interpretation of the Theme, along with a classic car category.
Each year, parade organizers pay extra care to the energy and messages from participants both in and watching the parade. We are asking that all individuals attending the parade in any capacity remember this is a community event – welcoming to all and strictly non-partisan. Please keep this in mind if you are planning to attend or participate in the parade. Any person or float that is deemed by parade organizers as offensive or political will be removed from the event. We are proud of where we live in and excited to invite the Flathead Valley to this non-partisan celebration of America’s birthday. Political candidates are allowed to participate with respectful campaign signage only (name, seat, party) and may not hand out printed information.
The parade begins at noon with members of the military. They will pause in front of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts to present colors while the National Anthem is sung.