About this Event
STEP OFF | 10A
Join Wheaton’s 2025 Independence Day Parade to celebrate with your community!
This year's theme, Stars, Strips & Summer, captures the essence of American pride and community spirit. Be creative, embrace the theme, and design your float with these ideas in mind to commemorate the holiday with a patriotic and fun-filled parade.
All entries will be judged at the viewing stand on Front Street.
Parade route subject to change.
Your entry is contingent upon the receipt of this completed, authorized form, along with your payment. Paper registration is not available.
The parade happens rain or shine! Entry fees are non-refundable.
Registration deadline: June 20, 2025.
Rules for all entries:
- All vehicles must be decorated appropriately for the July 4th holiday.
- All giveaway items must be handed out, not thrown. This includes candy, flyers, necklaces, giveaways, etc.
- All participants must walk with their group or be in a vehicle/tow float. One (1) vehicle or one (1) tow float per entry.
- Floats or vehicles must not be wider than 10 feet, no longer than 40 feet, and no taller than 13 feet from the ground. Floats must be constructed to fit under tree branches, traffic lights, telephone, and electrical wires along the parade route. Floats must be able to make all required turns on the parade route and navigate inside staging areas.
- Water guns or super soakers are not permitted.
- Pets are not allowed in the parade. If you require a service animal or you have an animal-focused entry, please reach out to [email protected] before registering.
- Parade marshals will be present along the parade to ensure safety and to keep the parade moving. You are required to follow their instructions. Please be respectful of these volunteers and the police who will be assisting them.
- The Wheaton Park District is not responsible for any of your entry’s actions.
- Your participation is contingent upon the receipt of your signed entry form and the appropriate payment.
- Please inform all of your participants of these rules. If anyone in your parade entry violates the rules, it will impact your future eligibility to participate in the parade.
- The Wheaton Park District reserves the right for all group placement and lineup in the parade.
Above all else, have a great time and enjoy the parade and the Wheaton community!
Questions? Please contact Kim Prazak at [email protected]
2025 Awards:
- Carlsons' Best of Show | Overall best entry/ float
- Best Musical | Best entry performing music
- Bart Loiacono Most Creative | A creative idea brought to fruition
- Mayor's Best Use of Theme | Demonstrates best use of current parade theme
- Most Pariotic | Entry with displaying the most creatvity using the July 4th theme
New in 2025! Award winners will receive a Wheaton Park District gift card and free entry in the 2026 Parade!
Honorariums are not eligible for awards.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wheaton, United States
USD 80.68 to USD 183.58
