How do I register?
All participants in the parade must register. If you don't register in advance, you will need register onsite and agree to the code of conduct. Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gnKaNVvEhPIKqsD5ztdGQFFc5nmy9TkqHtxHYNXcd6o/edit
How do I get to the parade start?
The line-up starts at 10:00am on Whitehaven Parkway. If using GPS, use 4700 Whitehaven Parkway, NW. You MUST enter Whitehaven from Foxhall Road. You should arrive no earlier than 10:00am and you can continue to arrive until the entire line has left, which is usually around 11:35am. When you arrive, check in with an orange-vested Marshal.
Can I park on Whitehaven if I’m marching in the parade?
NO! Sorry … . It is sort of a mic drop answer though. There is garage parking off Whitehaven which has signage and the Marshals can help you, but please keep your vehicle off of Whitehaven unless it is going to be part of the parade!
How do I drop people off at the line-up?
Walking/biking/scooter parties can be dropped off quickly at the top of Whitehaven at Foxhall, and they can walk down to meet their party, or you can drop them off at the intersection of Reservoir and MacArthur Blvd (use 4759 Reservoir Rd for your GPS) and they can walk up Whitehaven. Be aware that MPD will be closing MacArthur Blvd between Fire House 29 and Arizona Ave. well before the parade. There are no exceptions to this road closure. You may NOT drive down Whitehaven, drop off, and continue on (or drive back up) — absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS.
Whoa, this line-up is a ZOO — Who is in charge??
The line-up is an absolute bundle of bursting celebration, music, joy, and FUN! But, it can seem a bit chaotic to a first timer. Don’t worry, it’s all going to be great, the Marshals have it covered. Look for an orange-vested Marshal. Those gurus will turn you into a parade pro in no time. Be nice to them — it’s hot and they are volunteers and have been there longer than you.
When do the streets close for the parade?
This will be a parade day decision by MPD, and we all respect and appreciate MPD’s commitment to safety! (Last year it was around 9:00am, but you didn’t hear that from us and don’t hold us to it.)
I want to be first in line (or at least right at the very front) because I have to be somewhere right after the parade. What should I do?
Uh Oh … EVERYONE wants to be at the front! Here’s something that will make perfect sense as soon as you read it. If we don’t space out the music, dancers, politicians, kids, floats, cool cars, etc., and mix things up a bit, then it will be a very boring parade. And while everyone wants to be at the front, NO ONE wants a boring parade! So, please listen to the Marshals and follow their instructions. They know what they are doing and you are going to have a blast no matter what. Just think about all the cheering fans while you wait for your turn!!!
What are the Parade RULES?
This is a serious question and hence has a serious answer. Please read.
Participants recognize the community and small-town nature of the Parade and by participating in the Parade agree that it is neither the time nor place for protests, to represent political opinions on sensitive and controversial topics, or to express hate or vitriol of any kind.
In this regard, the PCA will not tolerate any advocacy, display, or distribution of any kind or in any form of hateful or derisive speech, discourse, rhetoric, material or sentiment that attacks, threatens, insults, or degrades a group or individual based on attributes like race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability (“hateful speech”). This includes, without limitation, anti-semantic or anti-Islamic hateful speech.
The PCA, in its sole discretion and judgement, reserves the right to review and approve all applications to participate in the 4th of July Parade and to exclude participation. Should any participant's behavior be deemed inappropriate and counter to the guidelines set forth above, such applicant will not be permitted to participate or shall be asked to immediately leave the parade.
What should I do in the parade?
There are so many ways to participate! You can bike, scooter, walk, make a float out of a wagon, or go all in with a full blown parade float! You can even gather neighbors to celebrate your street! We encourage walking, biking, or scootering alongside your main vehicle. Get creative. Make a float! Make it fun and interesting!! Play music! Last resort, Captain Internet has LOTS of ideas. The Captain is always eager to give you ideas 24/7!
I don’t know if my child can handle being in line for an hour and then marching without going potty. What do I do?
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church very kindly makes their bathrooms available to those waiting in line. We appreciate this very much and ask everyone to treat the church building with respect.
Can I throw candy or toys to the spectators?
YES!! You are permitted to throw candy or little toys as long as they are reaching spectators and not landing in the street. Children will run into the street to get them, which is dangerous, and we are all about low danger, very very low.
Will water be provided for the marchers?
NO! Please bring water for your entire group — it is always hot.
What is the route for this wacky homespun parade?
The parade starts at the intersection of Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur Blvd at 11:00am sharp. The parade turns right onto MacArthur, continues past Dana Place, then takes a left on Edmunds, a left on Sherier, and ends at the Palisades Rec Center.
So ... I just stop and leave my car at the park at the end??? That doesn’t sound right.
That is NOT RIGHT! Please continue on, following (and obeying) the cones blocking the first side streets and KEEP GOING all the way until you can’t go any further. There will be signs instructing you on what to do to make life easier for everyone else. I personally have $5 on one of you trying to turn up one of the side streets in an effort to be a “genius” and get out early. Spoiler alert … while you may feel clever, you will sit there and wait. Longer than you would have had you followed the rules. And the only possible bright side is that you may be too far away to hear the horns of the cars that you have totally put in a bad spot because you were so brilliant.
Now that I’ve had my rant. Here is the logic. The parade must have space to clear the route or else MacArthur Blvd can’t re-open. We’ve spent a good bit of time solving this problem and we can assure you that if you FOLLOW THE SIGNS, you will be in great shape and will exit as quickly as possible.
If you abandon your car while it’s sitting in the middle of the street, I’m going to take it and give it to my teenage son. Fair is fair. 🙂
I can’t believe I’m hungry in all this heat! Where should I go?
Come to the biggest, greatest picnic of the year at Palisades Park! The picnic starts at 12:00pm, immediately following the parade, and is FREE to all! The PCA sponsors the picnic and the Masons will be serving hot dogs, the Lions will be serving refreshing lemonade, and we’ll have delicious watermelon, live music, moon bounces, a dunk tank, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and face painting. Come one, come all!!
Wow ... this celebration sounds amazing, is there anything I can do to help?
Yes! You can volunteer!
There are multiple options for volunteering.
- Selling T-shirts: If you would like to join many of your neighbors who volunteer to sell t-shirts in June, please email Maria Garcia.
- Picnic Set Up and Clean Up: On July 4 itself, we need people to set up at the Park at 8:30am and help clean up at 2:00pm.
- Parade Marshals: During the parade, we need individuals to monitor each block and help keep the parade flowing and the kids out of the street. This is a coordinated effort and you should reach out if you think you can do this!
If you are interested in volunteering for picnic help or as a parade marshal, please email Jessica Davis.
