Parade Entry Application
Join us for the 2026 Ridgefield Independence Day Parade. Theme: America 250!
How to Apply
- 1
Download the Application
Download the official 2026 Parade Application PDF. Print it, fill it out completely, and sign it.
- 2
Include All Information
Provide your group name, leader's contact info, number of participants/animals/vehicles, total bumper-to-bumper length (most important!), and a description for the parade announcer (40 words max).
- 3
Make Your Check Payable to RFOJ
Entry fee is $40.00 for private and commercial entries up to 100 feet. Make your check or money order payable to RFOJ (Ridgefield 4th of July Committee).
- 4
Mail Before June 26, 2026
Mail your completed, signed application along with payment to the Parade Committee. Applications must be received by Friday, June 26, 2026.
Mail Application To:
Parade CommitteeP.O. Box 896
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Entry Details
2026 Theme
America 250!
Celebrating 250 years of American independence. Entries are encouraged to reflect this milestone theme!
Parade Categories
- 🎪 Floats
Commercial, non-commercial, clubs, and youth organizations (2 walkers mandatory)
- 🥁 Bands
Marching and/or riding bands
- 💃 Teams
Drill teams, dance teams, honor guards, marching units, athletic teams
- 🐴 Animals
Any size or kind, ridden or on leads. Pooper scooper mandatory. Limit 8 horses per entry.
- 🚗 Vehicles
Antiques, car clubs, motorized equipment
Awards & Judging
- Best Commercial Entry
- Best Non-Commercial Entry
- Best Youth Entry
- Grand Marshal Award
- Mayor's Choice Award
- 3 Honorable Mentions
Judging begins at 9:30 AM. Entries must be staged before 9:30 AM to be eligible.
Parade Route & Staging Map
Check-in is on 5th Ave at Abrams Park from 7:30–9:30 AM. Entries come in from west on Pioneer, turning right on 5th Ave. Do not access staging from Main Ave.
Parade Rules & Regulations
Strict No-Handout Policy
Per request of parade spectators, there is a zero-tolerance "no throw, no handout" policy. This applies to all entries without exception: no candy, promotional materials, flyers, or merchandise may be handed out or thrown. Items will be confiscated at the start of the parade route.
Channel that energy into making your float, performance, or costume the most memorable part of the event!
General
- Open to all, subject to Parade Committee approval
- Safety precautions and polite behavior required at all times
- Failure to comply with rules results in expulsion
- Positions are assigned; all participants must keep to their assigned position
- Maintain parade spacing; do not slow down the parade
- Large entries (tow trucks, buses, etc.) must have a safety walker on all four corners
- Entries limited to 100 feet or less (10 vehicles max)
Check-in & Staging
- Parade line-up begins at 7:30 AM in Abrams Park
- Check-in: 5th Ave between 7:30–9:00 AM
- Check-in closes at 9:30 AM
- Entries must come in from west on Pioneer, turn right on 5th Ave
- No access to staging from Main Ave
- Obey all staging crew directions and Parade Marshals
Animals
- Dogs and small pets must be on a leash and fully controlled
- Owners responsible for animal safety, comfort, water, and sanitation
- All horse group entrants must provide their own pooper scooper
- Limit of 8 horses per entry
- Horse trailer parking: 8th Ave Nazarene Church parking lot
- Anticipate hot weather and plan accordingly for your animals
Disbanding
- Parade ends at the corner of Pioneer and 8th
- Floats/vehicles: Turn right at 8th and Pioneer, park behind Nazarene Church to disembark
- Do not stop in the road to let people off
- Out-of-town entries: Continue on Pioneer back to I-5
- Help maintain litter control at formation and disband areas
- Restrooms available at staging area
Any and all individuals or organized groups who enter this parade do so fully at their own risk. The City of Ridgefield, its agents, or any of the event's sponsors and volunteers are not liable in any way for injury or damages. Rev. 3/2/2026
Questions?
Contact our Parade Director for details about entry requirements, sizing, or special accommodations.
parade@ridgefield4th.org