Novato Fourth of July Parade Accepting Entries

Will there be a Fourth of July Parade in Novato this year? The answer is an emphatic YES, and registration for floats and other entries is open now. So is the appeal to residents, businesses, service organizations, schools, and nonprofits for parade-day volunteers.

The all-volunteer nonprofit committee is hosting the parade starting at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, on Grant Avenue. The theme this year is Celebrate Kindness.

In pre-pandemic times, between 10,000 and 20,000 spectators enjoyed the Independence Day celebration between the starting point of Grant & Reichert avenues and the end point of Grant & 7th avenues. The parade route is about seven-tenths of a mile and will include special event vendors and portable toilets at strategic locations. There will be pre-parade entertainment and PA announcers as well.

For the first time, online registration for parade entries is available at novatoparade.com. The parade will feature entries in the categories of: Classic Vehicle; Horse, Animal; Performance; Marching; Non-commercial; and Commercial. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three entries in each category.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties. Teenage students are reminded that community service hours, required for public high school graduation, are available for parade volunteers. Email volunteer@novatoparade.com.

Please do not bring dogs or other pets to the parade unless they are part of a parade entry. Make sure to adhere to special event parking restrictions in the downtown area. Setting up chairs and blankets along the parade route is up to spectator discretion.

Learn more at novatoparade.com.