Wheaton Independence Day Celebration 2026 Parade Entry

STEP OFF | 10A

Join Wheaton’s 2026 Independence Day Parade and honor our country's independence! The July 4 holiday exemplifies our country's independence. It is a day to remember the aspirations our past leaders set for themselves and for future generations. This year's theme, Reach for the Stars, demonstrates the strong values, passion, ambitions, and hard work that go into supporting our great nation.

Capture the spirit of this year’s theme Reach for the Stars. Be creative, be inspired, and design your float with these ideas in mind and together we will commemorate the holiday with a parade that honors the essence of 4th of July.

For your entry, display your patriotic spirit and show how the theme most resonates with you this year, perhaps a celebration of a new business, honoring our nations freedom, or simply celebrating our “town”. 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.

Rules for all entries:

All vehicles must be decorated appropriately for the July 4th holiday.

Passing out of items including but not limited to candy, flyers, giveaways, must be handed out and not thrown.

All participants must walk with their group or be in a vehicle/tow float. One (1) vehicle or (1) tow float per entry.

Floats or vehicles should be no wider than ten feet, no longer than forty feet, and no taller than 13 feet from the ground. However, the float should be constructed so it can fit under tree branches, traffic lights, telephone, and electrical wires along the parade route and in a way that it is able to make all required turns on the parade route, as well as 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. These rules have been based on community feedback. It is strongly suggested that your entry follow the spirit of these rules and not try to work around them in order to be fair to all entries. If your entry pushes the limits of these rules, your constituents will assume that the rules have been broken.

Above all else, have a great time and enjoy the parade. The Wheaton Park District reserves the right for all group placement and lineup in the parade. Our intent is for participants and spectators alike to have fun and enjoy the event!

2026 Awards:

Most Patriotic | Symbolizes America and the Fourth of July

Best Youth Group | Best entry from participants under 16 yrs. old

Best Nonprofit (includes churches) | Best entry from a nonprofit organization

Best Neighborhood | Best entry by a Wheaton neighborhood

Carlsons' Best of Show | Overall best entry/ float

Mayor’s Spirit | Best representation of Wheaton

Best Musical | Best entry performing music

Bart Loiacono Most Creative | A creative idea brought to fruition

Best Use of Theme | Demonstrates best use of current parade theme

Go Green | Best use of recycled or repurposed materials

Best Political | A political entry that entertains or is patriotic

Honorariums are not eligible for awards.

The parade happens rain or shine! Entry fees are non-refundable. Registration deadline: June 26, 2026.

Questions? Please contact Kim Prazak at [email protected]

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