The Fourth of July Parade is one of the largest events of the summer and a community favorite! Don your red, white, and blue, and help us celebrate Independence Day at this family-friendly event! What a great connection between Main Street and the City of Ames!

Registration for the Fourth of July Parade is LIVE! Please sign up here by May 25 to avoid a late fee.

Parade theme

The 2026 theme is “Happy Birthday, America!” and all entries will be encouraged to join in the spirit of the theme!

Parade judges will be stationed at Tom Evans Park. Each parade entry will be judged on their Patriotic Spirit, Creativity, Community Involvement, Entertainment Value and Overall Presentation. The top entry will win a trophy and a complimentary entry in the 2027 Downtown Ames Fourth of July Parade at the FRONT of the parade (following the Grand Marshall).  You do not need to participate in the judging to be a part of the parade. To view the judging criteria, please follow this link.

Interested in volunteering during the Fourth of July Parade? We would love to have you! Please sign up here! 

Downtown Ames businesses, let us know if you will be open by filling out this form! This registration form is for businesses located in the Downtown Ames Business District. If you do not know if your business is within the district, please contact Travis Toliver at travis@amesalliance.com.

*Downtown Ames often takes photographs & video during our events for use on social media or our website. By attending, you agree that Downtown Ames may use any image of you that might appear in photographs or video taken at a Downtown Ames event.*