2026 Downtown Ames Fourth of July Parade
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 Ronnie Olson at ronnie@amesalliance.com.
Parade Map
Food Trucks
Downtown Ames businesses are open during the parade, but are you looking for a quick bite to eat? Check out the Food Trucks located on Burnett between Main and 5th!
- Ames Superdog
- Cle’s
- Kona Ice of Central Iowa
- Mama Glow & Sippin Pretty
- The Outside Scoop
2026 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals: President David Cook & Dr. Katie Cook!
Parade Lineup
- Police Lead
- Ames American Legion Riders Post #37
- Ames American Legion Colorguard Post #37
- Grand Marshal – President & Dr. Cook
- Bold Dance by Peach
- Ames Fire Department – Apparatus 1
- Ames Fire Department – Apparatus 2
- Ames Public Library Bookmobile
- Ames Water and Pollution Control – Truck and Trailer
- Ames Water and Pollution Control
- Ames Electric Services Bucket Truck
- CyRide Bus
- City of Ames Electric Car
- Marine Corps League
- ARCH and HOST
- Ames Municipal Band
- Ames History Museum
- MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union
- Magic Matt’s Cleaning
- Poo Fighters
- Cyclone Corvettes
- Schonert’s Corporate Catering
- Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar
- Connect Chiropractic
- Treats on a Leash
- Creative Counseling Services
- B-Bop’s
- Melinda Green (Green Counseling Service)
- Robert Thomas Dancenter
- Ames Professional Firefighters Local 625
- Bus Guys LLC
- Ames High Drumline
- Family Healing Chiropractic
- Ames Scouting
- Ames Hy-Vee
- Cancer Warrior Truck
- Papa Murphy’s
- Do It Again Tours, Rides, & Entertainment
- Wheatsfield Co-op
- Ames Roller Derby Association
- The Salon in Ames
- Story County Democrats
- Revline Automotive
- Ames Figure Skating Club
- Senior Variety Show
- Northridge Village & Maggie’s Place
- Brekke’s Town & Country Store
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Beeline Heating and Cooling
- Heartland Baptist
- Ames Park & Rec Taekwondo
- Evoleht Koch
- Roofing Innovations
- Nesset for Supervisor
- Ames Youth Football
- Accura Healthcare of Ames
- Mary Jane’s
- Independence Village
- FRC Team Neutrino & FTC Team Photon
- North Grand Christian Church – Kid’s Camp
- Reform Total Fix and Finish
- Ames Climate Action Team
- Distinctive Landscapes
- Astra Security
- OnTrack Overhead Doors
- Mort’s Water Company
- Habhab’s Towing & Auto Truck Repair & Used Cars
- Teen Miss Ames – Adison Burke
- State Center Rose Festival Rose Royalty
- Elite Power Tumbling & Trampoline
- Elmquist Towing
- KHOI Community Radio
- Ames Elks
- Jeff Staton for Story County Supervisor
*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.*