National Independence Day Parade

America's National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP's, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America's birthday!

The parade travels on Constitution Avenue along the National Mall from 7th to 17th Street. The parade is co-hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, which is under contract to the National Park Service. Also involved is Music Celebrations International which has selected and provided arrangements for bands marching in the National Independence Day Parade for many years.

The National Selection Committee's goal is for the parade to include representation from all parts of the United States. Marching bands interested to participate must submit a recording, photos and biographical information detailing experience and honors such as past adjudication results or festival ratings. Marching bands are selected on the basis of overall quality and geographical, ethnic and stylistic diversity.

Many participants and band directors have enjoyed experiencing the patriotism, inspiration and spectacle of July 4th in the nation's capital. It's a place and time where people put aside differences and unite to celebrate the birth of this country and the freedoms it preserves.