AMERICA’S 250th!
4th OF JULY 2026
PARADE RULES & INFORMATION
(Bring this sheet with you on parade day.) www.fourthofjulylancaster.com
- This year’s parade will leave promptly at 10:00 a.m. on SATURDAY, July 4th, from the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. All units MUST be in place and ready to roll at that time.
- Please allow plenty of time to get your entry/ float and all participants ready. It is strongly suggested to arrive at least 45 minutes before parade time if you have a simple entry. Larger entries should arrive at least an hour early or more. All entries MUST be pre-registered. Those with horses/animals should plan as they see fit.
- NO NON-PARADE VEHICLES allowed in the parade staging area – there is parking designated for that purpose. Please share this detail with entrants.
- You will be pre-assigned a specific place in the parade. That information will be emailed to the address you provided on the Registration Form. On July 4th, please come in the Broad Street entrance of the Fairgrounds and follow the directions of parade helpers who will help direct you to your pre-assigned spot. Then, go directly to your assigned spot!!
- Be sure to fill out and return the Registration Form by Friday, June 21 to P.O. Box 2548, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or scan/email to Dave Smith at dssmith771@gmail.com.
- For weather delays or cancellations, please listen to the local radio stations for updates, or our website.
- The Rules are pretty self-explanatory, but should there be any questions prior to the day of the Parade, please text Parade Chairman Brad Mason at 740-603-2004.
Specific Rules:
- Do NOT throw any items, objects, or candy from a vehicle or float. Items to be given away, must be HANDED to the crowd by walkers off to the side (near the curb). There is to be no distribution from live animals.
- NO children may ride in the back of an open pickup truck. Please refer to the Float Manual/ Safety Section (Available on our website: www.fourthofjulylancaster.com or by written request to LFC 4th of July Committee). Keep your riders and parade float drivers safe, build stanchions (upright structural support, brace) for your riders. We recommend seatbelts for children who ride in the parade. Make sure your driver can see all riders and have clear visibility. Have adult spotters/walkers on the sides, supervise all children, keep everyone together with your entry and maintain a safe distance from all moving vehicles and floats/trailers.
- Children on bicycles under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants on bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, etc. MUST wear a helmet and proper safety equipment. For information, recommendations, or assistance on safety equipment, please contact Fairfield County Childhood Injury Prevention Program at 108 W. Main Street, Suite B, Lancaster, Ohio, 740-475-0405.
- All motorized vehicles must be operated by licensed/insured drivers.
- NO squirt guns, bubble guns or anything firing projectiles allowed.
- We encourage and welcome registered businesses/entries to advertise and promote their products/establishments; however, selling along the parade route is prohibited.
- Please keep the parade moving and keep close to the entry in front of you. Don’t leave any gaps. This creates a traffic concern at intersections.
- On returning to the Fairgrounds, continue to move back to the original assembly area so that the rest of the parade can get off the streets.
Thank you! Enjoy the parade!!