Parade
About the 4thFest Parade
The 4thFest parade begins at 10:00 am on July 4. The 4thFest parade is the area's largest Independence Day parade. The annual parade features marching bands, floats, and loads of excitement!Contact Us
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Minda Hamann
4thFest Parade Committee Chair
Email
4thFest Parade
July 4 at 10:00 am
Connect with 4thFest
Parade Route
Check out the two-mile 4thFest parade route, which begins at the intersection of 9th Street and 22nd Avenue.Where to Watch
- Seating along the route is first come, first served. For safety, always stay behind the curb when watching the parade.
- Seating is not available from the corner of 9th Street and 22nd Avenue north to the GEICO/McGregor's/LIFEchurch driveway (parade entries line up in this section of 22nd Avenue).
Parade Lineup
- The 2018 parade lineup will be available in late June.
Be in the Parade
Entrant Parking
- Park in the Hy-Vee parking lot or a nearby lot.
- Only parade vehicle entries may be in the staging area at GEICO/McGregor’s/LIFEchurch parking area.
- Be in place by 9:00 am in the GEICO/McGregor’s/LIFEchurch parking lot, 2213 2nd Street. The parade starts promptly at 10:00 am.
- Know your number in line. Entry numbers are posted around the staging area. Volunteers will be at the entrances.
- Review the packet sent to registered entrants one week prior to the parade.
- Put your cell phone away. Cell phone use (including talking, texting, or taking photos/video) is prohibited when driving a vehicle, riding an animal, or cycling in the parade.
- All entrants driving a motorized vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
- Watch for children. Be careful when driving the route; kids will want to enter the road.
- Keep the pace. Stay directly behind the entry in front of you and leave at least two car lengths
- Do not stop the parade. Performances must be quick and simple.
- Walk to the crowd at the curb to hand things out. Do not throw candy into the street.
- Never encourage spectators to approach your entry or to enter the street.
- Keep it safe. No open flames. All floats must be secure.
- Do not squirt water at spectators.
- Bring water to stay hydrated; the parade route is over two miles long.
Deadline Is June 1
- Completed applications for all entrants must be received by June 1.
- Parade slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Registered Entrants
Awards will be given in the following categories:
- Like Coralville 4thFest on Facebook for parade tips and information.
- Registered entrants will be contacted with additional information one week prior to the parade.
- All entrants must be in the parking area, 2213 2nd Street, prior to 9:00 am.
Awards will be given in the following categories:
- Best interpretation of theme
- Best walking group
- Most patriotic float
- Grand Marshal's award
Grand Marshals: Senator Bob and Sue Dvorsky
Senator Bob and Sue Dvorsky are long-time Coralville residents and 4thFest supporters. Senator Dvorsky was elected to his seventh term in the Iowa Senate in 2014. Before serving in the Senate, he spent seven years as a State Representative in the Iowa House. Prior to that, Senator Dvorsky served on the Coralville City Council for seven years; currently he serves as the president of the Board of Directors for the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County and on the Community Corrections Improvement Association Board. As a state legislator, Senator Dvorsky has held multiple leadership roles, including chairing the Appropriations Committee for 12 years. He has served as a voice for Coralville in the legislature and was instrumental in the state’s response to natural disasters in 2008.
Sue Dvorsky retired in 2010 after a 34-year career in the Iowa City Community School District. She enjoyed working for the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, as well, and now continues volunteer work with them, the Coralville Community Food Pantry, and tending the flower beds at Coralville's Old Town Hall.
The Dvorskys were the first residents of Coralville’s Old Town, which was redeveloped after the 2008 floods.