Due to unforeseen circumstances and the lack of required support staff, the parade will now kick off at 4:30pm. Be sure to check the new parade route as well. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration hopes that the community understands and will join us in celebrating Americas Independence.
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2025 Theme: America Celebrates Pride Of the Heartland
Everyone loves a parade, whether it’s for the floats, marching bands, or nostalgia of the red, white, and blue. Parade participants and onlookers can look forward to a great parade lineup and viewing under the shade, all along Kirby Avenue, South First Street, and South Fourth Street. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy.
The parade begins at 4:30 PM near 4th& Kirby. It continues North on 4th to Gregory then proceeds West on Gregory to First St and then South on First St. To Kirby Ave. Then East on Kirby Ave Back to 4th St. Parade units turn into NE Lot of the State Farm Center to disperse and exit area at 4th St.
Potty houses will be location throughout the parade route, All the Food Vendors will be in Stadium Terrace.
New Parade Route (2025)
Register
THE PARADE APPLICATION IS NOW LIVE…SIGN UP TODAY!!!
No Candy can be thrown, it must be handed to the recipient, No Water Guns are allowed, If caught throwing candy or spraying water, you will be asked to leave and could result in lost of parade entry for following year! This is a safety rule and City Ordinance to ensure everyone is safe.
The CCFC will not condone protesting during the parade. To Ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees, protests are strictly prohibited at this event. The Safety of participants and viewers is of utmost importance. Protesting individuals will be asked to leave immediately by a member of CCFC and may face future event bans and Law Enforcement actions.
It’s now easier to join in the festivities. The parade application is now online. Pay the registration fee and complete the form in just a few simple steps! Please note that a list of registered participants will be provided to local media organizations covering the parade. Your registration is not confirmed until you have received a confirmation email that will come within 3 business days of submitting. Please direct questions regarding parade application and rules to Marie Polk- Parade Chair. Any questions or concerns contact us at ccfcparade@gmail.com
Deadline
Parade entries need to be postmarked by 6/23, or submitted virtually by 7/3. Parade line-up and staging assignments will be sent out by 6/30 at 5pm. No line-up requests will be accepted. If mailing the entry form, the fee must be included with the application. The Parade Chair has the sole discretion of accepting entries after June 30, 2025.
Parade Line up 2025 (Subject to Change at anytime)
Parade Line up is now Live (Subject to change at anytime)
Fees
Online application requires payment via credit or debit card. If mailing in application, make checks payable to Champaign County Freedom Celebration and include late fee, if applicable. Returned checks will be subject to a $20.00 returned check fee. In Subject line Write Parade Fee.
Political – $100
Business/ For-Profit Organization – $50
Not-For-Profit Organization/ Individual Entry – $30
Veterans ( VFW AMVETS) – $25
