We are excited to announce that we are returning all events and going back to original start times for morning festivities. We’d love to have you join us this year. Please use the parade entry form below to register today!
2026 Grand Marshal: Champaign County History Museum.
Check out the articles below about the 2026 Grand Marshal
https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org
2026 Theme: America Celebrates 250 Years
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 11:05 AM in E-14 at First St and Kirby Ave. It continues east on Kirby Ave/Florida Ave to Lincoln Ave, then proceeds north on Lincoln Ave to Illinois St ending at the ISR parking lot.
Potty houses will be located throughout the parade route along with several food vendors including Kona Ice, Travlin’ Toms Coffee and Burrito King.
Parade Route
Register
It’s now easier to join in the festivities. The parade application is now online. Complete the form and pay the registration fee in just a few simple steps! Please note that a compete list of registered entries will be provided to local media organizations covering the parade. After completing the form you will receive a final entry confirmation . Further details and parade line-up positioning will be shared directly to the primary contact included on the entry form as we get closer to the 4th. Please direct questions regarding parade application and rules to Marie Polk – Parade Chair at ccfcparade@gmail.com.
Deadline
Mailed parade entries must be postmarked by 6/23, or submitted online by 7/3. Parade line-up and staging assignments will be sent out by Thursday, July 2nd by 12:30 p.m. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept line-up requests. 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, 2026.
Parade Line-up 2026 (Subject to Change)
Fees
Online application requires payment via credit or debit card. If mailing in application, make checks payable to Champaign County Freedom Celebration, Write Parade Fee on the memo line and include late fee, if applicable. Returned checks will be subject to a $20.00 returned check fee.
Political – $100
Business/ For-Profit Organization – $50
Not-For-Profit Organization/ Individual Entry – $30
Veterans ( VFW AMVETS) – $20