Salute to America Independence Day Parade

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Web: Welcome America.com

Email: Todd Marcocci, Parade Producer

Phone: 610-692-7233

If you're interested in entering your band in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, please request an application from Todd Marcocci at the contact info above.

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The best location in America to perform in a parade ON the birthdate and IN the birthplace of our Nation is waiting for you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the Salute to America Independence Day Parade. The parade offers a one-of-a-kind experience which is especially meaningful on July 4th.

The parade is designed to be a chronological procession of history, illustrating the impact the Constitution had — and still has — on our lives. The parade begins with Native Americans followed by historical entities from the 1700s and the Civil War period. A salute to the military paves the way for a celebration of the future of our nation: the youth. The parade ends with a celebration of cultural and social diversity featuring dance groups from many countries and much more. Modern-day marching bands, drum corps and drill teams are an important part of the lineup that also incorporates historic and military music groups.

The 1.4-mile parade route steps off at 2nd and Market Streets, travels west on Market Street through the historic district, continues into Center City and ends at Arch and North Broad Streets. The entire parade route is free and open to the general public.

Marching band and special unit applications are currently available through 2025. Note that 2026 will be "the big one" when all eyes of the Nation will be on Philadelphia for the Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration and the Salute to America Independence Day Parade. While production has begun on the 250th parade, applications for marching bands will not be available until May 2024. However, special parade groups and marching bands from around the world can request an application at any time up to one year before the 2026 parade.

• 380th Army Band, Fort Eustis, Virginia
• Enon Trinity Drill Team and Drum Line, Pennsylvania
• Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps, New Jersey
• C.V. Russell Jr. Ambassador Marching Band, Virginia
• Crimson Divas Drill Team, New Jersey

• Philadelphia is a great place to be on Independence Day because July 4th marks the culmination of the 10-day "WAWA Welcome America!" celebration. Immediately after the parade, nearby Ben Franklin Parkway is the site of an afternoon street party. In the evening, the area is home to a televised concert featuring major artists and an amazing choreographed fireworks show. For a complete schedule of events, visit the "WAWA Welcome America!" website at WelcomeAmerica.com.
• Bands traveling to Philadelphia for the Salute to America Independence Day Parade can take advantage of many educational opportunities by touring historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Friday, July 4, 2025
Friday, July 3, 2026 - Semiquincentennial (250th) Celebration
(Always held on Independence Day, except 2026 which will be held on July 3)

Web: WelcomeAmerica.com

Email: Todd Marcocci, Parade Producer
Phone: 610-692-7233

If you're interested in entering your band in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, please request an application from Todd Marcocci at the contact info above.