• 2023 Independence Day Parade - Participants

Northville's annual 4th of July Parade is known for its fun floats, bike rides, the Tooth Fairy, Scouts and so much more! Join us this year as we celebrate our country.
Organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, 248-349-7640.

GUIDELINES
Tuesday, July 4th, 2023
10:00AM  |  DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE
 
PARADE THEME – United We Stand
 

 
PARADE INFORMATION:
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Northville Independence Day Parade!  As has been the tradition of this event, the goal of the Northville July 4^th Parade is to provide a SAFE, fun, and celebratory event that brings the community together.


In selecting parade participants, the Chamber is looking for high quality, entertaining entries, with a great deal of visual appeal.  Ideally, these entries would also align with the Parade theme and/or celebrate our Nation’s Independence. Our 2023 theme is "United We Stand" and we look forward to seeing how inventive everyone can be!

In accordance with our goals for the Independence Day Parade, we ask that you please adhere to the following parade policies:
 
APPLICATION
•Please complete and return the online form and include a thorough description of your entry or fill out and return a printable form.
•Application must include non-refundable application fee.
•A confirmation email and additional information will be emailed only by June 28.
 
ACCEPTANCE
•Acceptance of your entry is at the sole discretion of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, which reserves the right to reject any entry that is not in good taste, is in violation of the rules, or is not in the best interest of the Northville Independence Day Parade. 
•Exception to any rule contained herein involves approval of the Northville Chamber Executive Director.  Such approval must occur prior to Parade start, unless otherwise noted. 
 
PARADE CANCELLATION
•With regards to weather, if weather creates a safety issue, the Northville Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to cancel the event. No refunds are made due to the cancellation for any reason.
•No refunds will be given for those entries who cancel their participation after submitting an application.  Should you decide not to participate in the Parade, we ask that you please notify the Northville Chamber as soon as possible.
 
GENERAL PARADE GUIDELINES
•All entries should incorporate the Parade theme and/or patriotic elements.  Exceptions for unique entries with strong visual appeal are made by the Northville Chamber.
•All banners, signs, etc., on the floats or vehicles must be in good taste and positive in nature. 
•Music is encouraged to accompany the entry.
•To ensure the flow of the Parade and the safety of participants, distance between units must be maintained at 20 to 30 feet.
•Walking Units: The Chamber encourages groups to be creative with their entries and reserves the right to limit the number of groups who simply walk in the Parade with over fifteen (15) people.  All walking units must be preceded by a banner identifying the group, with a salute to the 4^th of July.
•Floats:  Floats should be no longer than 40’ and no wider than 10’.  Please allow for people sitting on curbs.  Turns will be manageable at this size.  City Code dictates that no superstructure may exceed 14’ from street level and must be wired or otherwise secured.  Entries must be able to go under utility wires along the parade route and around the clock.  The clock may present a problem if you have a very large float.  Again, allow additional space for spectators sitting on curbs.
 
POLITICAL ENTRIES
•While the Northville Chamber respects and embraces America's diversity, our policy dictates that the Northville Independence Day Parade will not be used to represent any specific cause or special interest, no matter how worthy.  The Northville Independence Day Parade should not be used as a political event nor as an affiliation with any special interest group.  Rather, this event is for the enjoyment of our great community.
•No controversial or single-issue-oriented entries are permitted.  In determining if an entry is controversial or primarily single-issue-oriented, factors to consider include, but are not limited to, whether the activities of the organization involve: (a) attempting to influence legislation; or (b) participating in or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate; or (c) advocating issues that function as political campaign intervention; or (d) carrying on propaganda.
•Currently elected public officials serving the Northville community are eligible to participate as “public servants”, by invitation only.  Such elected officials include the Mayor, Township Supervisor, City Council, Township Trustees, County Commissioner, State House of Representatives, State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Governor, U.S. Vice President, and U.S. President.  The invited public servant must appear in the Parade, no representatives.
•In addition to public servants, one entry per political party is allowed, however it must not promote a single issue or candidate.
•No candidates are permitted to participate.

•No campaign promotion is permitted by or for any candidate and/or ballot issue.  This includes, but is not limited to, campaign banners, signs, t-shirts, literature, or other similar materials.
•All political entry participants must either be riding on a float, or in a motorized vehicle: no walking units.  All political entries must showcase elements of the parade theme or Independence Day as part of their entry.
•The maximum number of participants for a political entry is 15 and number of vehicles is one.
•All banners and/or signage must be pre-approved by the Northville Chamber.
 
SAFETY
•In order to promote the safety and well-being of parade attendees/participants, firearms in the parade will be for ceremonial purposes only, and will not be loaded.  Rifles must be carried in an “over the shoulder” position only.  Only active police personnel may be in possession of live firearms.
Entries that include firearms (replicas or non-live) should be noted as such on the application.
•It is recommended that fire-retardant materials be used on each entry.  A fire extinguisher is always recommended.
 
LINEUP
•Lineup instructions will be emailed by June 28.
 
 
 
Please note that non-compliance with these policies may result in removal from the Parade and exclusion in future years.  We thank you for your cooperation and participation! 
 
Northville Chamber of Commerce
195 South Main Street
Northville, MI 48167
www.northville.org
248-349-7640