- Home
- Departments
- Parks & Recreation
- Special Events & Seasonal Programs
- Grand Old 4th of July Celebration
Pasco's Grand Old 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 10:00am start
PARADE ROUTE
This year we have a longer parade route which will allow more spectators to enjoy the parade. The route will flow clockwise starting at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Sylvester Street. The parade will proceed south on 3rd Ave to Clark Street, turn right on Clark and proceed west to 14th Ave. It will then proceed north on 14th Avenue to Sylvester Street and then east on Sylvester, and will end at the corner of 4th Avenue and Sylvester Street.
KIDS STREET DANCE
Back this year by popular demand, the Kids Street Dance features a local DJ playing all your favorite music, and students from the Dance Connection leading the fun and excitement. This FREE, family-friendly event is open to kids of all ages and abilities. The street dance takes place at Memorial Park (on 14th Avenue) in front of the Memorial Aquatic Center from 9:15 am to approximately 10:15 am.
SPECTATOR ETIQUETTE
Pasco's Grand Old 4th of July Parade is one of our community's longest standing traditions. We hope to have a larger crowd this year than in years past. With that in mind, here are some parade etiquette tips to help make the parade in honor of our nation's birthday a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
Observing the US Flag
As the US flag passes your position on the parade route, please observe the following parade etiquette rules:
- Make sure you are standing.
- If you are wearing a hat, remove it.
- Cover your heart with your right hand (military members should give a military salute).
- Temporarily stop conversations as the flag passes.
There may be many US flags in the parade. You do not need to salute them all. If an honor guard is carrying the US flag, or the US flag is presented in a group of flags, stand and salute.
Viewing Space
Many people arrive early to stake out a good place from which to view the parade. While this is totally acceptable, please remember the spots along the parade route are usually public. You do not have an absolute right to the space because you set out a chair to occupy an area of sidewalk. Most other spectators will honor the space-saver you set out, but some may not. Just remember, it is not your space until you arrive. So, if you show up and find someone is occupying the spot, take your chair and move on. The first person to arrive is entitled to stay there.
Respecting Other's Property
Remember not to block driveways or store entrances of establishments open for business. Be considerate when finding a parking space. Observe all parking laws and rules. Do not park in a private lot unless you pay or have permission. Do not bother people in private residences who live along the parade route. Stay off their property unless you have permission to be there. Do not ask to use their toilet, or other amenities.
Be a Good Neighbor
If you are near the front of the crowd, remember those standing behind you. If possible, do what you can to stay out of their line of vision. Don’t obstruct their view by holding your phone over your head to film the parade.
Be mindful of your neighbors, especially children or the elderly. If you can accommodate, let small children in front so they can see the parade. If you collect trinkets or candy, be generous and share with youngsters behind you that were not lucky enough to get a good spot.
Be friendly and make polite conversation with those next to you in the crowd.
Language
Remember, there are likely families with young children watching the parade, so watch your language. Do not curse or otherwise behave obnoxiously.
Litter
Do not litter. Take out everything you brought with you.
Pets
If the route will be very crowded, leave your pets at home. If your pet does not do well with crowds or attention from strangers, leave your pet at home. If it is appropriate to bring a pet, make sure they are always on a lease and under control. Please clean up after your pet if needed.
Stay out of the Street
For the safety of yourself and the people participating in the parade, do not run out into the street during the parade. Do not run across the street directly in front of the parade procession.
Alcohol
No alcohol or other illicit substances are allowed.
Rules and Regulations
1. Registration application must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday June 28, 2023. Registrations received after this date may not be eligible for the parade.
2. There will be no registration the day of the parade.
3. Due to limited space we can not accept any additional vehicles or horses to already registered participants the day of the parade.
4. Check-In is between 7:00-9:30 am. Check in will end at 9:30 am. Late participants will NOT be accepted.
5. Please arrive early to avoid any confusion or delay of your entry.
6. Equestrian entries check in at 2nd Avenue & Nixon, please access Nixon via 1st Avenue. All other entries check in at 4th & Court Street.
7. Parade theme is Red, White, and Blue.
8. Judging will take place at 8:30 am for all entries except drill teams. Drill teams will be judged from 9-9:30 am.
9. Refreshments will be available in Volunteer Park beginning at 7:30 am.
ATTENTION EQUESTRIAN UNITS:
1. There must be a “hold harmless” statement, duly signed for each rider participating in an equestrian unit. If the rider is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
2. All riders must have some type of personal insurance (Homeowners, Farm Liability, Equine Liability etc.) in effect which will cover their parade activities.
3. It is the obligation of the person signing the parade application for the equestrian unit to ascertain that all participants have some type of appropriate insurance. Units having a blanket policy which covers their organization, and all riders in their unit, do not need individual insurance policies.
4. All Animals must be under the control of their owner/handler at all times.
5. ALL EQUESTRIAN UNITS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A POOPER SCOOPER.
ATTENTION FLOAT & MOTORIZED VEHICLE UNITS:
1. If you are driving a motorized vehicle in the parade, you must hold a current and valid driver’s license.
2. You are required to have current automobile liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage in amounts no less than what is legally required in the State of Washington. Automobile Liability, Business Automobile Liability or Fleet Liability will satisfy this requirement.
3. All individuals driving a motorized vehicle in the parade will be required to sign a Release of Liability waiver confirming they are a licensed driver and that they carry the State of Washington’s minimum amount of automobile liability coverage for the vehicle(s) they will be driving. If your group has a Business Auto or Fleet Liability policy that covers your group to drive in the parade, the authorized representative from your group should sign the Release of Liability waiver.
4. CANDY AND OTHER ITEMS ARE NOT TO BE THROWN FROM ANY MOVING VEHICLE! Any item being distributed to spectators must be done by walkers escorting the parade entry or float. The parade entry signatory/signee is solely responsible for the actions of all those who participate under its entry and those who choose not to follow these rules. Not following these rules can lead to injury or death of spectators, especially children. If your group does distribute candy or other items to the spectators, please provide walkers on both sides of your float or vehicle to do so. All items must be tossed into the crowd, at their feet, away from the parade procession and away from vehicles. Do not throw candy and other items into the middle of the street.
5. Motorized vehicles, trucks and cars: NO EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, BURN-OUTS, TRICK TWO-WHEEL DRIVING, or DANGEROUS MANEUVERS.
6. The vehicle driver must be in control of their vehicle at all times.
General Entry Rules
1. All vehicles entered into the parade, or pulling floats must be in good working condition.
2. Please note that measurements and spacing of the floats and vehicle entrants are done the evening before, based on the truck/trailer measurements you entered in your original application. Only vehicles registered prior to the parade will be allowed into the staging area. NO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE DAY OF THE PARADE!
3. VIP’s are encouraged to be on a decorated float or vehicle. It is the responsibility of all VIP’s to obtain their own vehicle with the exception of City, County and other government officials. Government officials, we will do our best to acquire convertible vehicles for your use.
4. The American Flag has very specific rules for display. Please visit the following link to make sure you show proper respect for the flag and what it stands for http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
5. If your float or parade entry has a sound system, speakers, band, noisy generator or other loud noise that was not indicated on your parade application, you may be asked to cease the noise. We do not want to place your entry next to another entry that will also have loud noise or next to entries with animals.
6. Please help us keep our streets and parks clean by throwing your trash in the proper receptacles.
Political Entries (Representatives: State, Local and Federal)
1. Any entries that are either for “Election” or “Re-Election” are considered political and will be staged out of the VIP, City Council and Representative area. If you are asking us to place you in the VIP lineup and you or your group choose to place signs that indicate elect or re-elect you will be moved further back in the lineup. Please consider two entries, one as a Representative and one as an Elect or Re-Elect.
General Parade Information:
· The parade begins at 10 am.
· Parade entrants must maintain a distance of no more than 50 feet from the entrant in front of you.
· Once the parade begins, be prepared to move as soon as your turn comes. If an entry holds up the parade flow for any reason, you may be asked to leave the parade route at the first, and safest opportunity.
· The parade route begins on at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Sylvester Street. From there, you will proceed south on 3rd Ave. taking a right on Clark street; you will then proceed west taking a right 14th Ave. heading north to Sylvester street where you will take a right heading east to 4th Ave. The parade will end at 5th Avenue and Sylvester street.
· If you have an emergency and need to exit the parade route, please pull as far right as possible to allow those behind you to continue, then exit the route at the next and safest cross street.
· If you have a medical emergency during the parade, please dial 911 then pull as far to the right as possible to allow those behind you to continue.
Safety Rules
1. Candy and or giveaways SHALL NOT be thrown from any moving vehicles. Any entrant with a moving vehicle who wishes to distribute candy and/or other items to the parade spectators must have walkers on both side of the vehicle to dispense the items.
2. Riders are not to jump on and off of your entry during the parade.
3. The spraying of water by any means such as: the throwing of water balloons, use of super soakers, or water guns is not allowed.
4. The dragging of any item from an entry is not allowed.
5. All floats must have a fire extinguisher on board. All other entries are encouraged to have a fire extinguisher on hand.
6. No alcohol or other illicit substances are allowed in the parade.
7. No Firearms, fireworks, or flames are allowed by any participant.
8. Only vehicles entered into the parade will be allowed into the staging area. Additional materials must be carried in by hand.
9. All vehicles MUST be in good working order, adequately insured, and driven by a licensed driver.
10. In the event of an emergency, all entries will move as far right as possible and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
11. The parade route is approximately 2 miles long. Please have plenty of water on hand for your group.
12. Any person walking with your entry must be capable of walking the full length of the parade route without difficulty.
13. Children must be under adult supervision at all times.
14. Exhaust systems must extend beyond any and all decorations as to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
15. Compressed gases (such as helium) and generators must be secured.
16. Motorized vehicles, trucks, and cars: NO EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, BURN-OUTS, TRICK TWO-WHEEL DRIVING, OR DANGEROUS MANEUVERS.
17. DO NOT STOP YOUR FORWARD PROGRESS.
18. Fire or open flame on any entry is prohibited.
19. Smoking is prohibited on any parade float or entry.
20. Use of, possession of, or being under the influence of alcohol beverages or illicit substances is prohibited.
21. Drivers must have 180° forward vision. Be vigilant and watch out for children darting into the streets.
22. All participants/vehicles must maintain a forward motion with no more than 50 feet between each entry.
23. Commercial or large vehicles should provide spotters, one on either side of the vehicle.
24. Respect other entries! If you are the victim of disrespectful acts or assault in any form please flag down a police officer, parade staff or parade volunteer. If you are found in violation of this rule you will be immediately withdrawn from the parade.
25. The City of Pasco reserves the right to bar from the parade at any time any entrant is not conforming to the rules and guidelines or refusing to follow instructions of police or parade officials.
**By registering for the Grand Old 4th of July Parade I agree to abide by all rules and regulations. I also agree to relay all rules and regulations to all those who are a part of my entry.**
Release Of Liability, Assumption Of Risk, And Indemnity Agreement
I, the Grand Old 4th parade applicant am eighteen years of age or older and desire entry into the Grand Old 4th of July Parade, July 4, 2023, and am fully aware of the fact there are special dangers and risks inherent in this activity, including, but not limited to, the risk of serious physical injury, death or other harmful consequences that may arise or result directly or indirectly to the company, group or organization I am associated with in this event or as a private individual entry from participation in this activity. Being fully informed as to these risks and in consideration of being allowed to participate in these City of Pasco sponsored activities, I hereby assume all risk of injury, damage and harm to myself or my group arising from such activities. I also hereby individually and on behalf of my heirs, executors and assignees, release and hold harmless the City of Pasco, its officials, employees, volunteers and agents and waive any right of recovery that I might bring or claim of lawsuit against City of Pasco for any personal injury, death, damage to property or other consequences occurring out of my voluntary participation in this activity. I also agree to defend, indemnify and hold the City of Pasco, its officers, officials, employees, volunteers and sponsors harmless from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with my participation in the Grand Old 4th of July Parade, or any other activities associated with the 4th of July celebration.
I and my group agree to abide by all rules and regulations previously stated in the Grand Old 4th of July Parade entry form.
I understand that all equestrian entrants must possess current and valid liability and/or home owner’s insurance sufficient to cover my or my group’s participation in the Grand Old 4th of July Parade.
I certify that I and/or the group I represent have current and valid driver’s licenses to operate any vehicle that I/we are entering into the Grand Old 4th of July Parade. I further certify that I, or my group have Automobile Liability insurance, this includes Blanket Insurance Policies Covering the Group, which is valid and in force, covering any and all motorized vehicles that I/we will be entering in the Grand Old 4th of July Parade. Blanket Insurance Policy holders: individuals within the group do not need to show proof of insurance as long as they are covered under the Blanket Policy, and we do not need their individual signature, only the group representative needs to sign the waiver.
I/We hereby consent to allow my picture or likeness to appear in any official document, City of Pasco website, sponsor advertisement and/or City of Pasco produced television coverage of this sponsored activity without compensation to me.
QUESTIONS:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (509) 545-3456
Fax: (509) 545-3455
Website: www.pascogo4.com
KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Kick off the day's festivities by bring the whole family to Memorial Park (1520 W. Shoshone) on Tuesday July 4th from 7 - 11 am for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy a plate of pancakes and sausage for just $7 per person.
CARDBOARD REGATTA
8th Annual City of Pasco Cardboard Regatta
July 4, 2023 * memorial aquatic park * 1:00pm
A time-honored tradition of the Pasco Grand Old 4th of July Celebration, this race takes place at the Memorial Aquatic Center. Participants construct homemade boats made entirely of cardboard, then race across the pool to see whose boat is fastest, and most importantly, unsinkable!
Cardboard Regatta Rules:
- All boats are subject to a technical inspection for compliance with these rules. A boat must pass inspection to be eligible for any award or prize.
- The entire hull, superstructure and seating of all boats must be made entirely of corrugated cardboard.
- Items used as fasteners (Tape, ties, rope, etc.) as well as the oars may be of material other than cardboard.
- Your boat must be free of sharp edges, pointy objects or anything else that could cause injuries.
- Paddles must be made at home – no store-bought paddles are allowed; one paddle per person.
- Absolutely NO use of the following items: tar-based substances, two-part varnishes, fiberglass resin, or epoxy glue.
- To qualify as a finisher in any heat, you must be IN your boat, not towing it in your teeth or between your legs.
- Decorations may be made from any material but may not be used to reinforce the actual structure of the boat.
- Boats will be judged according to time.
- All boat passengers must have a signed waiver online or turned in at registration.
- For the YOUTH division (5-12 YEARS OLD) – there may be up to 4 participants (ages 5-12) in a boat – NO ONE OVER THE AGE OF 12 WILL BE ALLOWED IN THIS DIVISION.
- The youth division (5-12) will be racing first – the 13+ division will follow.
- For the 13+ division there may be up to 4 participants in a boat. Participants younger than 13 may participate in this division but at least 1 participant must be 13 years or older.
- You must have fun and laugh before and during the races!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information:
- Boats can be dropped off at Memorial Aquatic Park the morning of the race between 8:00am – 9:30 am.
- Lifeguards will help to stabilize boats as kids get in, and standby to assist if boat sinks.
- Boaters must provide their own lifejacket. Boaters must wear a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
- Races will be held across the length of Memorial Pool. The depth range is 5.5' to 8'.
- The owner is responsible for disposing of all materials; a BDI dumpster will be provided.
CAMP PATRIOT SHOW & SHINE CAR SHOW
Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Bikes! If you have a special vehicle you'd like to show off, come join us on Tuesday, July 4th from 12-4 pm for the Camp Patriot Show & Shine. Prizes will be awarded in over 20 categories including People's Choice, and Mayor's Choice; so polish up your favorite ride and we'll see you at Memorial Park!
Register the day of the event. Registration opens at 9 am and closes at 12 pm. Judging will begin shortly after the close of registration.
FUN WET/DRY INFLATABLES
Always a favorite, especially with the kids, these amazing inflatables are FREE for everyone. Don't forget to wear your swimsuit because you are going to get wet! Inflatables will be open from 12 - 4 pm.
We will once again kick off our 4th of July celebration with the FREE Family Bike Ride. Join us at Riverview Park on Saturday, July1st beginning at 8 am. All ages are welcomed to trek the distance of either 2 miles, 4 miles, 5.25 miles, or 7 miles. Participant will receive a punch card that they will take to each check point. At each point your card will be marked to indicate that you reached that specific point and can now move on to the next check point or finish line. We will have refreshments and goodies at the finish line for all participants. Stick around until 10:00am for the door prize drawings.
Please plan according to your pace and the pace of your family as the event will end at 10:00am. This means that you and your family will need to be back at the finish line no later than 10:00am.
Riverview Park in located at 1700 W. A Street in Pasco.
Prizes Sponsored By:
Wrap up your 4th of July celebration with the Mid-Columbia's best fireworks show! Bring the whole family out to Gesa Stadium for this FREE, and exciting evening. Pasco Sporting Complex is accessible starting at 6:30pm with the Gates to GESA Stadium opening at 8 pm. Fireworks start at 10 pm. Gesa Stadium is located at 6200 Burden Blvd. in Pasco.