Parade

Public Health Is a Priority

We are working to ensure that 4thFest 2021 is a safe outdoor celebration that aligns with health guidelines. With ample space to spread out, increasing COVID-19 vaccinations in our community, and careful planning, we are excited to provide a way for our community to safely come together in person.

Your responsibilities: Follow public health guidelines for mask wearing, keeping a distance between households, washing hands, and any other precautions. Masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not feeling well or have had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks, please stay home.

Parade Route

Check out the two-mile 4thFest parade route, which begins at the intersection of 9th Street and 22nd Avenue.

The parade route begins and ends at the LIFEchurch parking lot, travels east on 9th Street and 8th Street, south on 14th Avenue, east on 7th Street, south on 12th Avenue, west on 5th Street, north on 20th Avenue, and west on 8th Street.

Where to Watch

Seating along the route is first come, first served. For safety, always stay behind the curb when watching the parade.
Seating is not available from the corner of 9th Street and 22nd Avenue north to the LIFEchurch driveway (parade entries line up in this section of 22nd Avenue).

Parade Lineup

The parade features entries from Coralville and surrounding communities. The lineup will be available in late June or early July.
View the 2021 Parade Program (PDF)

Entrant Information
Parade Applications
Animals in the Parade

Before the Parade

Review the packet sent to registered entrants one week prior to the parade.
Download the Parade Entrant Lineup Info Packet (PDF)

Entrant Parking

Park in the Hy-Vee parking lot or a nearby lot.
Only parade vehicle entries may be in the staging area at LIFEchurch parking area.

Lineup

Be in place by 11:00 am in the GEICO/McGregor’s/LIFEchurch parking lot, 2213 2nd Street. The parade starts promptly at 12:00 pm.
Know your number in line. Entry numbers are posted around the staging area. Volunteers will be at the entrances.

During the Parade

Put your cell phone away. Cell phone use (including talking, texting, or taking photos/video) is prohibited when driving a vehicle, riding an animal, or cycling in the parade.
All entrants driving a motorized vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
Watch for children. Be careful when driving the route; kids will want to enter the road.
Keep the pace. Stay directly behind the entry in front of you and leave at least two car lengths
Do not stop the parade. Performances must be quick and simple.
Walk to the crowd at the curb to hand things out. Do not throw candy into the street.
Never encourage spectators to approach your entry or to enter the street.
Keep it safe. No open flames. All floats must be secure.
Do not squirt water at spectators.
Bring water to stay hydrated; the parade route is over two miles long.
Keep pets safe. Lack of shade, water, and rest on a hot day put pets at risk for overheating. The street surface may be too hot for a pet’s feet to endure through the parade route. See the "Animals in the Parade" tab on this webpage for information before including any pet in the parade
Respect the"limited noise" part of the parade route. See the "If You Have a Noise Sensitivity" section above.

If You Have Noise Sensitivity

What: An area is designated a "limited noise section" of the route.
Where: 5th Street from the fire station west until the end of S.T. Morrison Park.
About: To assist those with hearing and sensory needs, entrants should not use sirens or horns in this section of the parade. The area will be marked with signs.
Note: While parade organizers make every effort to communicate this information to parade applicants, we can not guarantee any section of the parade will be entirely noise free.

Rain or Shine

The parade is scheduled to be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather that has the potential to impact the public’s safety outdoors, parade organizers and City officials will determine if a delay is necessary. Both people watching the parade and those in the parade should plan accordingly and exercise their own judgement when deciding to attend or participate.