The Grande Parade: A celebration of community and national pride
Miss Lehi waits for the parade to begin during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade on July 4, 2016.
A float operator waves to the crowd during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade, on Monday, July 4, 2016. The parade is the largest of its kind in Utah and attracts thousands to Provo every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
Band members perform during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade, on Monday, July 4, 2016. The parade is the largest of its kind in Utah and attracts thousands to Provo every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
Madison Dennis looks toward the parade route during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade, on Monday, July 4, 2016. The parade is the largest of its kind in Utah and attracts thousands to Provo every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
Kung Fu Panda star "Po" floats through the crowd during the Freedom Festival Grand Parade, on Monday, July 4, 2016. The parade is the largest of its kind in Utah and attracts thousands to Provo every year to celebrate the Fourth of July. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
One of the major questions that committee members for America’s Freedom Festival have received this year, is whether there will be a parade. With University Avenue under heavy construction as part of the Provo-Orem Transportation Improvement Project, many people who count on the long-standing tradition have been worried if it will take place.
“Yes,” said Dorene Nelson, spokesperson for America’s Freedom Festival, “We’re having the parade.”
Attracting crowds of 300,000 spectators, the Grand Parade has become an integral part of the Freedom Festival. It’s the largest parade in the state and one of the largest in the nation, needing to expand its route this year to accommodate all the attendees.
“This parade has strong family traditions,” Nelson said. “Whether they’re camping out overnight, or they’re getting there first thing in the morning to block off their spot, people bring their whole families and it kicks off their Fourth of July celebration.”
This year, the Grand Parade will follow a slightly different route, starting at 960 North University Ave. and continuing to 200 South before turning and continuing to 200 East, finally going north to Center Street and turning again to finish at 900 East.
The parade is an opportunity to shine a light on the community. Floats and marching bands are joined by classic cars and army battalions as they travel the route together in celebration of Independence Day.
“I think people like the opportunity to get together and celebrate and support the local community,” said Shauna Ogden, spokesperson for the Freedom Festival. “People want to have an experience together and the parade seems to be the unifying event.”
Putting the parade together is no small effort. Four hundred volunteers help to make the event possible, not including many of the city workers who help prepare the event, break it down, and keep it safe throughout.
A single balloon — a staple for the parade entries — can take more than 25 people to hold and maneuver it down the street, between businesses and around stop lights, with six balloons counted among more than 100 entries, it’s a huge logistical undertaking to make the event happen.
The Grande Parade isn’t just a favorite for spectators. Paul Warner, executive director for America’s Freedom Festival, says it one of his favorite events of the festival. For the last 30 years, he’s been involved with the festival in different roles, spending the last 10 in his current position, but he still looks forward to it each year.
“I think it’s a staple in the community. There’s no question as we go around that people see it as a major part of Provo and the celebration of the Fourth — they look forward to it,” said Warner. “Many people who’ve lived here come back for it, to celebrate and take their vacations. It’s been amazing seeing people’s appreciation for having this in our community.”
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. The pre-parade will start at 8 a.m., featuring trick cyclists, trampoline artists, and showcases from local groups and businesses, including Jive’s racing truck, Utah’s only NASCAR vehicle. The pre-parade will follow the same route as the parade.
The Grand Parade will feature:
- 16 bands, including the debut of the newly formed Utah Drum and Bugle Corp, The Battalion
- 18 floats
- 10 equestrian entries, including Young Livings’ mini stagecoach with six mini horses, a full stagecoach pulled by six Persians and a Freight Train pulled by eight Friesians
- The crowd-favorite Wells Fargo stagecoach and Berg Mortuary hearse will also be part of the equestrian entries
- 32 military vehicles ranging from 1917-1991. The Proud American, a Vietnam War Gun Truck — one of 35 in the world and the only one in Utah — will make its Utah debut
- Helium Balloons: These new kind of balloons use less helium because they are built with an envelope inside to hold the helium
- Cookie Monster at 45-feet tall
- American Eagle at 38-feet tall
- Angry Birds — Red Bird, Yellow Bird, Bad Piggy, Blue Birds at 22-feet tall, each