It takes a village to pull off NHHA’s signature event – the 26th Annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration. We need tons of volunteers, and if we all pitch in a little, you won’t miss out on any of the fun. Any time you are able to spare will be a big help in ensuring the success of the festivities. Please review the opportunities here and sign up for one or more spots! More instructions will be provided to volunteers as we approach the big day. 

We want to thank the sponsors who underwrite this event and ultimately make it possible! If the need arises, please consider using these service providers, as they have shown their support for Northwood Hills:

Here’s the schedule of events for Thursday, July 4th:

7:30am — Parade registration opens

8:30am — Parade entries assemble

8:45am — National Anthem; Pledge of Allegiance

9:00am — Parade steps off! 

9:45am — Post-parade games/activities begin

10:15am — Announcement of Trophy Winners

11:30am — Games/activities begin to wrap up 

Where: Pre- and post-parade activities are at Northwood Hills Elementary School. The Parade Route is south from the school on Meandering Way, west on Oakbluff, north on Brookcrest, east/northeast on Briar Cove, east on Cliffbrook across Meandering Way back to the school.

Parade Entries:  EVERYONE is welcome to be in the Parade. But, if you want to be considered for a Judges’ Prize/Trophy, you must register and get a number and be associated with a Northwood Hills address. You can do that on-site the morning of the Parade beginning at 7:30am, or IF YOU ARE AN NHHA MEMBER you can register in advance and avoid the line by emailing us. We’ll pre-register you and send you a PDF of your entry # so you can print it off and attach it in the best manner possible ahead of time. This is especially helpful if you want to display the number in more than one place.

Entries/Trophies: Strollers, trikes, bikes, wagons, decorated cars, vintage cars, golf carts, floats, walkers, dogs – bring it on! Our prize categories include Best Hat, Best in Blue, Best in Red, Fun & Fired Up Family, Most Patriotic, Best Motorized Entry, Most Original, Best Dressed Pet, and multiple Spirit awards. There are also Special Judges Awards for those who awe, amaze and defy conventional categories.

Important: Parade participants CANNOT throw candy, trinkets or anything else from your entry to the spectators. If you have a true float (a trailer pulled behind a vehicle), make sure you can navigate all turns safely, that your occupants are secure, and that you don’t have any loose items protruding from your float. 

Parade Order:The order in which we line up and proceed through the route is a function of safety for all participants, and is strictly enforced by on-site DPD officers.

  1. Floats, cars and trucks go first
  2. Other motorized vehicles, 4-wheelers and motorcycles
  3. Non-motorized bikes and small “wheeled” vehicles
  4. Strollers and pedestrians

Cost: Parade participation, and all games, activities and refreshments are FREE to everyone. The parade is paid for by Northwood Hills Homeowners Association with the assistance of sponsorships. DO bring a $5 donation to get a farm-fresh watermelon. All proceeds benefit NHHA’s neighborhood improvement projects.

Post-Parade Activities:  Inflatable rock climb/slide, bounce house, basketball shoot out, dunk tank, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, popsicles, petting zoo, finger painting, hula hoop contest, sack races, water balloon toss, and more!

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome ON A LEASH. This is a big, active crowd. Please consider your dog’s temperament when evaluating whether or not to include him/her at the Parade. Dog shade/water available after the Parade.

There are NO bathroom facilities on-site. Don’t forget sunscreen! Bring your phone/camera!

Other: NO PARKING along Cliffbrook in front of the school – we need that area for staging the parade entries. There’s plenty of parking on the east side of the school along Birchridge.