Independence Home Days

More Information. Home Days:

Friday, August 4, 2023, 6 - 11 pm

Saturday, August 5, 2023, Noon - 11 pm

at Elmwood Park. An annual event for the City of Independence to share in the celebration of our community. There are many wonderful activities such as carnival rides, games, contests, live entertainment, food, and dancing.

parade begins at 12pm August 5th

 Parade Date: Saturday, August 5
 Parade Time: 12 Noon
 Line Up Time: 11:15 - 11:45 AM
 Parade Staging: Staging will occur at the Independence Fieldhouse: 6354 Selig Drive
 Parade Unit Number and detailed staging info will be sent to all units the week of the parade!
Parade Registration:
 Sign up online: Click for Details
 Activity Registration > Register > Programs or Activities > Seasonal Events > Home Days Parade
 Or call the Community Services Front Desk at 216.524.7373 to sign up by phone.
 Parade registration must be completed by an adult 18 years of age or older.
 Each entry MUST have at least one adult to supervise the unit during staging and the parade route.
 Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 16.
 Applications received after Sunday, July 16 will not be guaranteed a spot in the parade.
Parade Rules:
 Stopping during the parade is NOT permitted! The parade must maintain a steady pace and cannot be stop-and-go.
 For safety reasons, do not encourage spectators to come onto the street and/or near your parade unit.
 If outside air temperature exceeds 75 degrees the day of the parade, dogs will not be permitted to walk in the parade.
No Campaigning/Advocating:
 No entries will be allowed in the parade that are involved in political campaigning for office, political
issues, human rights issues, or social issues.
 There shall be absolutely NO display of political signs/apparel, or distribution of campaign materials
and/or literature before, during, or after the parade.
Candy and Other Giveaways:
 Please do not distribute items that will be sold at Home Days booths as this may take away from their sales.
 This includes food and beverage items (e.g. water bottles, ice cream, etc.). Please call us if you are unsure.
 Use caution if you are throwing candy and/or other giveaways during the parade.
 Toss candy away from the path of moving vehicles.
 We recommend having individuals walk beside your parade entry to distribute candy to spectators.
Parade Awards:
 To ensure fairness, the parade competition is limited to unpaid, non-political entries ONLY.
 Prizes will be awarded to the top three judged “Best Parade Float/Unit” entries.
 You must register for the “Best Parade Float/Unit” competition in advance.
* * * * * * * * * * Optional Parade Participant Meeting: Tuesday, July 18 at 7 PM at the Civic Center. * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * This meeting is strongly recommended for new participants and those in charge of large groups! * * * *